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I JJECOSTi^ COUNTY, JJICi^. 



CONTAINING 



gOr^TI^AITS AND BlOGI^APHIGAL Sl^EiFGHES 
ppoginent and I^epre^eiifiatiVB ditizeq^ of tlje Countij, 

TOGETHER WITH PORTRAITS AND BIOGRAPHIES OF ALL THE GOVER.VORS OF MICHIGAN 
AND OF THE PRESIDENTS OF THE UNITED STATES. 



ALSO CONTAINING A COMPLETE HISTOKY OF THE COUNTY, FKOM ITS EAKLIEST SETTLEMENT 

TO THE I'RESUNT TIME. 



CHICAGO: 

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1883. 




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\j ISHING to adhere to the time-honored but often unnecessary custom of introdiic- 
4 ing books with a preface, we now proceed to thus formally present the Portrait 



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",;§ AN'D Biographical Album of Mecosta County, Michigan. We promise, how- 
ever, that the introduction shall be brief. In reference to the vahie and import- 
ance of biography, of which this work is largely composed, we wish to say a word. 
it® It is conceded, not only by the best philosophical writers, but by intelligent 
■ O practical men the world over, that there is nothing which creates an aspiration so 
noble and laudable within the heart and mind of the young man who is struggling 
against adversity, poverty, and an humble position in society, as to read how other 
men have risen to eminent and honored jiositions from the self-same lowly walks of 
life he now occupies. It is a source of great encouragement to them. It is also a 
'^ duty that each generation owes to the succeeding ones, to record and preserve the 
personal history of its leading and active men. There is no better way to preserve 
the history of a nation than in the lives of the men who make such history. Our 
forefathers were very largely negligent of this duty to posterity. We now only know 
the names of our ancestors, and often not even so much has been preserved. We 
know nothing of their lives, long and useful though they were. 
ism In the preparation of the jjersonal sketches contained in this volume, unusual 

care and pains were taken to have them accurate, even in the smallest detail. Indeed, 
nothing was passed lightly over or treated indifferently in the entire book, and we 
flatter ourselves that it is one of the most accurate works of its nature ever published. 
In reference to the history of the county, which is very fully treated, we wish to 
call the attention of the reader to the extraordinarily rapid growth and development 
of the county since its first settlement. But a few years ago the primeval forest was 
' occupied only by the wild beasts and the Red Man. To-day prosperous cities, busy 
factories and mills, fine farms, school-houses and churches are to be seen everywhere throughout its 
borders. Nowhere has the busy activities of our days, the march of progress, the wonderful advance of 
science and art, contributed more to the rapid and remarkable development of any portion of the 
Northwest than in the County of Mecosta. 

As one of the most interesting features of this work, we present the portraits of numerous repre- 
sentative citizens. It has been our aim to have the prominent men of to-day, as well as the pioneers, 
represented in this department; and we congratulate ourselves on the uniformly high character of the ^ 
gentlemen whose portraits we present. They are in the strictest sense representative men, and are 
selected from all the callings and professions worthy to be represented. There are others, it is true, 
who claim equal prominence with those presented, but of course it was impossible for us to give iwr- 
traits of all the leading men and pioneers of the county. 

CHAPMAN BROTHERS. 



(Chicago, Deccmlxi, 1.SS3, 



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Ackerman, David 4=: 

Adair, James M ... .421 

Adair, Nelson V 241 

Ad.ims, John 23 

Adams, John Qiiincy 39 

Adams, Norman W 261 

Aitken, James 555 

Albro, Henry T 329 

A Id rich. Forest W 4Q0 

Andrews, Wm. H 422 

.Ariss, Thomas 504 

Armstrong, John V 443 

Armstrong, Joseph A 284 

Arthur, Chester .\ 99 

Austin, Robert 455 

B 

Bacon, Barnabas 201 

Baglcy, John J 157 

Baker, L. S 449 

Baldwin, Henry P 153 

Bane. Alexander 436 

Barnard, Charles F 450 

Barnhart, Noah 210 

Barnhart, Wm 260 

Barry, John S 113 

Barstow, Sumner 508 

Barto, David W 303 

Barto, Joseph B 242 

Beebc, Nelson H 303 

Bcgole. Josiah W 169 

Bell, John A 250 

Bell, Wm. A 269 

Bellamy. John 346 

Hctnis, l.iithcr 341 

Benjamin, David M 538 

Bennett. A. W 388 

Bennett, Hasard 380 

Bcnscoter, John W 416 

Bcntley, Ora F 380 

Benthien, Carl 381 

liiiiKham, Kinsley S 137 

Bisbcc, Jasper E 539 

Btackmar. P 259 

Blair. Au-;tin 145 

Blanchard, Herbert P ..990 

Blossom, John 43S 



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BIOGl^p^F^iapIJ. 



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Borst, Julius R 319 

Koyd, Myron H 182 

Uovay , Robert H 467 

Brackett, George -363 

Brady, George 433 

Brander, Wni 374 

. Brcakcy, Andrew 503 

Briggs, Martin L 331 

Brigham, Elisha A 5C2 

Bright, John H 422 

Brock way, Ass 227 

Brockway, Wm 208 

Bronson, Gen. Stephen 187 

Broonifield, Wm 444 

Brown, Dr. Benj. F. >.5'6 

Brown, Benson E. 526 

Brown, Harrison J 314 

Brown, Henry D 272 

Brown, Henry R 264 1 

Brown, John F 556 

Brown, Maria E 52^ 

Brown, Hon. Michael 197 

Brown, Silas 318 

Brown, Stephen W 485 

Brown, Wm. H 553 

Bruce, Valorus W 480 

Buchanan, James. . . 75 

Buck. James H 555 

Buck, Samuel... 219 

Buck, Wilbcr H 213 

Bullcck, Danifl C 334 

Bump, Wm. H 299 

Burdick, Eugene F 474 

Burkart, Dr. John L 386 

Burrison, Jamss 552 

c 

Cahill, Joseph 223 

Cahill, Peter.. 350 

Cahill, Thorr as 283 

Calkins. Charles W 282 

Campbell. John R 228 

Campbell, John S, 214 

Canaan, Asher L 33*> 

Canaan, James S 339 

Cannon, Edwin *7' 

Capcn. Randall T 43'* 

Carman, Mahlon 3Q* 

Carpenter, Charles D 203 



Carpenter, Persons T 363 

Carr, Elijah. 351 

Carr, John 450 

Cartwright. Lcroy 455 

Caudle, James 459 

Cawthorne, James P 430 

Chapin. Allen 479 

Chipman, Lemuel F 208 

Chipman, L. F .224 

Chipman. S. S 191 

Clark, Henry M 188 

Clark, John Q. A ... .^ .190 

Clement, Aaron S 278 

Clifton, Chas. W.. 290 

Clink, John 356 

Coatcs, Nathan M 554 

Colby, James M 509 

Cole, Elijah 193 

Cole, M yjron M ,261 

Collins, Michael S 260 

Collins, Richard 334 

Compton^ Bion H 330 

Comstock, Chester W 540 

Conner, John M 454 

Corbctt, Elizabeth 387 

Corbet t, William 308 

Corey, Benjamin F 332 

Corey, Lanson F 320 

Corncil, George P 515 

Cornell, George W 550 

Cota, Henry S - 209 

Crandell, Charles D 498 

Crandcll, Stephen R 491 

Crane, Charles H 496 

Crapo, Henry H 149 

Creevey, William 453 

Crocker, John M 248 

Crocker, 'Ihomas R.. 312 

Croswell. Charles M i6r 

Cunninsham, Charles W 516 

D 

Dal/icI, Benjamin 379 

Dab id, James 980 

Darrah , Charles M 337 

Darrah, James M 425 

Darrah, Wilson E 440 

Davenport, Byron S 351 

Davidson, A 37*» 



<■«— 



-^^^^ @rK^^D!l>:llI]r>^ 



Davidson, William 391 

Davis, Bartley 344 

Davis, Ellis 204 

Davis, James 334 

Davis. John 243 

Decker, Gilbert A 406 

l^ecker, James N 317 

Decker, John D 344 

Decker, Peter S 537 

Decker, Richard S 419 

Degear, Michael 310 

De Long, Joseph A 394 

Denney, James M 486 

Dcnncy, Nathan 383 

Denney, William F 538 

Dewey. Elijah F 199 

Dixon. James 334 

Dopp. Matthew 399 

Doyle, Michael ...\ 9io 

Dubois, J.-»cob M 466 

Dumon, Frank 407 

Dutcher, Mrs. Mary A 356 

Dye, James R 4'» 

Dye. Morris G 408 

E 

Eaton, John 407 

Eaton, Noah 461 

Edmonds, 'i'imothy 314 

KUlrcdge. A. W 420 

Ely. Arnold 443 

Erikson, Patrick 377 

Escott, Joseph T 519 

Evans, John S .277 

Evans, Henry C 389 

Everharl. Joseph J . . 4^ 

F 

Falardo, Joseph 45^ 

Kairman, Ferdinand 247 

Felch. Alphcus 117 

Ferguson, Wm. M 4" 

Ferris, Isaac W sSl 

Fillmore, Millard 67 

Fitzgerald, Edward 34*> 

Flake, John 406 

FoKlesang. Eli W 969 

Ford Ira A 3«8 






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INDEX. 



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Foster, John H 302 

Frederick, Eli 483 

Fredrickson, John, Jr 498 

Freiberg, John 323 

Fribley, John B 534 

Friedel, Adam 239 

Frye, Solomon F 202 

Fuller. David C 40* 

Fuller, Hon. C. C 177 

Fuller, James W 503 

G 

Gale & Hood 244 

Ganong, Albert H 415 

Gardner, Theodore C 349 

(Jarfield, Jamas A 05 

Garling, David L 338 

Gates, Dr. S. A 293 

Gaunt, Joseph 545 

Gay, Charlie 405 

Gensman, Edward 222 

Gilchrist, Edward 304 

Gill, John G 229 

Gilmore, Henry R 238 

Gingrich, John B 351 

Gingrich , Peter B 352 

Glidden, Durelle F 472 

Glidden, Oliver D 553 

Gottshall, George M 268 

Grant, Ulysses S 87 

Gray, Silvester H 231 

Gray, Wm. S 234 

Green, George W 270 

Greenly, William L 121 

Grimme, Father Henry W 486 

Grimes, George 466 

Griswold, L. S 200 

Groner, Dr. F. J 376 

Groomt James H 408 

Gross, Orsemus 232 

Gruber, J. E 191 

H 



A 



Haggit, George A 340 

Haist, George F 203 

Hale, George 1 324 

Hall, Reuben N 249 

Hane, Caleb V 294 

Haney, Edward G 380 

Hanifan, Thomas 254 

Hanson, Andrew 333 

Hanson, Henry D 219 

Harmon, Edward 309 

Harrington, Harvey 346 

Harrington, John 239 

Harrison, Wm. H 51 

Haskill, Sidney 345 

Haslcm, Edward 362 

Hatfield, George E 322 

Hathaway, Eli 491 

Hayes, Eli 461 

Hayes, Rutherford B gi 

HeaUl, CIcorge W 323 

Hearn, Henry 240 

■'' S Helms, George 302 

:^ Hendryx, Wilbur A 465 

Henry* Charles H 546 

Hickcy, John 556 

Hicks. Wm. H 508 






■& 






Higbee, Nelson 267 

Hill, Eli 262 

Hinman, Charles 230 

Hinton, John 554 

Hobart, Mart E 501 

Hodskey, Leister C 394 

Hood & Gale 244 

Hooker. A. S -537 

Hopkinson, Wm. D 4»S 

Horton, Daniel 293 

Horton, Edward T 3^3 

Horton, Seneca 279 

Horton, Thomas G 522 

Howd, Waller S 387 

Hoynes, Stephen 555 

Hudnuit, Edward W 262 

Hugh, William 453 

Hughes, Rassel B 545 

Huling, Jared P 373 

Hullinger, James 298 

Hummer, J- B 198 

Hunt, TheophJtus C 379 

Hunter. James T 304 

Hunter, John 231 

Hurley, Thomas K 533 

Hutchinson, L- N 212 

Hyatt, Leonard ..... 274 

Hyatt, Wm. J 509 

Hyde. Hannibal 253 

J 

Jackson, Andrew 43 

Jacques, Wm. M. Jr , 485 

Jamieson. Robert 460 

Jefferson, Thomas 27 

Jerome, David H 165 

Johnson, Amos 258 

Johnson, Andrew 83 

Johnson, Charles O 323 

Johnson, Christian 274 

Johnson, Hugh 426 

Johnson, James 474 

Jones, Wm- T 297 

Joslin, Frederick W 273 

Judkins, Capt- James 4^7 

K 

Kassner, Matthias 199 

Keegan, Michael 233 

Kelley, Barnabas 430 

Kelley, Charles W 3c8 

Kelley, Darwin B 503 

Kelley, Peter 532 

Kenrick, Edwin H 495 

Kent, Monroe R 416 

Kent, Rufus 381 

King, Darwin C 460 

Kinnee, Jesse 212 

Kirvan, John E 183 

Knapp, Abel B 513 

Knettles, G. M. D 456 



Ladner, Herbert 515 

Ladncr, Hon. Wm 489 

La Douceur, Charles H 214 

Ladouccur, Napoleon 394 

La Grange, Ephraim 289 

Lake, William O 244 



Lamb, Munson 434 

Langworthy, Edward 284 

Lazell, Thomas i8g 

Le Duke, John 328 

Leggett, Dr. I. J 398 

Lincoln, Abraham 79 

Lincoln, L. C 253 

Lockman, .^bram 498 

Lonsdale, John 397 

Loop, Philer 219 

Losie, Leo 271 

Loucks, Jacob H 338 

Lovejoy, Benjamin T 426 

Lovejoy, Charles B 426 

Loveless, Loren T 521 

Lowe, William 313 

Ludington, Charles H ig8 

Luther, Fredeiick R 311 

M 

Madison, James 3* 

Maguire. John 314 

Main, Charles 310 

Main, Henry 338 

Main, John M 340 

Malone, George R 343 

Mann, James W 454 

Mann. John F 528 

Manning, Rev. Wm. H 528 

Mansfield , Henry -308 

Marsh, Edwin J 328 

Martiny, John 39^ 

Martz, John G 184 

Mason, Alfred S 540 

Mason, Stevens T 105 

Maxon, Frank S 540 

McArthur, Charles 208 

McCamley, Wm. M 264 

McClelland, Robert 129 

McCombs, Wm. A 420 

McConnelt. Asa 218 

McCormIck, James 504 

McCormick.Malcom 484 

McDuffie, Henson 480 

McElroy, J. F 502 

McFarlan, Walter 546 

McFarlane, Andrew 433 

McGill, Joseph 220 

Mcintosh. Ira 210 

McKeon, Patrick 202 

McKewen, John 357 

McLellan, Duncan 507 

McMullen, Dr. B. H 364 

McPherson,Wm H 304 

Menere. Levi S 264 

Mero, Gilbert ai2 

Merrill, John B 224 

Miller, George 339 

Miller, William 49° 

Mills. Henry 218 

Mills, James A 345 

Milner, Jonathan 439 

Mitchell, James 357 

Mitchell, Nathaniel 299 

Mitchell, Samuel S 237 

Mitchell, Wm. G 549 

Monroe, James 35 

Montague, Charles H 319 

Montonye, Wm. P 486 

^foody, W. D 273 



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<:ii!i^nD;t>^ 



-^^€^ 



Moore, Chas. S 220 

Moore, Henry H 352 

Moore, Robert 402 

Morse, Willis 422 

Mortensen, Thomas P 264 

Morton, John E 194 

Mosher, Dewitt C 220 

Munn. Park 274 

Mynning. Christian F 301 

N 

Nethaway, Lyman 320 

Newton, Samuel L 307 

Nickens, Spencer 364 

Nisbett, Wm. P 552 

Northrup, Clarence L 361 

o 

O'Brien, Dominick 283 

Olin, Giles 251 

O'Neil, James 201 

O'NeiU John 183 

Orwig, Harry 1 412 

Osborn , Nathan igg 

Osborne, Abel C 269 

Osgood, Lucius L 230 

Ostrander, Chas 201 

Overton, Wm. E 331 

p 

Palmer, Floyd 314 

Palmer. Gilbert S 291 

ParkiU, James M 462 

Parks , Clarence 233 

Parks, Robert D 311 

Parrott, Jacob 440 

Parsons, Andrew 133 

Pattison.Dr. lacobW 332 

Pearson , Silas 444 

Pease, Dr. Jerome F 447 

Pease, ZibaW 382 

Peck. Whitfield H 222 

Peirce, Hon. Edgar 522 

Pelton, Lon. A 473 

Pemberton.C. O 221 

Pfistner. Frederick 367 

Phelps. Edgar O 300 

Phelps, Hon. Fitch 327 

Philleo, Wm. C 454 

Phillcy, James E 331 

Pierce, Alfred 204 

Pierce , Franklin 71 

Pierce, Isaac W 248 

Pike, JamesH 260 

Pike, Lendall I rgo 

Pitman, Thomas B 540 

Poling, Richard W 450 

Polk, James K 59 

Pordon, John 392 

Porter, Frank J 223 

Potter, John G 33a 

Powers, Benj. F 278 

Precious Geo. W 289 

Preston, Alonzo C Mt 

Pullman, Chas. W 467 

Q 

Quiglcy, David 183 

Quigley, Edward R 200 



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INDEX. 



■v^^^e5C^4^ 



f 



A 



>: 



) 



Quiglcy, Lysantlcr 218 

R 

Ransom. Epaphrolitus 153 

Rapcr, JohnM 388 

Rathvon, Benj. F 233 

Rath%-oii, Chas 33<* 

Rnw<;on, Myron 38a 

Rccd,EliasS 193 

Reed, G. W 525 

Reed. Roland D 355 

Reed, Thomas S 527 

Reiier John E 250 

Remus. William 401 

Rcynicr, Julius : 370 

Reynolds, Hiram R 5+4 

Rice, Frank G 322 

Richards, Clifton D 392 

Richardson Cyrus F 544 

Richardson, Horace F 321 

Rierdon, John 368 

Risbridger, George 181 

Roach, Horace 301 

Roben , Douglas 287 

Roben. Matthew 357 

Robinson, Jay D 539 

Roe, Edwin R 35> 

Rogers, Edward C 369 

Rogers, James H 252 

Romig Dr. E. A 259 

Roof, Geo. A 268 

Roosevelt, Sidney H 526 

Rose, Frederick 263 

Rose, James E 411 

Rose, John A 250 

Rose. Samuel \V 313 

Rowley, Ansel 497 

Royce, Calvin 240 

Ruger, Daniel H 311 

Runyan, John P 292 

Russ, Dr. Otto C 402 

Russell, Ltiwis 329 



Salest Thomas 468 

Sanford, David H 321 

Schofield, Alanson R 472 

Scott, Nicholas 402 

Seaton, Henry 201 



Seaton, Wm. N 207 

Sears, Andrew J 484 

Sebastian, Chas. W S3» 

Sedore, Isaac 223 

Shankwilcr, Edward F 510 

Sharpe, Thomas J 398 

Shaw, Thomas, Sr 462 

Shantz, Owen 382 

Shields, James 334 

Showers, Sidney .386 

Shrouds, Bcnj . J 544 

Shust, Georiic 4ir 

Simmons, James 213 

Sims, John M 346 

Skelton, Thomas 223 

Slawson, Hiram H 332 

Slawson. Wm. F 551 

Smith, Francis 333 

Smith, Frank P 214 

Smith, Joseph 323 

Smith, Joseph 440 

Smith. Wilhcrt W 514 

Smith, Wm. W 492 

Snider, Jacob 292 

Snider, Stias 534 

Snyder, John R 292 

Sours, Lawrence 312 

Sparks, George E 510 

Sparks. John W 551 

Sqiiicr, Wm. H 224 

Staab, Gotlleib .,. 358 

Stearns, Daniel 510 

Stearns, Geo . F 393 

Stephens, James 310 

Sterling, M urdoch 455 

Stewart, D. W 385 

Stewart, Selkirk A 288 

Stickney, Edmund M 397 

Stiffen, Ulrich 207 

Strecter, Amos R 436 

Strccter, Michael 221 

Strong, Edward P 415 

Swager.N.J 408 

Swarthout, Lewis 300 

Sweet, John 318 

Swisher, Nathan .294 

T 

Tagg, Ilcnj. tl 368 



Tallman, Jacob J 473 

Taylor, Zachary 63 

Tcachout.CC 484 

Telfer, Robert 204 

Tenney, Justice W 293 

Tcrrill.Dr. F. C 272 

Thomas, John W 243 

Thompson, Alexander 298 

Throp, S. J 345 

Thurkow, John E 217 

Toan, Lewis 257 

I'ompkins, Alexander N 300 

Tousey, G. C 209 

TrujsclKH. M 242 

Tuckcr.W. S 492 

Tutlle, Chas. L 429 

Tyler. John 55 

V 

Van Alstine. Abraham 533 

Van Alstine, Nelson 321 

VanBurcn, Mjrtin 47 

Vangilder, Alonzo 472 

Vandcwatcr, Richard 291 

Van Loo, Wm 531 

Verity, C A 496 

Vincent, Col. Nathan H 477 

Vogg, Gottlob 234 

Vollmer, A. A 333 

Vorce, Geo. P 211 

w 

Wadsworth, Wm. J 227 

Wagencr, Chas. H 213 

Walch , Frederick .... 302 

Waldo. George 238 

Wnlker. Wm. H 2:1 

WamboKI. Isaac 329 

Waid, Luther O. R 263 

Waring, Geo. F 435 

Warner, Chas E 356 

Warren, Chauncey 538 

Warren, Geo. W 375 

Warren, Wm 283 

Washington, George 19 

Waterman, A. H 350 

Watson. Rev. R.H 370 

Weaver, James P 549 



Weber. Reuben J 436 

Welwter, Simon G 241 

Welwtcr, Wm. H 554 

Wcidman, John S 471 

Welch, D. 1 364 

Wells,M. A 954 

Wcndling, Joseph 532 

Wernettc, C. W 355 

West, Joseph 543 

Whitheck, Nelson 309 

White. Jchr 440 

White. Oscar T 368 

Whitney. Dr. W. A 413 

Whitney, W. S, 374 

Wilcox, L. A 462 

Wilcox, Stephen S 459 

Wilder. Harry M 434 

Wilkinson. Chas 31a 

Willett, Richard L 376 

Willctt, Wm 344 

Williams, k. E ^26 

Williams, Franklin M 290 

Williams, Harvey O 381 

Williams. Jesse 278 

Williamson, Byron B 104 

Wilson, D.ivid 261 

Wilson, G. F. C 192 

Wilson, Martin E 328 

Wifcman, John 358 

Wisner, Moses 141 

Witbcck, Lucas I .521 

Wolcott, Benj. L 435 

Wolcotl, Henry B 304 

Wolcott , S . K 309 

Wood, Fred. B 468 

Wood, Sanford B 193 

Woodbridge, Wm 109 

Woodw-ird, .Asa G 374 

Wool Icy, Dr. Daniel F 550 

Woolworth. Bcnj. F 491 

Wright, John H 369 

W'right, Silas 228 

Wylic, Thomas 4 '6 



Zetterstedt, Gust 



A 



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(g)«4''W 




c 



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Adams. John 23 

Adams, John Quincy 38 

Arthur, Chester A..- 98 

Baglcy, John J 156 

Baldwin, Henry P 152 

Barry, John S 113 

Begole, Josiah W... 168 



§|^VS^«^^ 



Binghum, Kinsley S 136 

Blair, Austin 144 

Brockway, Asa 226 

Bronson, Stephen 186 

Bro\vn . M 196 

Buchanan. James 74 

Carman. M 390 



Corey, L. F 320 

Crapo, Henry H 148 

Croswell, Charles M i(3o 

Darrah, C. M 336 

Dnrrah. James M 494 

Decker. James N 316 

Decker. R. S 418 



E!y, Arnold 442 

Erikson, P. A.. 376 

Escolt, J. T 518 

Fairman. F 346 

Felch, .'\lpheus «i6 

FVcderick, Eli 489 

Frederick. Mrs. Eli 481 



-^'^^^^ 



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INDEX. 



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{■() 

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i 



Fillmore, Millard 66 

Fuller, C. C 176 

Gardner, T C 348 

Garfield, James A 94 

Grant, Ulysses S 86 

Gay, Charlie 404 

Greenly, William L 120 

Harrison, William H 50 

Hayes, Rutherford B 90 

Hendryx, W. A 464 

Higbee, Mrs. C. A 266 

Higbee, Nelson 265 

Hobart, M. E 500 

Hooker, A. S 536 

Hopkinson, W. I> 414 

Hugh, William 452 

Hilling, J. P 372 

Hunt, T. C 378 



Hutchinson, L. N 212 

Jackson, Andrew 42 

Jefferson, Thomas 26 

Jerome, David H 164 

Johnson, Andrew 82 

Jones, W. T 296 

Kenrick, E. H 494 

Knapp, A B .512 

Knapp, Mrs. A. B 511 

Ladner, William 488 

Lincoln, Abraham 78 

Madison, James 30 

Malone, G. R 342 

Mason, Stevens T 104 

McClelland, Robert. 128 

Mct^arlane, Andrew 432 

McLellan, U 506 

Milner, J 438 




Mitchell, Samnel S 236 

Mitchell, Wm. G 548 

Monroe, James 34 

Newton, Samuel L 306 

Northrup, C. L 360 

Parsons, Andrew 132 

Pease, Jerome F 445 

Pease, Mrs. Jerome F 446 

Pfistner, F 366 

Phelps. Fitch 326 

Pierce, Franklin 70 

Polk, James K 58 

Ranson, Epaphrodltus 124 

Reed. G. W 524 

Remus, William 400 

Roben, Douglas 286 

Rogers, J. H 252 

Rose, Freeman 409 



Rose, Mrs. Sally M 410 

Seaton, Wm. N ao6 

Stewart, Daniel W 384 

Stickney, E. M 396 

Taylor, Zachary 62 

Thurkow, John E 216 

Toan, Lewis 256 

Tuttle, Chailes L 428 

Tyler, John 54 

VanBuren, Martin 46 

Van Loo, William 530 

Vincent, Nathan H 476 

Washington, Cieorge 18 

Weidman, John S 470 

Wernette, C. W 354 

West, Joseph ^42 

Wilcox, S. S ^. ^58 

Wisner, Moses 140 

Woodbridge, William 108 








INTRODUCTORY nr,!! 

VAI>rE OF HISTORY .WI 

PHYSICAL FEATX'RES 5G2 
Geographical and To|mi- 

gi'aiihii-al •")ij"2 

Geology r)63 

Botanical i')G4 

IXDIANS 565 

liulian I/ifo 506 

'I'he Indian Dead 567 

The Indians" Futnro 5G8 

EAKKY SETTLKMKNT 568 

lliiu Onr Father-^ Lived 560 

Weddings 570 

Sliakes 570 

First Things 571 

ORGAN' IZATIOX 575 

OLD SETTLERS 577 
Old Settlers ofl hi' Mii-kegon 

Valley 577 

Second Old Settlers" Tarty 578 

LEGAL 679 

POLITICAL 580 

Klei'tion lietnrns 5.S0 

MKCOSTA FOR THE INION' 5,s9 

First Enlistments 5tl0 

Connty Aid 590 

Draft 590 

Snpplenientary Draft 591 

More Recruits 591 

The Enil 5!!! 



The Survivors 591 

Soldiers' Reunions 592 

ACiRICl'LTIRAL 598 

The Fairs 599 

Farmers" Institute 600 

RAILROADS liOl 

<;. R. i<: I. R. R. 604 

Siiiash-ii|i 604 

C. & W. >I. R. R. 605 

I)., L. & N. R. R. 606 

EDVCATIOXAL 607 

THE PRESS cos 
Rig Rapids Pioneer (Jlag- 

net ami Independent.) 60S 

Rig Rapids Regidator 611 

Big Rapids fMirrent 611 

Big RajiidsIIerald 611 

Daily Morning EiitiM-jirise 612 

Mecosta Advance 612 

LUMBERING INTEREST 612 

Life in a Lumber < am]) 613 

MISCELLANEOUS 615 
Forest Fires 616 
Starvation 617 
"Hereof Fail Not"" 617 
Iron-Clad ^larriage Cere- 
mony 617 
Model Marriage Ceremony IMS 
Population of Mecosta (,'o. 618 
Taxation 619 
A'alnation 619 



TOWNSHIPS 

.Etna 
Austin 
Big Rapiils 
Chii)pe\va 
< 'olfax 
Deeitield 
Fork 
Grant 
Green 
Hinton 
Martiiiv 
Mecosta 
Millhrook 
Morton 
Sheridan 
Wheatland 
CITY OF BIG RAPIDS 
Schools 
Business 

Tioga Manufactviring Co. 
Business Men's Association 
Teleiihone 
Northern Hotel 
Mercy Hiis]iital 
Bank Robbery 
Press ( 'onveiition 
Orgaiuzations 
Churches 
Population 



620 
C20 
622 
622 
6-28 
624 
624 
625 
025 
020 
028 
C2S 
029 
629 
f,30 
C:!2 
033 
034 
i;46 
647 
fl48 
(!48 
648 
648 
649 
659 
650 
651 
054 
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HE Fatlier of our Country was 
born in Westmorland Co., V'a., 
Feb. 22, 1732. His parents 
were Augustine and Mary 
(Ball) Washington. The family 
to which he belonged has not 
been satisfactorily traced in 
England. His great-grand- 
father, John Washington, em- 
igrated to Virginia about 1657, 
and became a prosperous 
planter. He had two sons, 
Lawrence and John. The 
former married Mildred Warner 
and had three children, John, 
Augustine and Mildred. Augus- 
tine, the father of Ceorge, first 
married Jane Butler, who bore 
him four children, two of whom, 
Lawrence and Augustine, reached 
maturity. Of six children by his 
second marriage, Oeorge was tiie 
eldest, the others being Betty, 
Samuel, John Augustine, Charles 
and Mildred. 
Augustine Washington, the father of Cleprge, died 
in 1743, leaving a large landed i)roperty. To his 
eldest son, Lawrence, he bequeathed an estate on 
the Patomac, afterwards known as Mount Vernon, 
and to George he left the parental residence. George 
received only such education as the neighlxDrliood 
schools afforded, save for a short time after lie left 
school, when he received private instruction in 




mathematics. 



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Remarkable stories are told of his great physical 
strength and development at an early age. He was 
an acknowledged leader among his companions, and 
was early noted for that nobleness of character, fair- 
ness and veracity which characterized his whole life. 

When George was 14 years old he had a desire to go to 
sea, and a midshipman's warrant was secured for him, 
but througli the opposition of his mother the idea was 
abandoned. Two years later he was apjwinted 
surveyor to the immense estate of Lord Fairfax. In 
this business he spent three years in a rough frontier 
life, gaining experience which afterwards proved very 
essential to him. In 1751, though only 19 years of 
age, he was apjiointed adjutant with the rank of 
major in the Virginia militia, then being trained for 
active service against the French and Indians. Soon 
after this he sailed to the West Indies with his brother 
Lawrence, who went there to restore his health. Tiiey 
soon returned, and in the summer of 1752 Lawrence 
died, leaving a large fortune to an infant daughter 
who did not long survive him. On her demise the 
estate of Mount Vernon was given to George. 

UiX)n the arrival of Robert Dinwiddle, as Lieuten- 
ant-Governor of Virginia, in 1752, the militia was 
reorganized, and the province divided into four mili- 
tary districts, of which the northern was assigned to 
Washington as adjutant general. Shortly after this 
a very perilous mission was assigned him and ac- 
cepted, which others had refused. This was lo pro- 
ceed to the French [wst near Lake Erie in North- 
western Pennsylvania. The distance to be traversed 
was between goo and 600 miles. Winter was at hand, 
and the journey was to be made without military 
escort, through a territory occupied by Indians. The 



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GEORGE WASHINGTON. 



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trip was a perilous one, and several limes he came near 
losing his life, yet he returned in safety and furnished 
a full and useful report of his expedition. A regiment 
of 300 men was raised in Virginia and put in com- 
mand of Col. Joshua Fry, and Major Washington was 
commissioned lieutenant-colonel. Active war was 
then begun against the French and Indians, in which 
Washington took a most imixsrtant part. In the 
memorable event of July 9, 1755, known as Brad- 
dock's defeat, Washington was almost the only officer 
of distinction who escaped from the calamities of the 
day with life and honor. The other aids of Braddock 
were disabled early in the action, and Washington 
alone was left in that capacity on the field. In a letter 
to his brother he says : " I had four bullets through 
my coat, and two horses shot under me, yet I escaped 
unhurt, though death was leveling my companions 
on every side." An Indian sharpshooter said he was 
not born to be killed by a bullet, for he had taken 
direct aim at him seventeen times, and failed to hit 
him. 

After having been five years in the military service, 
and vainly sought promotion in the royal army, he 
look advantage of the fall of Fort Duquesne and the 
expulsion of the French from the valley of the Ohio, 
to resign his conmiission. Soon after he entered the 
Legislature, where, although not a leader, he look an 
active and imiwrtant part. January 17, 1759, he 
married Mrs. Martha (Dandridge) Custis, the wealthy 
widow of John I'arke Custis. 

When the British Parliament had closed the jwrt 
of Boston, the cry went up throughout the provinces 
that "The cause of Boston is the cause of us all." 
It was then, at the suggestion of Virginia, that a Con- 
gress of all the colonies was called to meet at Phila- 
delphia.SejJt. 5, 1774, to secure their common liberties, 
peaceably if possible. To this Congress Col. Wash- 
ington was sent as a delegate. On May 10, 1775, the 
Congress re-assembled, when the hostile intentions of 
England were plainly apparent. The battles of Con- 
cord and Lexington had been fought. Among the 
first acts of this Congress was the election of a com- 
mander-in-chief of the colonial forces. This high and 
res|X)nsible office was conferred upon Washington, 
who was still a memberof the Congress. He accepted 
it on June 19, but upon the express condition that he 
receive no salary. He would keep an exact account 
of expenses and expect Congress lo pay them and 
nothing more. It is not the object of this sketch to 
trace the military acts of Washington, to whom the 
fortunes and liberties of the people of this country 
were so long confided. The war was conducted by 
him under ever)' possible disadvantage, and while his 
forces often met with reverses, yet he overcame every 
obstacle, and after seven years of heroic devotion 
and matchless skill he gained liberty for the greatest 
nation of earth. On Dec. 23, 1783, Washington, in 
a parting address of surpassing beauty, resigned his 



commission as commander-in-chief of the army to 
to the Continental Congress sitting at Annapolis. He 
retired immediately to Mount Vernon and resumed 
his occupation as a farmer and planter, shunning all 
connection with public life. 1 

In February, 1 7 89, Washington was unanimously \^ 
elected President. In his presidential career he was 
subject to the peculiar trials incidental to a new 
government ; trials from lack of confidence on the part 
of other governments ; trials from want of hannony 
between the different sections of our own country; 
trials from the impoverished condition of the counlr)% 
owmgto the war and want of credit; trials from the 
beginnings of party strife. He was no partisan. His 
clear judgment could discern the golden mean ; and 
while perhaps this alone kept our government from 
sinking at the very outset, it left him exposed to 
attacks from both sides, which were often bitter and 
very annoying. 

At the expiration of his first term he was unani- 
mously re-elected. At the end of this term many 
were anxious that he be re-elected, but he absolutely 
refused a third nomination. On the fourth of March, 
1797, at the expiraton of his second term as Presi- 
dent, he returned to his home, hoping to pass there 
his few remaining years free from the annoyances of 
public life. Later in the year, however, his repose 
seemed likely to be interrupted by war with France. 
At the prospect of such a war he was again urged to 
take command of the armies. He chose his sub- 
ordinate officers and left to them the charge of mat- 
ters in the field, which he superintended from his 
home. In accepting the command he made the 
reservation that he was not to be in the field until 
it was necessary. In the midst of tiiese preparations 
his life was suddenly cut off. December i 2, he took 
a severe cold from a ride in the rain, which, settling 
in liis throat, produced inflammation, and terminated 
fatally on the night of the fourteenth. On the eigh- 
teenth his body was borne with military honors to its 
final resting place, and interred in the family vault at 
Mount Vernon. 

Of the character of Washington it is impossible to 
speak but in terms of the highest respect and ad- 
miration. The more we see of the operations of 
our government, and the more deeply we feel the 
difficulty of uniting all opinions in a common interest, 
the more highly we must estimate the force of his tal- 
ent and character, which have been able to challenge 
the reverence of all parties, and princijiles, and na- (^ 
lions, and to win a fame as extended as the limits 
of the glol)e, and which we cannot but believe will 
be as lasting as the existence of man. 

The person of Washington was unusally tall, erect 
and well proportioned. His muscular strength was 
great. His features were of a beautiful symmetry'. 
He commanded respect without any appearance of 
haughtiness, and ever serious without being dull. 



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OHM ADAMS, the second 
'resident and the first Vice- 
' President of the United States, 
was born in Braintree ( now 
Quincy ),Mass., and about ten 
miles from Boston, Oct. 19, 
1735. His great-grandfather, Henry 
Adams, emigrated from England 
about 1640, with a family of eight 
'''J, sons, and settled at Braintree. The 
parents of John were John and 
Susannah (Boylston) Adams. His 
father was a farmer of limited 
means, to which he added the bus- 
iness of shoemaking. He gave his 
eldest son, John, a classical educa- 
tion at Harvard College. John 
graduated in 1755, and at once took charge of the 
school in Worcester, Mass. This he found but a 
"school of affliction," from which he endeavored to 
gain relief by devoting himself, in addition, to the 
study of law. For this purjjose he placed himself 
under the tuition of the only lawyer in the town. He 
had thought seriously of the clerical profession 
but seems to have been turned from this by what he 
termed "the frightful engines of ecclesiastical coun- 
cils, of diabolical malice, and Calvanistic good nature,'' 
of the operations of which he had been a witness in 
his n.-itive town. He was well fitted for the legal 
profession, possessing a clear, sonorous voice, being 
ready and fluent of speech, and having quick percep- 
tive jwwers. He gradually gained practice, and in 
1764 married Abigail Smith, a daughter of a minister, 
and a lady of superior intelligence. Shortly after his 
marriage, (t765), the attempt of Parliamentary taxa- 
tion turned him from law to ix)litics. He took initial 
steps toward holding a town meeting, and the rcsolu- 






tions he offered on the sul)jet t became very jiopular 
throughout the Provmce, and were adopted word for 
word by over forty different towns. He moved to Bos- 
ton in 1768, and became one of the most courageous 
and prominent advocatesof the [wpular cause, and 
was chosen a member of the (ieneral Court (the Leg- 
lislature) in 1770. 

Mr. Adams was chosen one of the first delegates 
from Massachusetts to the first Continental Congress, 
which met in 1774. Here he distinguished himself /s 
by his capacity for business and for debate, and ad- ^ 
vocated the movement for independence against the \-: 
majority of the members. In May, 1776, he moved r^ 
and carried a resolution in Congress that the Colonics 
should assume the duties of self-government. He 
was a prominent member of the committee of five 
appointed June 11, to prepare a declaration of inde- 
pendence. This article was drawn by Jefferson, but 
on Adams devolved the task of battling it through 
Congress in a three days debate. 

On the day after the Declaration of Independence 
was passed, while his soul was yet warm with the 
glow of e.xcited feeling, he wrote a letter to his wife, 
which, as we read it now, seems to have been dictated 
by the spirit of prophecy. "Yesterday," he says, "the 
greatest cpiestion was decided that ever was debated 
in .America; and greater, ])erhaps, never was or will 
be decided among men. A resolution was passed 
without one dissenting colony, ' that these United 
States are, and of right ought to be, free and inde- 
pendent states.' The day is passed. The fourth of 
July, 1776, will be a memorable epoch in the history 
of America. I am apt to believe it will be celebrated 
by succeeding generations, as the great anniversary 
festival. It ought to be commemorated as the day of 
deliverance by solemn acts of devotion to .Mmighty 
Cod. It ought to be solemnized wiili jwmp, showS) 



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games, sports, guns, bells, bonfires, and illuminations 
from one end of the continent to the other, from this 
time forward for ever. You will think me transix)rted 
with enthusiasm, but I am not. I am well aware of 
the toil, and blood and treasure, that it will cost to 
maintain this declaration, and support and defend 
these States; yet, through all the gloom, I can see the 
rays of light and glory. I can see that the end is 
worth more than all the means; and that posterity 
will triumph, although you and I may rue, which I 
hope we shall not." 

In November, 1777, Mr. Adams was appointed a 
delegate to France, and to co-operate with Bemjamin 
Franklin and Arthur Lee, who were then in Paris, in 
the endeavor to obtain assistance in arms and money 
from the French Government. This was a severe trial 
to his patriotism, as it separated him from his home, 
compelled him to cross the ocean in winter, and ex- 
posed him to great peril of capture by the British cruis- 
ers, who were seeking him. He left France June 17, 
1779. In September of the same year he was again 
chosen to go to Paris, and there hold himself in readi- 
ness to negotiate a treaty of peace and of commerce 
with Great Britian, as soon as the British Cabinet 
might be found willing to listen to such pioiX)sels. He 
sailed for France in November, from there he went to 
Holland, where he negotiated important loans and 
formed important commercial treaties. 

Finally a treaty of peace with England was signed 
Jan. 21, 1783. The re-action from the excitement, 
toil and anxiety through which Mr. Adams had passed 
threw him into a fever. After suffering from a con- 
tinued fever and becoming feeble and emaciated he 
was advised to go to England to drink the waters of 
Bath. ^Vhile in England, still drooping anddespond- 
ing, he received dispatches from his own government 
urging the necessity of his going to Amsterdam to 
negotiate another loan. It was winter, his health was 
delicate, yet he immediately set out, and through 
storm, on sea, on horseback and foot,hemade the trip. 

February 24, 1785, Congress appointed Mr. Adams 
envoy to the Court of St. James. Here he met face 
to face the King of England, who had so long re- 
garded him as a traitor. As England did not 
condescend to appoint a minister to the United 
States, and as Mr. .-Xdams felt that he was accom- 
plishing but little, he sought permission to return to 
his own country, where he arrived in June, 1788. 

When Washington was first chosen President, John 
.\dams, rendered illustiious by his signal services at 
home and abroad, was chosen Vice President. Again 
at the second election of Washington as President, 
Adams was chosen Vice President. Tn 1796, Wash- 
ington retired from public life, and Mr. Adams was 
elected President,though not without much opposition. 
Serving in this office four years, he was succeeded by 
Mr. Jefferson, his opponent in politics. 

While Mr. Adams was Vice President the great 



French Revolution shook the continent of Europe, 
and it was upon this point which he was at issue with 
the majority of his countrymen led by Mr. Jefferson. 
Mr. Adams felt no sympathy with the French peoiile 
in their struggle, for he had no confidence in their 
jx)wer of self-government, and he utterly abhored the 
classof atheist philosophers who he claimed caused it. 
On the other hand Jefferson's sympathies were strongly 
enlisted in behalf of the French peo[)le. Hence or- 
iginated the alienation between these distinguished 
men, and two powerful parties were thus soon organ- 
ized, Adams at the head of the one whose sympathies 
were with England and Jefferson led the other in 
sympathy with France. 

The world has seldom seen a spectacle of more 
moral beauty and grandeur, than was presented by the 
old age of Mr. Adams. The violence of party feeling 
had died away, and he had begun to receive that just 
a])preciation which, to most men, is not accorded till 
after death. No one could look upon his venerable 
form, and think of what he had done and suffered, 
and how he had given up all the prime and strength 
of his life to the public good, without the deepest 
emotion of gratitude and respect. It was his peculiar 
good fortune to witness the complete success of the 
institution which he had been so active in creating and 
supporting. In 1824, his cup of happiness was filled 
to the brim, by seeing his son elevated to the highest 
station in the gift of the people. 

The fourth of July, 1826, which completed the half 
century since the signing of the Declaration of Inde- 
pendence, arrived, and there were but three of the 
signers of that immortal instrument left upon the 
earth to hail its morning light. And, as it is 
well known, on that day two of these finished their 
earthly pilgrimage, a coincidence so remarkable as 
to seem miraculous. For a few days before Mr. 
Adams had lieen rapidly failiiig, and on the morning 
of the fourth he found himself too weak to rise from 
his bed. On being requested to name a toast for the 
customary celebration of the day, he exclaimed " In- 
dependence FOREVER." When the day was ushered 
in, by the ringing of bells and the firing of cannons, 
he was asked by one of his attendants if he knew 
what day it was? He replied, "O yes; it is the glor- 
ious fourth of July — God bless it — Crod bless you all." 
In the course of the day he said, "It is a great and 
glorious day." The last words he uttered were, 
"Jefferson survives." But he had, at one o'clock, re- 
signed his spiiit into the hands of his God. 

The personal appearance and manners of Mr. 
Adams were not particulady prepossessing. His face, 
as his iiortrait manifests,was intellectual ard ex])res- 
sive, but his figure was low and ungraceful, and his 
manners were frequently abrupt and uncourteous. 
He had neither the lofty dignity of Washington, nor 
the engaging elegance and gracefulness which marked 
the manners and address of Jefferson. 



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HOMAS JEFFERSON was 
botn April 2, 1743, at Shad- 
'« ell, Albermarle county, Va. 
His parents were Peter and 
Jane ( Randolph) Jefferson, 
the fomier a native of Wales, 
and the latter born in Lon- 
don. To them were born six 
daughters and two sons, of 
whom Thomas was the elder. 
When 14 years of age his 
father died. He received a 
most liberal education, hav- 
ing been kept diligently at school 
from the time he was five years of 
age. In 1760 he entered William 
and Mary College. Williamsburg was then the seat 
of the Colonial Court, and it was the obodeof fashion 
a.id splendor. Young Jefferson, who was then 17 
years old, lived somewhat expensively, keeping fine 
horses, and much caressed by gay society, yet lie 
was earnestly devoted to his studies, and irreproacha- 
able in his morals. It is strange, however, under 
such influences, that he was not ruined. In the sec- 
ond year of his college course, moved by some un- 
explained inward impulse, he discarded his horses, 
society, and even his favorite violin, to which he had 
previously given much time. He often devoted fifteen 
hours a day to hard study, allowing himself for ex- 
ercise only a run in the evening twilight of a mile out 
of the city and back again. He thus attained very 
high intellectual culture, alike excellence in philoso- 
phy and the languages. The most difficult Latin and 
Greek authors he read with facility. A more finished 
scholar has seldom gone forth from college hails; and 




there was not to be found, perhaps, in all Virginia, a 
more pureminded, upright, gentlemanly young man. 

Immediately upon leaving college he began the 
study of law. For the short time he continued in the 
practice of his profession he rose rapidly and distin- 
guished himself by his energy and accuteness as a 
lawyer. But the times called for greater action. 
The policy of England had awakened the spirit of 
resistance of the American Colonies, and the enlarged 
views which Jefferson had ever entertained, soon led 
him into active political life. In 1769 he was chosen 
a member of the Virginia House of Burgesses. In 
1772 he married Mrs. Martha Skelton, a very beauti- 
ful, wealthy and highly accomiilislied young widow. 

Upon Mr. Jefferson's large estate at Shadwell, there 
was a majestic swell of land, called Monticello, which 
commanded a prospect of wonderful extent and 
beauty. This spot Mr. Jefferson selected (or his new 
home; and here he reared a mansion of modest yet 
elegant architecture, which, next to Mount Vernon, 
became the most distinguished resort in our land. 

In 177s he was sent to the Colonial Congress, 
where, though a silent member, his abilities as a 
writer and a reasoner soon become known, and he 
was placed ujxjn a number of imixjrtant committees, 
and was chairman of the one a|)pointed for the draw- 
ing up of a declaration of independence. This com- 
mittee consisted of Thomas Jefferson, John /\dams, 
Henjamin Franklin, Roger Sherman and Robert R. 
Livingston. Jefferson, as chairman, was appointed 
to draw up the paper. Franklin and .\dains suggested 
a few verbal changes before it was submitted to Con- 
gress. On June 28, a few slight changes were made 
in it by Congress, and it was passed and signed July 
4, 1776. What must have been the feelings of that 



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man — what the emotions that swelled his breast — 
who was charged with the preparation of that Dec- 
laration, which, while it made known the wrongs of 
America, was also to publish her to the world, free, 
soverign and independent. It is one of the most re- 
markable papers ever written ; and did no other effort 
of the mind of its author exist, that alone would be 
sufficient to stamp his name with immortality. 

In 1779 Mr. Jefferson was elected successor to 
Patrick Henry, i.s Governor of Virginia. At one time 
the British ofticer, Tarleton, sent a secret expedition to 
Monticello, to capture the Governor. Scarcely five 
minutes elafjsed after the hurried escape of Mr. Jef- 
ferson and his family, ere his mansion was in posses- 
sion of the British troops. His wife's health, never 
very good, was much injured by this excitement, and 
in the summer of 1782 she died. 

Mr. Jefferson was elected to Congress in 1783. 
Two years later he was appointed Minister Plenipo- 
tentiary to France. Returning to the United States 
in September, 1789, he became Secretary of State 
in Washington's cabinet. This position he resigned 
Jan. I, 1794. In 1797, he was chosen Vice Presi- 
dent, and four years later was elected President over 
Mr. Adams, with Aaron Burr as Vice President. In 
1804 he was re-elected with wonderful unanimity, 
and George Clinton, Vice President. 

The early part of Mr. Jefferson's second adminstra- 
tion was disturbed by an event which threatened the 
tramiuilily and peace of the Union; this was the con- 
spiracy of Aaron Burr. Defeated in the late election 
to the Vice Presidency, and led on by an unprincipled 
ambition, this extraordinary man formed the plan of a 
military expedition into the Spanish territories on our 
southwestern frontier, for the purpose of forming there 
a new republic. This has been generally supposed 
was a mere pretext ; and although it has not been 
generally known what his real plans were, there is no 
doubt that they were of a far more dangerous 
character. 

In 1809, at the expiration of the second term for 
which Mr. Jefferson had been elected, he determined 
to retire from political life. For a period of nearly 
forty years, he had been continually before the pub- 
lic, and all that time had been employed in offices of 
the greatest trust and responsibility. Having thus de- 
voted the best part of his life to the service of his 
country, he now felt desirous of that rest which his 
declining years required, and upon the organization of 
the new administration, in March, 1809, he bid fare- 
well forever to public life, and retired to Monticello. 

Mr. Jefferson was profuse in his hospitality. Whole 
families came in their coaches with their horses, — 
fathers and mothers, boys and girls, babies and 
nurses, — and remained three and even six months. 
Life at Monticello, for years, resembled that at a 
fashionable watering-place. 

The fourth of July, 1826, being the fiftieth anniver- 



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sary of the Declaration of American Independence, 
great preparations were made in every part of the 
Union for its celebration, as the nation's jubilee, and 
the citizens of Washington, to add to the solemnity 
of the occasion, invited Mr. Jefferson, as the framer, 
and one of the few surviving signers of the Declara- 
tion, to participate in their festivities. But an ill- 
ness, which had been of several weeks duration, and 
had been continually increasing, compelled him to 
decline the invitation. 

On the second of July, the disease under which 
he was laboring left him, but in such a reduced 
state that his medical attendants, entertained no 
hope of his recovery. From this time he was perfectly 
sensible that his last hour was at hand. On the ne.xt 
day, which was Monday, he asked of those around 
him, the day of the month, and on being told it was 
the third of July, he expressed the earnest wish that 
he might be permitted to breathe the air of the fiftieth 
anniversary. His prayer was heard — that day, whose 
dawn was hailed with such rapture through our land, 
burst upon his eyes, and then they were closed for- 
ever. And what a noble consummation of a noble 
life! To die on that day, — the birthday of a nation,- - 
the day which his own name and his own act had 
rendered glorious; to die amidst the rejoicings and 
festivities of a whole nation, who looked up to him, 
as the author, under God, of their greatest blessings, 
was all that was wanting to fill up the record his life. 

Almost at the same hour of his death, the kin- 
dred spirit of the venerable Adams, as if to bear 
him company, left the scene of his earthly honors. 
Hand in hand they had stopd forth, the champions of 
freedom ; hand in hand, during the dark and desper- 
ate struggle of the Revolution, they had cheered and 
animated their desponding countrymen; for half a 
century they had labored together for the good of 
the country; and now hand in hand they depart. 
In their lives they had been united in the same great 
cause of liberty, and in their deaths they were not 
divided. 

In person Mr. Jefferson was tall and thin, rather 
above six feet in height, but well formed; his eyes 
were light, his hair originally red, in after life became 
white and silvery; his complexion was fair, his fore- 
head broad, and his whole countenance intelligent and 
thoughtful. He possessed great fortitude of mind as 
well as personal courage ; and his command of tem- 
per was such that his oldest and most intimate friends 
never recollected to have seen him in a passion. 
His manners, though dignified, were simple and un- 
affected, and his hospitality was so unbounded that 
all found at his house a ready welcome. In conver- 
sation he was fluent, eloquent and enthusiastic ; and 
his language was remarkably pure and correct. He 
was a finished classical scholar, and in his writings is 
discernable the care with which he formed his style 
upon the best models of antiijuity. 












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AMES MADISON, "Father 
of the Constitution," and fourth 
■f President of the United States, 
was born March 16, 1757, and 
died at his home in Virginia, 
"^ June 28, 1S36. The name of 
[anies Madison is inseparaljly con- 
nected with most of the inii)ortant 
events in that heroic period of our 
country during which tlie founda-- 
tions of this great republic were 
laid. He was the last of the founders 
of the Constitution of the United 
States to be called to his eternal 
reward. 

The Madison family were among 
the early emigrants to the New World, 
landing upon the shores of the Chesa- 
peake l)ut 15 years after the settle- 
ment of Jamestown. The father of 
James Madison was an opulent 
planter, residing upon a very fine es- 
tate called "Mont|)elier," ( )rangeCo., 
Va. The mansion was situated in 
the midst of scenery highly pictur- 
esque and romantic, on the west side 
of South-west Mountain, at the foot of 
It was but 25 miles from the home of 
Jefferson at Monticello. The closest personal and 
political attachment existed between these illustrious 
men, from their early youth until death. 

The early education of Mr. Madison was conducted 
mostly at home under a private tutor. At the age of 
18 he was sent to Princeton College, in New Jersey. 
Here he applied himself to study with the most im- 



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prudent zeal; allowing himself, for months, but three 
hours' sleep out of the 24. His health thus became so 
seriously impaired that lie never recovered any vigor 
of constitution. He graduated in 1771, witli a feeble 
body, with a character of utmost purity, and with a 
mind highly disciplined and richly stored with learning 
which embellished and gave proficiency to his subse- 
quent career. 

Returning to Virginia, he commenced the study of 
law and a course of extensive and systematic reading. 
This educational course, the spirit of the times in 
which he lived, and the society with which he asso- 
ciated, all combined to insiiire him with a strong 
, love of liberty, and to train him for his life-work of 
a statesman. Being naturally of a religious turn of 
mind, and his frail health leading him to think that 
his life was not to be long, he diiected especial atten- 
tion to theological studies. Endowed with a mind 
singularly free from passion and prejudice, and with 
almost une<iual!ed iwwers of reasoning, he weighed 
all the arguments for and against revealed religion, 
until his faith became so estaWished as never to 
be shaken. 

In the spring of 1776, when 26 years of age, he 
was elected a member of the Virginia Convention, to 
frame the constitution of the State. The next year 
(1777)1 lie was a candidate for the General Assembly. 
He refused to treat the whisky-lovir.g voters, and 
consequently lost his election ; but those who had 
witnessed the talent, energy and public spirit of the 
modest young man, enlisted themselves in his behalf, 
and he was appointed to the Executive Council. 

Both Patrick Henry and Thomas Jefferson were 
Governors of Virginia while Mr. Madison remained 
member of the Council : and their apjjreciation of his 



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intellectual, social and moral worth, contributed not 
a little to his subsequent eminence. In the year 
1780, he was elected a member of the Continental 
Congress. Here he met the most illustrious men in 
our land, and he was immediately assigned to one of 
the most conspicuous positions among them. 

For three years JMr. Madison continued in Con- 
gress, one of its most active and influential members. 
In the year 1784, his term having expired, he was 
elected a member of the Virginia Legislature. 

No man felt more deeply than Mr. Madison the 
utter inefficiency of the old confederacy, with no na- 
tional government, with no power to form treaties 
which would be binding, or to enforce law. There 
was not any State more prominent than Virginia in 
the declaration, that an efficient national government 
must be formed. In January, 1786, Mr. Madison 
carried a resolution through the General Assembly of 
Virginia, inviting the other States to ap|ioint commis- 
sioners to meet in convention at Annapolis to discuss 
this subject. Five States only were represented. The 
convention, however, issued another call, drawn up 
by Mr. Madison, urging all the States to send their 
delegates to Philadelphia, in May, 1787, to draft 
a Constitution for the United States, to take the place 
of that Confederate League. The delegates met at 
the time appointed. Every State but Rhode Island 
was represented. George Washington was chosen 
president of the convention; and the present Consti- 
tution of the United States was then and there formed. 
There was, perhaps, no mind and no pen more ac- 
tive in framing this immortal document than the mind 
and the pen of James Madison. 

The Constitution, adopted by a vote 8r to 79, was 
to be presented to the several States for acceptance. 
But grave solicitude was felt. Should it be rejected 
we should be left but a conglomeration of independent 
States, with but little (wwer at home and little respect 
aliroad. Mr. Madison was selected by the conven- 
tion to draw up an address to the people of the United 
States, expounding the principles of the Constitution, 
and urging its adoption. There was great opposition 
to it at first, but it at length triumphed over all, and 
went into effect in 1789. 

Mr. Madison was elected to the House of Repre- 
sentatives in the first Congress, and soon becaiiie the 
avowed leader of the Republican party. While in 
New York attending Congress, he met Mrs. Todd, a 
young widow of remarkable jxiwer of fascination, 
whom he married. She was in person and character 
queenly, and probably no lady has thus far occupied 
so prominent a jx^sition in the very peculiar society 
whicii has constituted our republican court as Mrs. 
Madison. 

Mr. Madison served as Secretary of State under 
Jefferson, and at the close of his administration 
was chosen President. At this time the encroach- 
ments of England had brought us to the verge of war. 




British orders in council destioyed our commerce, and 
our flag was exposed to constant insult. Mr. Madison 
was a man of peace. Scholarly in his taste, retiring 
in his disposition, war had no charms for him. But the 
meekest spirit can be roused. It makes one's blood 
boil, even now, to think of an American ship brought 
to, upon the ocean, by the guns of an English cruiser. 
A young lieutenant steps on board and orders the 
crew to be paraded before him. With great nonchal- 
ance he selects any number whom he may please to 
designate as British subjects ; orders them down the 
ship's side into his boat; and places them on the gun- 
deck of his man-of-war, to fight, by compulsion, the 
battles of England. This right of search and im- 
pressment, no efforts of our Government could induce 
the British cabinet to relinquish. 

On the i8th of June, 1812, President Madison gave 
his approval to an act of Congress declaring war 
against Great Britain. Notwithstanding the bitter 
hostility of the Federal party to the war, the country 
in general approx d; and Mr. Madison, on the 4tli 
of March, igij, ''as re-elected by a large majority, 
and entered uj'on his second term of office. This is 
not the place to describe the various adventures of 
this war on the land and on the water. Our infant 
navy then laid the foundations of its renown in grap- 
pling with the most formidable power which ever 
swept the seas. The contest commenced in earnest 
by the appearance of a British fleet, early in February, 
1813, in Chesapeake Bay, declaring nearly the whole 
coast of the United States under blockade. 

The Emperor of Russia offered his services as me 
ditator. America accepted ; England refused. A Brit- 
ish force of five thousand men landed on the banks 
of the Patuxet River, near its entrance into Chesa- 
peake Bay, and marched rapidly, by way of Bladens- 
burg, upon*Washington. 

The straggling little city of Washington was thrown 
into consternation. The cannon of the brief conflict 
at Bladensburg echoed through the streets of the 
metropolis. The whole population fled from the city. 
The President, leaving Mrs. Madison in tlie White 
House, with her carriage drawn uj) at the door to 
await his speedy return, hurried to meet the officers 
in a council of war. He met our troops utterly routed, 
and he could not go back without danger of being 
captured. But few hours elapsed ere the Presidential 
Mansion, the Capitol, and all the public buildings in 
Washington wei^ in flames. 

The war closed after two years of fighting, and on 
Feb. 13, 1815, the treaty of peace was signed atGhent. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, his second term of 
office expired, and he resigned the Presidential chair 
to his friend, James Monroe. He retired to his beau- 
tiful home at Montpelier, and there passed the re- 
mainder of his days. On June 28, 1836, then at the 
age of 85 years, he fell asleep in death. Mrs. Madi- 
son died July 12, 1849. 






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FIFTH PRESIDENT. 






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AMES MdXROE, the fifth 
I'residcntof The United States, 
was born in Westmoreland Co., 
Va., April 28, 1758. His early 
life was passed at the place of 
nativity. His ancestors had for 
,5 many years resided in the prov- 
ince in which he was born. When, 
at 17 years of age, in the process 
b of completing his education at 
William and Mary College, the Co- 
lonial Congress assembled at Phila- 
delphia to deliberate upon the un- 
just and manifold oppressions of 
(Jreat Britian, declared the separa- 
tion of the Colonies, and promul- 
gated the Declaration of Indepen- 
dence. Had he been born ten years before it is highly 
probable that he would have been one of the signers 
of that celebrated instrument. At this time he left 
school and enlisted among the patriots. 

He joined the army when everything looked hope- 
less and gloomy. The number of deserters increased 
from day to day. The invading armies came pouring 
in ; and the tories not only favored the cause of the 
mother country, but disheartened the new recruits, 
who were sufficiently terrified at the prosi)ect of con- 
tending with an enemy whom they had been taught 
to deem invincible. To such brave spirits as James 
Monroe, who went right onward, undismayed through 
difficulty and danger, the United States owe their 
political emancipation. The young cadet joined the 
ranks, and es|X)used the cause of his injured country, 
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for liberty. Firmly yet sadly he shared in the mel- 
ancholy retreat from Harleam Heights and White 
Plains, and accompanied the dispirited army as it fled 
before its foes through New Jersey. In four months 
after the Declaration of Independence, the patriots 
had been beaten in seven battles. At the battle of 
Trenton he led the vanguard, and, in the act of charg- 
ing upon the enemy he received a wound in the left 
shoulder. 

As a reward for his bravery, Mr. Monroe was i)ro- 
moted a captain of infantry; and, having recovered 
from his wound, he rejoined the army. He, however, 
receded from the line of promotion, by becoming an 
officer in the staff of Lord Sterling. During the cam- 
paigns of 1777 and 1778, in the actions of Brandy- 
wine, Germantown and Monmouth, he continued 
aid-de-camp; but becoming desirous to regain his 
position in the army, he exerted himself to collect a 
regiment for the Virginia line. This scheme failed 
owing to the exhausted condition of the State. l'i)on 
this failure he entered the office of Mr. Jefferson, at 
that [jeriod Covernor, and jjursued, with considerable 
ardor, the study of common law. He did not, iiowever, 
entirely lay aside the knapsack for the green bag; 
but on the invasions of the enemy, served as a volun- 
teer, during the two years of his legal pursuits. 

In 1782, he was elected from King Ceorge county, 
a member of the Leglislature of Virginia, and by that 
body he was elevated to a seat in the E.xecutive ^ 
Council. He was thus honored with the confidence '•' 
of his fellow citizens at 23 years of age ; and having / 
at this early period displayed some of that ability 0^ 
and aptitude for legislation, which were afterwards • 
employed with unremitting energy for the public good, «^ 



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he was in the succeeding year chosen a member of 
the Congress of the United States. 

DeeplyasMr. Monroefelt the imperfections of the old 
Confederacy, he was opposed to the new Constitution, 
thinking, with many others of the Republican party, 
that it gave too much power to the Central Government, 
and not enough to the individual States. Still he re- 
tained the esteem of his friends who were its warm 
supporters, and who, notwithstanding his opposition 
secured its adoption. In 1789, he became a member 
of the United States Senate ; which office he held for 
four years. Every month the line of distinction be- 
tween the two great i)arties which divided the nation, 
the Federal and the Republican, was growing more 
distinct. The two prominent ideas which now sep- 
arated them were, that the Republican party was in 
sympathy with France, and also in favor of such a 
strict construction of the Constitution as to give the 
Central Government as little power, and the State 
Governments as much power, as the Constitution would 
warrant. The Federalists sympathized with England, 
and were in favor of a liberal construction of the Con- 
stitution, which would give as much power to the 
Central Government as that document could possibly 
authorize. 

The leading Federalists and Republicans were 
alike noble men, consecrating all their energies to the 
good of the nation. Two more honest men or more 
pure patriots than John Adams the Federalist, and 
James Monroe the Republican, never breathed. In 
building up this majestic nation, which is destined 
to eclipse all Grecian and Assyrian greatness, the com- 
bination of their antagonism was needed to create the 
light equilibrium. And yet each in his day was de- 
nounced as almost a demon. 

Washington was then President. England had es- 
poused the cause of the Bourbons against the princi- 
ples of the French Revolution. All Europe was drawn 
into the conflict. We were feeble and far away. 
^Vashington issued a proclamation of neutrality be- 
tween these contending powers. France had helped 
us in the struggle for our liberties. All the despotisms 
of Europe were now combined to prevent the French 
from escaping from a tyranny a thousand-fold worse 
than that which we had endured. Col. Monroe, more 
magnanimous than prudent, was anxious that, at 
whatever hazard, we.sliould help our old allies in 
their extremity. It was the impulse of a generous 
and noble nature. He violently opposed the Pres- 
ident's proclamation as ungrateful and wanting in 
magnanimity. 

Washington, who could appreciate such a character, 
developed his calm, serene, almost divine greatness, 
by appointing that very James Monroe, who was de- 
nouncing the policy of the Government, as the minister 
of that Government to the Republic of France. Mr. 
Monroe was welcomed by the National Convention 
in France with the most enthusiastic demonstrations. 



Shortly after his return to this country, Mr. Mon- 
roe was elected Governor of Virginia, and held the 
office for three years. He was again sent to France to 
co-operate with Chancellor Livingston in obtaining 
the vast territory then known as the Province of 
Louisiana, which France had but shortly before ob- 
tained from Spain. Their united efforts were suc- 
cessful. For the comparatively small sum of fifteen 
millions of dollars, the entire territory of Orleans and 
district of Louisiana were added to the L'nited States. 
This was probably the largest transfer of real estate 
which was ever made in all the history of the world. 

From France Mr. Monroe went to England to ob- 
tain from that country some recognition of our 
rights as neutrals, and to remonstrate against those 
odious impressments of our seamen. But Eng- 
land was unrelenting. He agaui returned to Eng- 
land on the same mission, .but could receive no 
redress. He returned to his home and was again 
chosen Governor of Virginia. This he soon resigned 
to accept the position of Secretary of State under 
Madison. While in this office war with England was 
declared, the Secretary of War resigned, and during 
these trying times, the duties of the War Department 
were also put upon him. He was truly the armor- 
bearer of President Madison, and the most efficient 
business man in his cabinet. Lfpon the return of 
peace he resigned the Department of War, but con- 
tinued in tlie office of Secretary of State until the ex- 
piration of Mr. Madison's adminstration. At the elec- 
tion held the previous autumn Mr. Monroe himself had 
been chosen President with but little opposition, and 
upon March 4, 18 17, was inaugurated. Four years 
later he was elected for a second term. 

Among the important measures of his Presidency 
were the cession of Florida to the United States; the 
Missouri Compromise, and the " Monroe doctrine.'' 

Tliis famous doctrine, since known as the "Monroe 
doctrine," was enunciated by him in 1823. At that 
time the United States had recognized the independ- 
ence of the South American states, and did not wish 
to have European powers longer attempting to sub- 
due portions of the American Continent. The doctrine 
is as follows: "That we should consider any attempt 
on the part of European powers to extend their sys- 
tem to any portion of this hemisphere as dangerous 
to our peace and safety," and "that we could not 
view any interposition for the purpose of oppressing 
or controlling American governments or provinces in 
any other light than as a manifestation by Eurojjean 
powers of an unfriendly disposition toward the LTnited 
States." This doctrine immediately affected the course 
of foreign governments, and has become the approved 
sentiment of the Uiuted States. 

At the end of Iiis second term Mr. Monroe retired 
to his home in Virginia, where he lived until 1830, 
when he went to New York to live with his son-in- 
law. In that city he died, on the 4th of July, 1831. 



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S/X TH PRESIDENT. 



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OHN QUINCY ADAMS, the 
sixth President of the United 
'States, was born in the rural 
home of his honored father, 
John Adams, in Qaincy, Mass., 
on the 1 1 th cf July, 1767. His 
mother, a woman of exalted 
worth, watched over his childhood 
during the almost constant ab- 
sence of his father. W'lien but 
eight years of age, he stood with 
his mother on an eminence, listen- 
ing to the booming of the great bat- 
tle on Bunker s Hill, and gazing on 
uix)n the smoke and flames billow- 
ing up from the conflagration of 
Charlestown. 

When but eleven years old he 
took a tearful adieu of iiis mother, 
to sail with his father for Europe, 
through a fleet of hostile British cruisers. The bright, 
animated boy spent a year and a half in Paris, where 
his father was associated with Franklin and I.ee as 
minister pieniix)tentiary. His intelligence attracted 
i the notice of these distinguished men, and he received 
!^ from them flattering marks of attention. 

Mr. John Adams liad scarcely returned to this 
country, in 1779, ere he was again sent abroad. Again 
John ()uincy accompanied his father. At Paris he 
applied liimself with great diligence, for si.\ months, 
to study; then accompained his fatlier to Holland, 
where he entered, first a school in .\msterdam, then 
the I'niversity at I.eyden. About a year from this 
time, in 1781, when the manly boy was but fourteen 
years of age, he was selected liy Mr. Dana, our min- 
ister to the Russian court, as his private secretary. 

In this school of incessant labor and of enoiiling 
culture he spent fourteen months, and then returned 
'V to Holland through Sweden, Denmark, Hamburg and 
^ Bremen. This long journey he took alone, in the 
( •) winter, when in his sixteenth year. Again he resinned 
>^ his studies, under a private tutor, at Hague. Thence, 



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in the spring of 1782, he accompanied his father to 
Paris, traveling leisurely, and forming acquaintance 
with the most distinguished men on the Continent; 
examining architectural remains, galleries of paintings, 
and all renowned works of art. At Paris he again 
became associated with the most illustrious men of 
all lands in the contemplations of the loftiest temi)oral 
themes which can engross the human mind. After 
a short visit to England he returned to Paris, and 
consecrated all his energies to study until May, 17S5, 
when he returned to .Vnierica. To a brilliant young 
man of eighteen, who had seen much of the world, 
and who was familiar with the etiquette of courts, a 
residence with his father in London, under such cir- 
cumstances, must have been extremely attractive; 
but with judgment very rare in one of his age, he pre- 
ferred to return to America to complete his education 
in an American college. He wished then to study 
law, that with an honorable profession, he might be 
able to obtain an independent support. 

Upon leaving Harvard College, at the age of twenty, 
he studied law for three years. In June, 1794, be- 
ing then bvi.t twenty-seven years of age, he was ap- 
pointed iiy Washington, resident minister at the 
Netiierlands. Sailing from Boston in Jidy, he reached 
London in October, where he was immediately admit- 
ted to the deliberations of Messrs. Jay and Pinckney, 
assisting them in negotiating a commercial treaty with 
Creat Britian. After thus spending a fortnight in 
London, he proceeded to the Hague. 

In July, 1797, he left tlie Hague to go to Portugal as 
minister pteniix)tentiary. On his way to Portugal, 
upon arriving in London, he met with despatches 
directing him to the court of Berlin, but requesting 
him to remain in London until he should receive his 
instructions, \\hile waiting he was mairied to an 
American lady to whom he had been ])rcviously en- 
gaged, — Miss Louisa Catherine Johnson, daughter 
of Mr. Joshua Johnson, .^meri(■an consul in London; 
a lady endownd with that beauty and those accom- 
plishment which eminently fitted her to move in the 
elevated sphere for which she was destined. 






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JOHN QUINCY ADAMS. 



He reached Berlin with his wife in November, 1797 ; 
where he remained until July, 1799, when, havingful- 
. filled all the puriwses of his mission, he solicited his 
recall. 

Soon after his return, in 1802, he was chosen to 
the Senate of Massachusetts, from Boston, and then 
was elected Senator of the United States for six years, 
from the 4tii of March, 1804. His reputation, his 
ability and his experience, placed him immediately 
among the most prominent and influential members 
of that body. Especially did he sustain the Govern- 
ment in its measures of resistance to the encroach- 
ments of England, destroying our commerce and in- 
sulting our flag. There was no man in America more 
familiar with the arrogance of the British court upon 
these points, and no one more resolved to present 
a firm resistance. 

In i8og, Madison succeeded Jefferson in the Pres- 
idential chair, and he immediately nominated John 
Quincy Adams minister to St. Petersburg. Resign- 
ing his professorship in Harvard Q)llege, he embarked 
at Boston, in August, 1809. 

While in Russia, Mr. Adams was an intense stu- 
dent. He devoted his attention to the language and 
history of Russia; to the Chinese trade; to the 
European system of weights, measures, and coins ; to 
the climate and astronomical observations ; while he 
kept up a familiar acquaintance with the Greek and 
Latin classics. In all the universities of Europe, a 
more accomplished scholar could scarcely be found. 
All through life the Bible constituted an important 
part of his studies. It was his rule to read five 
chapters every day. 

On the 4th of March, 1817, Mr. Monroe took the 
Presidential chair, and immediately appointed Mr. 
Adams Secretary of State. Taking leave of his num- 
erous friends in public and private life in Europe, he 
sailed in June, 1819, for the United States. On the 
iSth of August, he again crossed the threshold of his 
home in Quincy. During the eight years of Mr. Mon- 
roe's administration, Mr. Adams continued Secretary 
of State. 

Some time before the close of Mr. Monroe's second 
term of otifice, new candidates began to be presented 
for the Presidency. The friends of Mr. Adams brought 
forward his name. It was an exciting campaign. 
Party spirit was never more bitter. Two hundred and 
sixty electoral votes were cast. Andrew Jackson re- 
ceived ninety-nine; John Quincy Adams, eighty-four; 
William H. Crawford, forty-one; Henry Clay, thirty- 
seven. As there was no choice by the people, the 
(juestion went to the House of Re|iresentatives. Mr. 
Clay gave the vote of Kentucky to Mr. Adams, and 
he was elected. 

The friends of all the disappointed candidates now 
combined in a venomous and persistent assault upon 
Mr. Adams. There is nothing more disgraceful in 
the past history of our country than the abuse which 



was poured in one uninterrupted stream, upon this 
high-minded, upright, patriotic man. There never was 
an administration more pure in principles, more con- 
scientiously devoted to the best interests of the coun- 
try, than that of John Quincy Adams; and never, per- 
haps, was there an administration more unscrupu- 
lously and outrageously assailed. 

Mr. Adams was, to a very remarkable degree, ab- 
stemious and temperate in his habits; always rising 
early, and taking much exercise. When at his home in 
Quincy, he has been known to walk, before breakfast, 
seven miles to Boston. In Washington, it was said 
that he was the first man up in the city, lighting his 
own fire and applying himself to work in his library 
often long before dawn. 

On the 4th of March, 1829, Mr. Adams retired 
from the Presidency, and was succeeded by Andrew 
Jackson. John C. Calhoun was elected Vice Presi- 
dent. The slavery question now began to assume 
IX)rtentous magnitude. Mr. Adams returned to 
Quincy and to his studies, which he pursued with un- 
abated zeal. But he was not long permitted to re- 
main in retirement. In November, 1830, he was 
elected representative to Congress. For seventeen 
years, until his death, he occupied the post as repre- 
sentative, towering above all his peers, ever ready to 
do brave battle' for freedom, and winning the title of 
"the old man eloquent." Upon taking his seat in 
the House, he announced that he should hold him- 
self bound to no party. Probably there never was a 
member more devoted to his duties. He was usually 
the first in his place in the morning, and the last to 
leave his seat in the evening. Not a measure could 
be brought forward and escape his scrutiny. The 
battle which Mr. Adams fought, almost singly, against 
the proslavery party in the Government, was sublime 
in its moral daring and heroism. For persisting in 
presenting petitions for the abolition of slavery, he 
was threatened with indictment by the grand jury, 
with expulsion from tlie House, with assassination; 
but no tlireats could intimidate him, and his final 
triumph was complete. 

It has been said of President Adams, that when his 
body was bent and his hair silvered by the lapse of 
fourscore years, yielding to the simple faith of a little 
child, he was accustomed to repeat every night, before 
he slept, the pra)er which his mother taught him in 
his infant years. 

On the 2 1 St of February, 1848, he rose on the floor 
of Congress, with a pajier in his hand, to address the 
speaker. Suddenly he fell, again stricken by paraly- 
sis, and was caught in the arms of those around Jiim. 
For a time he was senseless, as he was conveyed to 
the sofa in the rotunda. With reviving conscious- 
ness, he opened his eyes, looked calmly around and 
said " This is f/ic end of earth .-"then after a moment's 
pause he added, "I am eon/en/." These were the 
last words of the grand " Old Man Eloquent." 



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;^J NDREW JACKSOX, the 
vi) seventh President of the 
United States, was born in 
Waxhaw settlement, N. (J., 
March 15, 1767, a few days 
after his father's deatli. His 
parents were poor emigrants 
from Ireland, and took up 
their abode in Waxhaw set- 
tlement, where they lived in 
deepest poverty. 
Andrew, or Andy, as he was 
universally called, grew up a very 
rough, rude, turbulent boy. His 
features were coarse, liis form un- 
gainly; and there was but very 
little in his character, made visible, which was at- 
tractive. 

When only thirteen years old he joined the volun- 
teers of Carolina against the British invasion. In 
17X1, he and his brother Robert were captured and 
imprisoned for a time at Camden. A British officer 
ordered him to brush his mud-sfjattered boots. " I am 
a prisoner of war, not your servant," was the reply of 
the dauntless boy. 

The brute drew his sword, and aimed a desperate 
blow at the head of the helpless young prisoner. 
Andrew raised his hand, and thus received two fear- 
ful gashes, — one on tlie hand and tlie other uixjn the 
'?^ head. The officer then turned to his brother Robert 
1 with the same demand. He also refused, and re- 
►■'« ceived a blow from the keen-edged sabre, which ipiite 

t disabled him, and which probably soon after caused 
his death. They suffered much other ill-treatment, and 
I •' were finally stricken with the small-ix)x. Their 
^ mother was successful in obtaining their exchange. 



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and took her sick boys home. After a long illness 
Andrew recovered, and the death of his mother soon 
left him entirely friendless. 

.\ndrew supported himself in various ways, such as 
working at the saddler's trade, teaching school and 
clerking in a general store, until 17S4, when he 
entered a law office at Salisbury, N. C. He, however, 
gave more attention to the wild amusements of the 
times than to his studies. In 17S8, lie was a|)i)oinle(l 
solicitcr for the western district of North Carolina, of 
which Tennessee was then a i)art. This involved 
many long and tedious journeys amid dangers of 
every kind, but Andrew Jackson never knew fear, 
. and the Indians had no desire to repeat a skirmish 
with the Sharp Knife. 

In 1791, Mr. Jackson was married to a woman who 
supposed herself divorced from her former husband. 
Great was the surprise of Ijoth parties, two years later, 
to find that tlie conditionsof the divorce had just been 
definitely settled by the first husband. Tiie marriage 
ceremony was performed a second time, but the occur- 
rence was often used by his enemies to bring Mr. 
Jackson into disfavor. 

During these years he worked hard at his profes- 
sion, and frequently had one or more duels on hand, 
one of whicji, when he killed Dickenson, was espec- 
ially disgraceful. 

In January, 179(3, tlie Territory of Tennessee then 
containing neady eighty thousand inhabitants, the 
people met in convention at Knoxville to frame a con- 
stitution. Five were sent from each of the eleven 
counties. Andrew Jackson was one of the delegates. 
The new State was entitled to but one member in 
the National House of Representatives. Andrew Jack- 
son was chosen that member. Mounting his horse he 
rode to Philedelphia, where Congress then held its 

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sessions, — ^a disiauce of about eight hundred miles. 

Jackson was an earnest advocate of the Demo- 
cratic party. Jefferson was his idol. He admired 
Bonaparte, loved France and hated England. As Mr. 
Jackson took his seat, Gen. Washington, whose 
second term of ofhce was then expiring, delivered his 
last speech to Congress. A committee drew up a 
complimentary address in reply. Andrew Jackson 
did not approve of the address, and was one of the 
twelve who voted against it. He was not willing to 
say that Gen. Washington's adminstration had been 
" wise, firm and patriotic." 

Mr. Jackson was elected to the United States 
Senate in 1797, but soon resigned and returned home. 
Soon after he was chosen Judge of the Supreme Court 
of his State, which position he held for six years. 

When the war of 1S12 with Great Britian com- 
menced, Madison occupied the Presidential chair. 
Aaron Burr sent word to the President that there was 
an unknown man in the West, Andrew Jackson, who 
would do credit to a commission if one were con- 
ferred upon him. Just at that time (ien. Jackson 
offered his services and those of twenty-five hundred 
volunteers. His offer was accepted, and the troo|)s 
were assembled at Nashville. 

As the British were hourly expected to make an at- 
tack upon New Orleans, where Gen. Wilkinson was 
in command, he was ordered to descend the river 
with fifteen hundred troops to aid ^\'ilkinson, The 
expedition reached Natchez; and afteradelay of sev- 
eral weeks there, without accomplishing anything, 
the men were ordered back to their homes. But the 
energy Gen. Jackson hail displayed, and his entire 
devotion to the comrfort of his soldiers, won him 
golden opinions; and he became tlie most popular 
man in the State. It was in this expedition that his 
toughness gave him the nickname of " Old Hickory." 

Soon after this, while attempting to horsewhip Col. 
Thomas H. Benton, for a remark that gentleman 
made about his taking a part as second in a duel, in 
which a younger lirother of Benton's was engaged, 
he received two severe pistol wounds. While he was 
lingering iipon a bed of suffering news came that the 
Indians, who had combined under Tecumseh from 
Florida to the Lakes, to exterminate the white set- 
tlers, were committing the most awful ravages. De- 
cisive action became necessary. Gen. Jackson, with 
his fractured bone just beginning to heal, his arm in 
a sling, and unable to mount his horse without assis- 
tance, gave his amazing energies to the raising of an 
army to rendezvous at FayettesviUc, Alabama. 

The Creek Indians had established a strong fort on 
one of the bends of the'i'allapoosa River, near the cen- 
ter of Alabama, about fifty miles below Fort .Strother. 
With an army of two thousand men, Gen. Jackson 
traversed the pathless wilderness in a march of eleven 
days. He reached their fort, called Tohopeka or 
Horse-shoe, on the 27th of Marcli. 1814. The bend 



of the river enclosed nearly one hundred acres of 
tangled forest and wild ravine. Across the narrow 
neck the Indians had constructed a formidable breast- 
work of logs and brush. Here nine hundred warriors, 
with an ample suplyof arms were assembled. 

The fort was stormed. The fight was utterly des- 
perate. Not an Indian would accept of quarter. When 
bleeding and dying, they would fight those who en- 
deavored to spare their lives. From ten in the morn- 
ing until dark, the battle raged. The carnage was 
awful and revolting. Some threw themselves into the 
river; but the unerring bullet struck their heads as 
they swam. Nearly everyone of the nine hundred war- 
rios were killed A few probably, in the night, swam 
the river and escaped. This ended the war. The 
power of the Creeks was broken forever. This bold 
plunge into the wilderness, with itsterriffic slaughter, 
so appalled the savages, that the haggard remnants 
of the bands came to the camp, begging for peace. 

This closing of the Creek war enabled us to con- 
centrate all our militia upon the British, who were the 
allies of the Indians No man of less resolute will 
than (Ien. Jackson could have conducted this Indian 
campaign to so successful an issue Immediately he 
was appointed major-general. 

Late in August, with an army of two thousand 
men, on a rushing march, Gen. Jackson came to 
Mobile. A British fleet came from Pensacola, landed 
a force upon the beach, anchored near the little fort, 
and from both ship and shore commenced a furious 
assault. The battle was long and doubtful. .-Xt length 
one of the ships was blown up and the rest retired. 

Garrisoning Mobile, where he had taken his little 
army, he moved his troops to New Orleans, 
And the battle of New Orleans which soon ensued, 
was in reality a very arduous campaign. This won 
for Gen. Jackson an imperishable name. Here his 
troops, which numbered about four thousand men, 
won a signal victory over the British army of about 
nine thousand. His loss was but thirteen, while the 
loss of the British was two thousand six hundred. 

The name of (len. Jackson soon began to be men- 
tioned in connection with the Presidency, but, in t824, 
he was defeated by Mr. .'\dams. He was, however, 
successful in the election of 1828, and was re-elected 
for a second ternr in 1832. In 1829, just before he 
assumed the reins of the government, he met with 
the most terrible affliction of his life in the death of 
his wife, whom he had loved with a devotion which has 
])erhaps never been surpassed. From the shock of 
her death he never recovered. 

His administration was one of the most memorable 
in the annals of our country; applauded by one party, 
condemned by the other. No man had more bitter 
enemies or warmer friends. At the expiration of his 
two terms of office he retired to the Hermitage, where 
he died Jtme 8, 1845. The last years of Mr. Jack- 
son's life were that of a devoted Christian man. 



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EIGHTH rRESIDENT. 



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ARTIN VAN liUREN, the 
eighth President of the 
United States, was born at 
Kinderhook, N. Y., Dec. 5, 
1782. He died at the same 
[ilace, July 24, 1862. His 
body rests in the cemetery 
at Kinderhook. Above it is 
a plain granite shaft llfteea feet 
high, bearing a simple inscription 
about half way up on one face. 
The lot is unfenced, unbordered 
or unbounded by shrub or flower. 

There is but little in the life of Martin Van Buren 
of romantic interest. He fought no battles, engaged 
in no wild adventures. Though his life was stormy in 
political and intellectual conflicts, and he gained many 
signal victories, his days passed uneventful in tliose 
incidents which give zest to biography. His an- 
cestors, as his name indicates, were of Dutch origin, 
and were among the earliest emigrants from Holland 
to the banks of the Hudson. His father was a farmer, 
residing in the old town of Kinderhook. His mother, 
also of Dutcli lineage, was a woman of superior intel- 
ligence and exemplary piety. 

He was decidedly a precocious boy, developing un- 
usual activity, vigor and strength of mind. At the 
age of fourteen, he had finished his academic studies 
in his native village, and commenced the study of 
law. As he had not a collegiate education, seven 
years of study in a law-office were retiuired of him 
before he could be admitted to the bar. Inspired with 
a lofty ambition, and conscious of his powers, he pur- 
sued his studies with indefatigable industry. After 
spending si.x years in an office in his native village. 



he went to the city of \ew York, and prosecuted his 
studies for the seventh year. 

In 1803, Mr. Van Buren, then twenty-one years of 
age, commenced the practice of law in his native vil- 
lage. The great conflict between the Federal and 
Republican party was then at its lieight. Mr. Van 
Huren was from the beginning a [jolitician. He had, 
perhaps, imbibed that spirit while listening to the 
many discussions which had been carried on in his 
father's hotel. He was in cordial sympathy with 
Jefl'erson, and earnestly and eloipiently espoused the 
cause of St-ate Rights ; though at that time the Fed- 
eral party held the supremacy both in his town 
and State. 

His success and increasing ruputation led him, 
after six years of practice, to remove to Hudson, the 
county seat of his county. Here he spent seven years, 
constantly gaining strength by contending in the 
courts with some of the ablest men who have adorned 
the bar of his State. 

Just before leaving Kinderhook for Hudson, Mr. 
Van Buren married a lady alike distinguished for 
beauty and accomplishments. After twelve short 
years she sank into the grave, the victim of consumi)- 
tion, leaving her husband and four sons to weep over 
her loss. For twenty-five years, Mr. Van Buren was 
an earnest, successful, assiduous lawyer. The record 
of those years is barren in items of public interest. 
In I Si 2, when thirty years of age, he was. chosen to 
the State Senate, and gave his strenuous support to 
Mr. Madison's adminstration. In 1815, he was ap- 
pointed .Attorney-General, and the next year moved 
to Albany, the capital of the State. 

^Vilile he was acknowledged as one of the most 
prominent leaders of the Democratic party, he had 



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MARTIN VAN BUREN. 




the moral courage to avow that true democracy did 
not require that " universal suffrage" which admits 
the vile, the degraded, the ignorant, to the right of 
governing the State. In true consistency with his 
democratic principles, he contended that, while the 
path leading to the privilege of voting should be open 
to every man without distinction, no one should be 
invested with that sacred prerogative, unless he were 
in some degree qualified for it by intelligence, virtue 
and some property interests in the welfare of the 
State. 

In 182 1 he was elected a member of the United 
States Senate; and in the same year, he took a seat 
in the convention to revise the constitution of his 
native State. His course in this convention secured 
the approval of men of all parties. No one could 
doubt the singleness of his endeavors to promote the 
interests of all classes in the community. In the 
Senate of the United States, he rose at once to a 
conspicuous position as an active and useful legislator. 

In 1827, John Quincy Adams being then in the 
Presidential chair, Mr. Van Buren was re-elected to 
the Senate. He had been from the beginning a de- 
termined opposer of the Administration, adopting the 
"State Rights" view in opposition to what was 
deemed the Federal proclivities of Mr. Adams. 

Soon after this, in 1828, he was chosen Governorof 
the State of New York, and accordingly resigned his 
seat in the Senate. Probably no one in the United 
States contributed so much towards ejecting John Q. 
Adams from the Presidential chair, and placing in it 
Andrew Jackson, as did Martin Van Buren. Whether 
entitled to the reputation or not, he certainly was re- 
garded throughout the United States as one of the 
most skillful, sagacious and cunning of politicians. 
It was supposed that no one knew so well as he how 
to touch the secret spiings of action; how to pull all 
the wires to put his machinery in motion ; and how to 
organize a political army which would, secretly and 
stealthily accomplish the most gigantic results. By 
these iwwers it is said that he outv.'itted Mr. Adams, 
Mr. Clay, Mr. Webster, and secured results which 
few thought then could be accomplished. 

When Andrew Jackson was elected President he 
appointed Mr. Van Buren Secretary of State. This 
position he resigned in 1831, and was immediately 
appointed Minister to England, where he went the 
same autumn. The Senate, however, when it met, 
refused to ratify the nomination, and he returned 




home, apparently untroubled ; was nominated Vice 
President in the place of Calhoun, at the re-election 
of President Jackson ; and with smiles for all and 
frowns for none, he took his place at the head of that 
Senate which had refused to confirm his nomination 
as ambassador. 

His rejection by the Senate roused all the zeal of 
President Jackson in behalf of his repudiated favor- 
ite ; and this, probably more than any other cause, 
secured his elevation to the chair of the Chief Execu- 
tive. On the 20th of May, 1836, Mr. Van Buren re- 
ceived the Democratic nomination to succeed Gen. 
Jackson as President of the United States. He was 
elected by a handsome majority, to the delight of the 
retiring President. " Leaving New York out of the 
canvass," says Mr. Parton, "the election of Mr. Van 
Buren to the Presidency was as much the act of Gen. 
Jackson as though the Constitution had conferred 
upon him the power to appoint a successor." 

His administration was filled with exciting events. 
The insurrection in Canada, whicli threatened to in- 
volve this country in war with England, the agitation 
of the slavery question, and finally the great commer- 
cial panic which spread over the country, all were 
trials to his wisdom. The financial distress was at- 
tributed to the management of the Democratic party, 
and brought the President into such disfavor that he 
failed of re-election. 

With the e.xception of being nominated for the 
Presidency by the "Free Soil" Democrats, in 1848, 
Mr. Van Buren lived quietly upon his estate until 
his death. 

He had ever been a prudent man, of frugal habits, 
and living within his income, had now fortunately a 
competence for his declining years. His unblemished 
character, his commanding abilities, his unquestioned 
patriotism, and the distinguished jxisitions which he 
had occupied in the government of our country, se- 
cured to him not only the homage of his party, but 
the respect ot the whole community. It was on the 
4th of March, 184 1, that Mr. Van Buren retired from 
the presidency. From his fine estate at Lindenwald, 
he still exerted a powerful influence uix)n the politics 
of the country. From this time until his death, on 
the 24th of July, 1862, at the age of eighty years, he 
resided at Lindenwald, a gentleman of leisure, of 
culture and of wealth; enjoying in a healthy old 
age, probably far more happiness than he had before 
. experienced amid the stormy scenes of his active life. 



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NINTH PRESIDENT. 







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ILLIAM HENRY HARRI- 
SON, the nintli President of 
the United States, was born 
at Berkeley, Va., Feb. 9, 1773. 
His father, Benjamin Harri- 
son, was in comparatively o[)- 
iilcnt circumstances, and was 
one of the most distinguished 
men of his day. He was an 
intimate friend of George 
Washington, was early elected 
a member of the Continental 
Congress, and was conspicuous 
among the patriots of Virginia in 
resisting the encroachments of the 
British crown. In the celebrated 
Congress of 1775, Benjamin Har- 
rison and John Hancock were 
both candidates for the office of 
speaker. 

Mr Harrison was subsequently 
chosen Governor of Virginia, and 
was twice re-elected. His son, 
William Henry, of course enjoyed 
in childhood all the advantages which wealth and 
intellectual and cultivated society could give. Hav- 
ing received a thorough common-school education, he 
entered Hampden Sidney College, where he graduated 
witli honor soon after the death of his father. He 
then repaired to Philadelphia to study medicine under 
the instructions of Dr. Rush and the guardianship of 
Robert Morris, both of whom were, with his father, 
signers of the Declaration of Independence. 

Uiwn the outbreak of the Indian troubles, and not- 
withstanding the remonstrances of his friends, he 
abandoned his medical studies and entered the army, 
having obtained a commission of Ensign from Presi- 



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dent Washington. He was then but 19 years old. 
From that time he passed gradually upward in rank 
until he became aid to General Wayne, after whose 
death he resigned his commission. He was then ai)- 
pointed Secretary of the North-western Territory. This 
Territory was then entitled to but one member in 
Congress and Capt. Harrison was chosen to fill that 
IKDsition. 

In the spring of 1800 the North-western Territory 
was divided by Congress into two portions. The 
eastern portion, comprising the region now embraced 
in the State of Ohio, was called '• Tlie Territory 
north-west of the Ohio." The western jwriion, which 
included what is now called Indiana, Illinois and 
Wisconsin, was called the "Indiana Territory." Wil- 
liam Henry Harrison, then 27 years of age, was ap- 
ix)inted by John Adams, Governor of the Indiana 
Territory, and immediately after, also Governor of 
Upper Louisiana. He was thus ruler over almost as 
extensive a realm as any sovereign upon the globe. He 
was Superintendent of Indian Affairs, and was in- 
vested with powers nearly dictatorial over the now 
rapidly increasing white population. The ability and 
fidelity with which he discharged tliese resjwnsible 
duties may be inferred from the fact that he was four 
times appointed to this office — first by John Adams, 
twice by Thomas Jefferson and afterwards by Presi- 
dent Madison. 

When he began his adminstration there were but 
three white settlementsin that almost boundless region, 
now crowded with cities and resounding with all the 
tumult of wealth and traffic. One of these settlements 
was on the Ohio, nearly opiwsite Ix)uisville; one at 
Vincennes, on the Wabash, and the third a French 
settlement. 

The vast wilderness over which Gov. Harrison 
reigned was filled with many tribes of Indians. About 



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the year 1806, two extraordinary niei!, twin brothers, 
of the Shawnese tribe, rose among them. One of 
these was called Tecumseh, or " The Crouching 
Panther;" the other, Olliwacheca, or "The Prophet." 
Tecumseh was not only an Indian warrior, but a man 
of great sagacity, far-reaching foresight and indomit- 
able perseverance in any enterprise in which he might 
engage. He was inspired with the highest enthusiasm, 
and had long regarded with dread and with hatred 
the encroachment of the whites upon the hunting- 
grounds of his fathers. His brother, the Prophet, was 
anorator, who could sway the feelings of the untutored 
Indian as the gale tossed the tree-tops beneath which 
they dwelt. 

But the Prophet was not merely an orator: he was, 
in the superstitious minds of the Indians, invested 
with the superhuman dignity of a medicine-man or a 
magician. With an enthusiasm unsurpassed by Peter 
the Hermit rousing Europe to the crusades, he went 
from tribe to tribe, assuming that he was specially sent 
by the Great Spirit. 

Gov. Harrison made many attempts to conciliate 
the Indians, but at last the war came, and at Tippe- 
canoe the Indians were routed with great slaughter. 
October 28, 18 12, his army began its march. When 
near the Prophet's town three Indians of rank made 
their appearance and inquired why Gov. Harrison was 
approacliing them in so hostile an attitude. After a 
short conference, arrangements were made for a meet- 
ing the next day, to agree upon terms of peace. 

But Gov. Harrison was too well acquainted with 
the Indian character to be deceived by such protes- 
tations. Selecting a favorable spot for his night's en- 
campment, he took every precaution against surprise. 
His troops were posted in a hollow square, and slept 
upon their arms. 

The troops threw themselves upon the ground for 
rest; but every man had his accourtrements on, his 
loaded musket by his side, and his bajonet fixed. The 
wakeful Governor, between three and four o'clock in 
the morning, had risen, and was sitting in conversa- 
tion with his aids by the embers of a waning fire. It 
was a chill, cloudy morning with a drizzling rain. In 
the darkness, the Indians had crept as near as possi- 
ble, and just then, with a savage yell, rushed, with all 
the desperation which superstition and passion most 
highly inflamed could give, upon the left flank of the 
little army. The savages had l)een amply provided 
with guns and ammunition by the English. Their 
war-whoop was accompained by a shower of bullets. 

The camp-fires were instantly extinguished, as the 
light aided the Indians in their aim. With hide- 
ous yells, the Indian bands rushed on, not doubting a 
speedy and an entire victory. But Gen. Harrison's 
troops stood as immovable as the rocks around them 
until day dawned : they then made a simultaneous 
charge with the bayonet, and swept every thing be- 
fore them, and completely routing the foe. 



Gov. Harrison now had all his energies tasked 
to the utmost. The British descending from tlieCan- 
adas, were of themselves a very formidable force ; but 
with their savage allies, rushing like wolves from the 
forest, searching out every remote farm-house, burn- 
ing, plundering, scalping, torturing, the wide frontier 
was plunged into a state of consternation which even 
the most vivid imagination can but faintly conceive. 
The war-whoop was resounding everywhere in the 
forest. The horizon was illuminated with the conflagra- 
tion of the cabins of the settlers. Gen Hull had made 
the ignominious surrender of his forces at Detroit. 
Under these despairing circumstances. Gov. Harrison 
was appointed by President Madison commander-in- 
chief of the North-western army, with orders to retake 
Detroit, and to protect the frontiers. 

It would be difficult to place a man in a situation 
demanding more energy, sagacity and courage; but 
Cjeneral Harrison was found equal to the position, 
and nobly and triumphantly did he meet all the re- 
sponsibilities. 

He won the love of his soldiers by always sharing 
with them their fatigue. His whole baggage, while 
pursuing the foe up the Thames, was carried in a 
valise ; and his bedding consisted of a single blanket 
lashed over his saddle. Thirty-five British officers, 
his prisoners of war, supped with him after the battle. 
The only fare he could give them was beef roasted 
before the fire, without bread or salt. 

In 1816, Gen. Harrison was chosen a member of 
the National House of Representatives, to rejiresent 
the District of Ohio. In Congress he proved an 
active member; and whenever he spoke, it was with 
force of reason and power of eloiiuence, which arrested 
the attention of all the members. 

In 1 819, Harrison was elected to the Senate of 
Ohio; and in 1824, as one of the presidential electors 
of that State, he gave his vote for Henry Clay. The 
same year he was chosen to the United States Senate. 

In 1836, the friends of (ien. Harrison brought him 
forward as a candidate for the Presidency against 
Van Buren, but he was defeated. At the close of 
Mr. Van Buren's term, he was re-nominated by his 
party, and Mr. Harrison was unanimously nominated 
by the Whigs, with John Tyler forthe Vice Presidency. 
The contest was very animated. Gen. Jackson gave 
all his influence to prevent Harrison's election ; but 
his triumph was signal. 

The cabinet which he formed, with Daniel Webster 
at its head as Secretary of State, was one of the most 
brilliant with wliich any President had ever been 
surrounded. Never were the prospects of an admin- 
istration more flattering, or the hopes of the country 
more sanguine. In the midst of these bright and 
joyous prospects. Gen. Harrison was seized by a 
pleurisy-fever and after a few days of violent sick- 
ness, died on the 4th of April ; just one month after 
his inauguration as President of the United States, 



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;( OHN TYLER, the tenth 
■'jij I'residentof the United States. 
He was born in Charles-city 
Co., Va., March 29, 1790. He 
was the favored child of af- 
fluence and high social po- 
sition. At the early age of 
twelve, John entered \Villiam 
and Mary College and grad- 
uated with much honor when 
but seventeen years old. After 
graduating, he devoted him- 
^/ &i?k\ ^^'^ ^'''^ great assiduity to the 

, ^ ^^^ study of law, partly with his 

father and partly with Edmund 
Randoli)h, one of the most distin- 
guished lawyers of Virginia. 

At nineteen years of age, ne 
commenced tlie practice of law. 
His success was rapid and aston- 
ishing. It is said that three 
months had not elapsed ere there 
was scarcely a case on the dock- 
et of tlie court in which he was 
not retained. When but twenty-one years of age, he 
was almost unanimously elected to a seat in the State 
Legislature. He connected himself with the Demo- 
cratic party, and warmly advocated the measures of 
(p\ Jefferson and Madison. For five successive years he 
was elected to the Legislature, receiving nearly tlie 
unanimous vote or his county. 

When but twenty-six years of age, he was elected 

' a member of Congress. Here he acted earnestly and 

ably with the Democratic party, opjxising a national 

bank, internal improvements by the General Govern- 



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ment, a protective tariff, and advocating a strict con- 
struction of the Constitution, and tlie most careful 
vigilance over State rights. His labors in Congress 
were so arduous that before the close of his second 
term he found it necessary to resign and retire to his 
estate in Charles-city Co., to recruit his health. He, 
however, soon after consented to take his seat in the 
State Legislature, where his influence was powerful 
in promoting public works of great utility. With a 
reputation thus canstantly increasing, he was chosen 
by a very large majority of votes. Governor of his 
native State. His administration was signally a suc- 
cessful one. His popularity secured liis re-election. 

John Randolph, a brilliant, erratic, half-crazed 
man, then represented Virginia in the Senate of the 
United States. A portion of the Democratic party 
was displeased with Mr. Randolph's wayward course, 
and brought forward John Tyler as his opponent, 
considering him the only man in Virginia of sufficient 
popularity to succeed against the renowned orator of 
Roanoke. Mr. Tyler was the victor. 

In accordance with his professions, upon taking his 
seat in the Senate, he joined the ranks of the opixjsi- 
tion. He opposed the tariff; he spoke against and 
voted against the bank as unconstitutional ; he stren- 
uously opposed all restrictions uiKin slavery, resist- 
ing all projects of internal imiirovements by the Gen- 
eral Government, and avowed his symiiathy with Mr. 
Calhoun's view of nullification ; he declared that Gen. 
Jackson, by his 0|)position to the nuilifiers, had 
abandoned the ptinci])ies of the Democratic party. 
Such was Mr. Tyler's record in Congress, — a record 
in perfect accordance with the principles which he 
had always avowed. 

Returning to Virginia, lie resumed the practice of 
his profession. There was a split in the Democratic 



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party. His friends still regarded him as a true Jef- 
fersonian, gave him a dinner, and showered compli- 
ments upon him. He had now attained the age of 
forty-six. His career had been very brilliant. In con- 
sequence of his devotion to public business, his pri- 
vate affairs had fallen into some disorder; and it was 
not without satisfaction that he resumed the practice 
of law, and devoted himself to the culture of his plan- 
tation. Soon after this he removed to Williamsburg, 
for the better education of his children ; and he again 
took his seat in the Legislature of Virginia. 

By the Southern Whigs, he was sent to the national 
convention at Harrisburg to nominate a President in 
1839. The majority of votes were given to Gen. Har- 
rison, a genuine Whig, much to the disapjxjintmentof 
the South, who wished for Henry Clay. To concili- 
ate the Southern Whigs and to secure their vote, the 
convention then nominated John Tyler for Vice Pres- 
ident. It was well known that he was not in sympa- 
thy with the Whig party in the North : but the Vice 
President has but very little power in the Govern- 
ment, his main and almost only duty being to pre- 
side over the meetings of the Senate. Thus it hap- 
pened that a Whig President, and, in reality, a 
Democratic Vice President were chosen. 

In 1 84 1, Mr. Tyler was inaugurated Vice Presi- 
dent of the United States. In one short month from 
that time, President Harrison died, and Mr. Tyler 
thus found himself, to his own surprise and that of 
the whole Nation, an occupant of the Presidential 
chair. This was a new test of the stability of our 
institutions, as it was the first time in the history of our 
country that such an event had occured. Mr. Tyler 
was at home in Williamsburg when he received the 
unexpected tidings of the death of President Harri- 
son. He hastened to Washington, and on the 6th of 
April was inaugurated to the high and responsible 
office. He was placed in a position of exceeding 
delicacy and difficulty. All his long life he had been 
opi)osed to the main principles of the party which had 
brought him into power. He had ever been a con- 
sistent, honest man, with an unblemished record. 
Gen. Harrison had selected a Whig cabinet. Should 
he retain them, and thus surround himself with coun- 
sellors whose views were antagonistic to his own.' or, 
on the other hand, should he turn against the party 
which had elected him and select a cabinet in har- 
mony with himself, and which would oppose all those 
views which the Whigs deemed essential to the pub- 
lic welfare.' This was his fearful dilemma. He in- 
vited the cabinet which President Harrison had 
selected to retain their seats. He reccommended a 
day of fasting and prayer, that God would guide and 
bless us. 

The Whigs carried through Congress a bill for the 
incorporation of a fiscal bank of the United States. 
The President, after ten days' delay, returned it with 
his veto. He suggested, however, that he would 




approve of a bill drawn up ujxjn such a plan as he 
proposed. Such a bill was accordingly prepared, and 
privately submitted to him. He gave it his approval. 
It was passed without alteration, and he sent it back 
with his veto. Here commenced the open rupture. 
It is said that Mr. Tyler was provoked to this meas- 
ure by a published letter from tlie Hon. John M. 
Botts, a distinguished Virginia Whig, who severely 
touched the pride of the President. 

The opposition now exultingly received the Presi- 
dent into their arms. The party which elected him 
denounced him bitterly. All the members of his 
cabinet, e.xcepting Mr. Webster, resigned. The Whigs 
of Congress, both the Senate and the House, held a 
meeting and issued an address to the people of the 
United States, proclaiming that all political alliance 
between the Whigs and President Tyler were at 
an end. 

Still the President attempted to conciliate. He 
appointed a new cabmet of distinguished Whigs and 
Conservatives, carefully leaving out all strong party 
men. Mr. Webster soon found it necessary to resign, 
forced out by the pressure of his Whig friends. Thus 
the four years of Mr. Tyler's unfortunate administra- 
tion passed sadly away. No one was satisfied. The 
land was filled witli murmurs and vituperation. Whigs 
and Democrats alike assailed him. More and more, 
however, he brought himself into sympathy with his 
old friends, the Democrats, until at the close of his term, 
he gave his whole influence to the sui)port of Mr. 
Polk, the Democratic candidate for his successor. 

On the 4th of March, 1845, he retired from the 
harassments of office, tothe regret of neither party, and 
probably to his own unspeakable telief. His first wife. 
Miss Letitia Christian, died in Washington, in 1842; 
and in June, 1844, President Tyler was again married, 
at New York, to Miss Julia Gardiner, a young lady of 
many personal and intellectual accomplishments. 

The remainder of his days Mr. Tyler passed mainly 
in retirement at his beautiful home, — Sherwood For- 
est, Charies-city Co., Va. A polished gentleman in 
his manners, richly furnished with niformation from 
books and experience in the world, and possessing 
brilliant powers of conversation, his family circle was 
the scene of unusual attractions. With sufficient 
moans for the exercise of a generous hospitality, he 
might have enjoyed a serene old age with the few 
friends who gathered around him, were it not for the 
storms of civil war wliich his own principles and 
policy had helped to introduce. 

When the great Rebellion rose, which the State- 
rights and nullifying doctrines of Mr. John C. Cal- 
houn had inaugurated, President Tyler renounced his 
allegiance to the United States, and joined the Confed- 
erates. He was chosen a member of their Congress; 
and while engaged in active measures to destroy, by 
force of arms, the Government over which he had 
otice presided, he was taken sick and soon died. 



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I AMES K.POLK, the eleventh 
^ii, President of the United States, 
Mecklenburg Co., 
2, 1795. His par- 
ents were Samuel and Jane 
(Kno.x) Polk, the former a son 
of Col. Tiiomas Polk, who located 
at the above place, as one of the 
first pioneers, in 1735. 

In the year 1S06, with his wife, 
and children, and soon after fol- 
lowed by most of the memliers of 
the Polk famly, Samuel Polk emi- 
grated some two or three hundred 
miles farther west, to the rich valley 
of the Duck River. Here in tlie 
midst of the wilderness, in a region 
which was subsequently called Mau- 
ry Co., they reared their log luils, 
and established their homes. In tlie 
hard toil of a new farm in the wil- 
derness, James K. Polk spent the 
early years of his childhood and 
youth. His father, adding the pur- 
suit of a surveyor to thatof a farmer, 
' gradually increased in wealth until 

he became one of the leading men of the region. His 
mother was a superior woman, of strong common 
sense and earnest piety. 

Very early in life, James developed a taste for 
reading and expressed the strongest desire to obtain 
a liberal education. His mother's training had made 
him methodical in his habits, had taught him punct- 
uality and industry, and had inspired him with lofty 
principles of morality. His health was frail ; and his 



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sedentary life, got a situation for him behind the 
counter, hoping to fit him for commercial pursuits. 

This was to James a bitter disapiwintnient. fie 
had no taste for these duties, and his daily tasks 
were irksome in the extreme. He remained in tliis 
uncongenial occupation but a few weeks, when at bis 
earnest solicitation his father removed him, and made 
arrangements for him to prosecute his studies. Soon 
after he sent him to Murfreesboro Academy. With 
ardor which could scarcely be surpassed, he pressed 
forward in his studies, and in less than two and a half 
years, in the autumn of 1S15, entered the sophomore 
class in the University of North Carolina, at Chapel 
Hill. Here he was one of the most exemplary of 
scholars, punctual in every exercise, never allowing 
himself to be absent from a recitation or a religious 
service. 

He graduated in 1818, with the highest honors, be- 
ing deemed the best scholar of his class, l)oth in 
mathematics and the classii's. He was then twenty- 
three years of age. Mr. Polk's health was at this 
time much impaired by the assiduity wiiii which he 
had prosecuted his studies. After a short season of 
relaxation he went to Nashville, and entered the 
office of Felix Grundy, to study law. Here Mr. Polk 
renewed his acquaintance with .Andrew Jackson, who 
resided on his plantation, the Hermitage, but a few 
miles from Nashville. They had probably been 
slightly acquainted before. 

Mr. Polk's father was a JefTersonian Republican, 
and James K. Polk ever adhered to the same politi- 
cal faith. He was a jKjpular public speaker, and was 
constantly called uix)n to address the meetings of his 
party friends. His skill as a speaker was such that 
he was jxjpularly called the Naixjleon of the stump. 
He was a man of unblemished morals, genial and 



father, fearing that he might not be able to endure a 



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courteous in his bearing, and with that sympathetic 
nature in the jo)s and griefs of others which ever gave 
^ him troops of friends. In 1823, Mr. Polk was elected 
I to the Legislature of Tennessee. Here he gave his 
strong influence towards the election of his friend, 
Mr. Jackson, to the Presidency of the United States. 
In January, 1824, Mr. Polk married Miss Sarah 
Childress, of Rutherford Co., Tenn. His bride was 
altogether worthy of him, — a lady of beauty and cul- 
ture. In the fall of 1825, Mr. Polk was chosen a 
member of Congress. The satisfaction which he gave 
to his constituents may be inferred from the fact, that 
for fourteen successive years, until 1839, he was con- 
tinued in that office. He then voluntarily withdrew, 
only that he might accept the Gubernatorial chair 
of Tennessee. In Congress he was a laborious 
member, a frequent and a popular speaker. He was 
always in his seat, always courteous ; and whenever 
he spoke it was always to the point, and without any 
ambitious rhetorical display. 

During five sessions of Congress, Mr. Polk was 
Speaker of the House Strong passions were roused, 

ca and stormy scenes were witnessed ; but Mr. Polk per- 
^ formed his arduous duties to a very general satisfac- 

S tion, and a unanimous vote of thanks to him was 
pass'ed by the House as he withdrew on the 4th of 
S March, 1839. 

^ In accordance with Southern usage, Mr. Polk, as a 
candidate for Governor, canvassed the State. He was 
elected by a large majority, and on the 14th of Octo- 
ber, 1839, took the oath of office at Nashville. In 1841, 
his term of office expired, and he was again the can- 
didate of the Democratic party, but was defeated. 

On the 4th of March, iS45,Mr. Polk was inaugur- 
ated President of the United States. The verdict of 
the country in favor of the annexation of Texas, exerted 
its influence upon Congress ; and tlie last act of the 
administration of President Tyler was to affix his sig- 
nature to a joint resolution of Congress, passed on the 
3(1 of March, apjiroving of the annexation of Texas to 
the American Union. As Mexico still claimed Texas 
as one of her provinces, the Mexican minister, 
Almonte, immediately demanded his passports and 
left the country, declaring the act of the annexation 
to be an act hostile to Mexico. 

In his first message. President Polk urged that 
Texas should immediately, by act of Congress, be re- 

[^ ceived into tlie Union on the same footing with the 

^ Other States. In the meantime, Gen. Taylor was sent 



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with an army into Texas to hold the country. He was 
sent first to Nueces, which the Mexicans said was the 
western boundaiy of Texas. Then he was sent nearly 
two hundred miles further west, to the Rio Grande, 
where he erected batteries which commanded the 
Mexican city of Matamoras, which was situated on 
the western banks. 

The anticipated collision soon took place, and war 
was declared against Mexico by President Polk. The 
war was pushed forward by Mr. Polk's administration 
with great vigor. Gen. Taylor, whose army was first 
called one of " observation," then of " occupation," 
then of "invasion, "was sent forward to Monterey. The 
feeble Mexicans, in every encounter, were hopelessly 
and awfully slaughtered. The day of judgement 
alone can reveal the misery which this war caused. 
It v/as by the ingenuity of Mr. Polk's administration 
that the war was brought on. 

' To the victors belong the spoils." Mexico was 
prostrate before us. Her capital was in our hands. 
We now consented to peace upon the condition that 
Mexico should surrender to us, in addition to Texas, 
all of New Mexico, and all of Upper and Lower Cal- 
ifornia. This new demand embraced, exclusive of 
Texas, eight hundred thousand square miles. This 
was an extent of territory equal to nine States of the 
size of New York. Thus slavery was securing eighteen 
majestic States to be added to the Union. There were 
some Americans who thought it all right : there were 
others who thought it all wrong. In the i)rosecution 
of this war, we expended twenty thousand lives and 
more than a hundred million of dollars. Of this 
money fifteen millions were paid to Mexico. 

On the 3d of March, 1849, Mr. Polk retired from 
office, having served one term. The next day was 
Sunday. On the 5th, Gen. Taylor was inaugurated 
as his successor. Mr. Polk rode to the Capitol in the 
same carriage with Gen. Taylor; and the same even- 
ing, with Mr_^. Polk, he commenced his return to 
Tennessee. He was then but fifty-four years of age. 
He had ever been strictly temperate in all his habits, 
and his health was good With an ample fortune, 
a choice library, a cultivated mind, and domestic ties 
of the dearest nature, it seemed as though long years 
of tranquility and happiness were before him. But the 
cholera — that fearful scourge — was then sweeping up 
the Valley of the Mississippi. This he contracted, 
and died on the 15th of June, 1849, in the fifty-fourth 
I year of his age, greatly mourned by his countrymen, 



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•\CHARY TAYLOR, twelfth 
resident of the United States, 
was born on the 24th of Nov., 
1784, in Orange Co., Va. His 
father. Colonel Taylor, was 
a Virginian of note, and a dis- 
tinguished patriot and soldier of 
the Revolution. When Zachary 
was an infant, his father with his 
wife and two children, emigrated 
to Kentucky, where he settled in 
the pathless wilderness, a few 
miles from Louisville. In this front- 
ier home, away from civilization and 
all its refinements, young Zachary 
could enjoy but few social and educational advan- 
tages. When six years of age he attended a common 
) school, and was then regarded as a bright, active boy, 
rather remarkable for bluntness and decision of char- 
acter He was strong, fearless and self-reliant, and 
manifested a strong desire to enter the army to fight 
the Indians who were ravaging the frontiers. There 
is little to be recorded of the uneventful years of his 
childhood on his father's large but lonely plantation. 
In 1808, his father succeeded in obtaining for him 
the commission of lieutenant in the United States 
army ; and he joined the troops whicii were stationed 
at New Orleans under Gen. Wilkinson. Soon after 
this he married Miss Margaret Smith, a young lady 
from one of the first families of Maryland. 

Immediately after the declaration of war with Eng- 
land, in 18 1 2, Capt. Taylor (for he had then been 
promoted to that rank) was put in command of Fort 
Harrison, on the Wabash, about fifty miles above 
Vincennes. This fort had been built in the wilder- 
ness by Gen. Harrison.on his march to Tippecanoe. 
It was one of tlie first points of attack by the Indians, 
^ led by Tecumseh. Its garrison consisted of a broken 



company of infantry numbering fifty men, many of 
whom were sick. 

Earl) in tlie autumn of i8ij, tiie Indians, stealthily, 
and in large numbers, moved upon the fort. Tiieir 
approach was first indicated by the murder of two 
soldiers just outside of the stockade. Capt. Taylor 
made every ixjssible preparation to meet the antii i- 
pated assault. On the 4th of .September, a band of 
forty painted and plumed savages came to the fori, 
waving a white (lag, and infomied Capt. Taylor that 
in the morning their chief would come to have a talk 
with him. It was evident that their object was merely 
to ascertain the state of things at the fort, and Capt. 
Taylor, well versed in the wiles of the savages, kept 
them at a distance. 

The sun went down ; the savages disappeared, the 
garrison slept \\\k>x\. their arms. One hour before 
midnight the war whoop burst from a thousand lips 
in the forest around, followed by the discharge of 
musketry, and the rush of the foe. Every man, sick 
and well, sprang to his jiost. Every man knew that 
defeat was not merely death, but in the case of cap- 
ture, death by the most agonizing and prolonged tor- 
ture. No pen can describe, no immagination can 
conceive the scenes whicii ensued. The savages suc- 
ceeded in setting lire to one of llie liiock-houses- 
Until six o'clock in the morning, this awful conflict 
continued. The savages tiieii, baffled at every jKjint, 
and gnashing their teelli with rage, retired. Capt. 
Taylor, for this gallant defence, was |)romoted to the 
rank of major by brevet. 

Until the close of the war, MajorTaylor was placed 
in such situations that he saw but little more of active 
service. He was sent far away into tlie depths of the 
wilderness, to Fort Crawford, on l'"o.\ Kiver, whit h 
empties into Green I?ay. Here there was but little 
to be done but to wear away the tedious hours asone 
best could. There were no books, no society, no in- 



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tellectiuil stimulus. Thus with him the uneventful 
years rolled on (iradually he rose to the rank of 
colonel. In the Black-Hawk war, which resulted in 
the capture of that renowned chieftain, Col Taylor 
took a subordinate but a brave and efficient part. 

For twenty-four years Col. Taylor was engaged in 
the defence of the frontiers, in scenes so remote, and in 
emi)loynients so obscure, that his name was unknown 
beyond the limits of his own immediate actpiaintance. 
In the year 1S36, he was sent to Florida to compel 
the Seminole Indians to vacate that region and re- 
tire beyond the Mississippi, as their chiefs by treaty, 
had promised they should do. The services rendered 
here secured for Col. Taylor the high appreciation of 
the Government; and as a reward, he was elevated 
to the rank of brigadier-general by brevet ; and soon 
after, in May, 1838, was appointed to the chief com- 
mand of the United States troops in Florida. 

After two years of such wearisome employment 
amidst the everglades of the peninsula. Gen. Taylor 
obtained, at his own request, a change of command, 
and was stationed over the Department of the South- 
west. This field embraced Louisiana, Mississijipi, 
Alabama and Georgia. Establishing his headcpiarters 
at F"ort Jessup, in Louisiana, he removed his family 
to a plantation which he purchased, near Baton Rogue. 
Here he remained for five years, buried, as it were, 
from the world, but faithfully discharging every duty 
imposed upon him. 

In 1846, Gen. Taylor was sent to guard the land 
between the Nueces and Rio Grande, the latter river 
being the boundary of Texas, which was then claimed 
by the United States. Soon the war with Mexico 
was brought on, and at Palo Alto and Resaca de la 
Palma, Gen. Taylor won brilliant victories over the 
Mexicans. The rank of major-general by lirevet 
was then conferred upon Gen. Taylor, and his name 
was received with enthusiasm almost everywhere in 
the Nation. Then came the battles of Monterey and 
Buena Vista in which he won signal victories over 
forces much larger than he commanded. 

His careless habits of dress and his unaffected 
simplicity, secured for Gen. Taylor among his troops, 
the .w/'/vV/ /(■('/ of "Old Rough and Ready.' 

The tidings of the brilliant victory of Buena Vista 
spread the wildest enthuslj'sm over the country. The 
name of (ien. Taylor was on every one's lii)s. The 
Whig party decided to take advantage of this wonder- 
ful popularity in bringing forward the unpolished, un- 
lettered, honest soldier as their candidate for the 
Presidency. Gen. Taylor was astonished at the an- 
noimcement, and for a time would not listen to it; de- 
claring that he was not at all ipialified for such an 
office. So little interest had he taken in politics that, 
for forty years, he had not cast a vote. It was not 
without chagrin that several distinguished statesmen 
who had been long years in the public service found 
their claims set aside in behalf of one whose name 



had never been heard of, save in connection with Palo 
Alto, Resaca de la Palma, Monterey and Buena 
Vista. It Is said that Daniel Webster, in his haste re- 
marked, " It is a nomination not fit to be made." 

Gen. Taylor was not an eloquent speaker nor a fine 
writer His friends took possession of him, and pre- 
pared such few communications as it was needful 
should be presented to the public. The popularity of 
the successful warrior swept the land. He was tri- 
umphantly elected over two opposing candidates, — 
Gen. Cass and Ex-President Martin Van Buren. 
Though he selected an excellent cabinet, the good 
old man found himself in a very uncongenial jMsition, 
and was, at times, sorely perplexed and harassed. 
His mental sufferings were very severe, and probably 
tended to hasten his death. The pro-slavery party 
was pushing its claims with tireless energy , expedi- 
tions were fitting out to capture Cuba ; California was 
pleading for admission to the Union, while slavery 
stood at the door to bar her out. Gen. Taylor found 
the political conflicts in Washington to be far more 
trying to the nerves than battles with Mexicans or 
Indians. 

In the midst of all these troubles, Gen. Taylor, 
after he had occupied the Presidential chair but little 
over a year, took cold, and after a brief sickness of 
but little over five days, died on the 9th of July, 1850. 
His last words were, " I am not afraid to die. I am 
ready. I have endeavored to do my duty." He died 
universally respected and beloved. An honest, un- 
pretending man, he had been steadily growing in the 
affections of the people; and the Nation bitterly la- 
mented his death. 

Gen. Scott, who was thoroughly acquainted with 
Gen. Taylor, gave the following graphic and truthful 
description of his character: — " With a good store of 
common sense. Gen. Taylor's mind had not been en- 
larged and refreshed by reading, or much converse 
with the world. Rigidity of ideas was the conse- 
quence. The frontiers and small military posts had 
been his home. Hence he was quite ignorant for his 
rank, and quite bigoted in his ignorance. His sim- 
plicity was child-like, and with innumerable preju- 
dices, amusing and incorrigible, well suited to the 
tender age. Thus, if a man, however respectable, 
chanced to wear a coat of an unusual color, or his hat 
a little on one side of his head ; or an officer to leave 
a corner of his handkerchief dangling from an out- 
side pocket, — in any such case, this critic held the 
offender to be a coxcomb (perhaps something worse), 
whom he would not, to use his oft repeated phrase, 
' touch with a pair of tongs.' 

".\ny allusion to literature beyond good old Dil- 
worth's spelling-l)ook, on the part of one wearing a 
sword, was evidence, with the same judge, of utter 
unfitness for heavy marchings and combats. In short, 
few men have ever had a more comfortable, labor- 
saving contempt for learning of eveiy kind." 



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ILLARD FILLMORE, thir- 
teenth I'residentof the United 
ij States, was born at Suninicr 
}/ Hill, Cayuga Co., X. Y ., on 
tlie 7th of January, 1800. His 
father was a farmer, and ow- 




ing to misfortune, n^ humble cir- 
cumstances. Of his mother, tlie 
daughter of Dr. Abiathar ISiillard, 
of Pittsfield, Mass., it has been 
said tliat she [jossessed an intellect 
of very high order, united with much 
l)ersonal loveliness, sweetness of dis- 
lX)sition, graceful manners and ex- 
quisite sensibilities. She died in 
183 1 ; having lived to see her son a 
young man of distinguished prom- 
ise, though she was not permitted to witness the high 
dignity which he finally attained. 

In conse<|uence of the secluded home and limited 
means of his father, Millard enjoyed but slender ad- 
vantages for education in his early years. The com- 
mon schools, which he occasionally attended were 
very imperfect institutions; and books were scarce 
anil expensive. There was nothing then in his char- 
acter to indicate the brilliant career uiwn which he 
was about to enter. He was a plain farmer's boy ; 
intelligent, good-looking, kind-hearted. The sacred 
1^ influences of home had taught him to revere the Bible, 
•i- and had laid the foundations of an upright character. 
-^ When fourteen years of age, his father sent iiiin 
*P» some hundred miles from home, to the then wilds of 
'\*- Livingston County, to learn the trade of a clothier. 
^ Near the mill there was a small villiage, where some 



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enterprising man had commenced the collection ot a 
village library. This i)roved an inestimable blessing 
to young Fillmore. His evenings were spent in read- 
ing. Soon every leisure moment was occupied with 
books. His thirst for knowledge became insatiate ; 
and the selections which he made were continually 
more elevating and instructive. He read history, 
biography, oratory, and thus gradually there was en- ^ 
kindled in his heart a desire to be something more )(>^ 
than a mere worker with his hands; and he was be- ^ 
coming, almost unknown to himself, a well-informed, 
educated man. 

Tile young clothier had now attained the age of 
nineteen years, and was of fine personal appearance 
and of gentlemanly demeanor. It so happened that 
there was a gentleman in the neighborhood of ample 
pecuniary means and of benevolence, — Judge Walter 
Wood,— who was struck with the ])repossessing a|)- 
pearance of young Fillmore. He made hisaccpiaint- 
ance, and was so much impressed with his ability and 
attainments that he advised him to abandon his 
trade and devote himself to the study of the law. The 
young man replied, that he had no means of his own, 
no friends to help him and that his previous educa- 
tion had been very im])erfect. Hut Judge Wood had 
so much confidence in him that he kindly offered to 
take him into his own office, and to loan him such ^ 
money as he needed. Most gratefully the generous 
offer was accepted. 

There is in many minds a strange delusion about 
a collegiate education. A young man is supix)sed to 
be liber.ally cducateil if he has graduated at some col- 
lege. But many a boy loiters through university halls '\J 
and then enters a law office, who is by no means as > .^ 






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MILLARD FILLMORE. 



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well prepared to prosecute his legal studies as was 
Millard Fillmore when he graduated at the clothing- 
mill at the end of four years of manual labor, during 
which every leisure moment had been devoted to in- 
tense mental culture. 

In 1S23, when twenty-three years of age, he was 
admitted to the Court of Common Pleas. He then 
went to the village of Aurora, and commenced the 
practice of law. In this secluded, peaceful region, 
his practice of course was limited, and there was no 
opportunity for a sudden rise in fortune or in fame. 
Here, in the year 1826, he married a lady of great 
moral worth, and one capable of adorning any station 
she might be called to fill, — Miss Abigail Powers. 

His elevation of character, his untiring industrj', 
his legal acquirements, and his skill as an advocate, 
gradually attracted attention ; and he was invited to 
enter into partnership under highly advantageous 
circumstances, with an elder member of the bar in 
Buffalo. Just before removing to Buffalo, in 1829, 
he took his seat in the House of Assembly, of the 
State of New York, as a representative from Erie 
County. Though he had never taken a very active 
part in politics, his vote and his sympathies were with 
the Whig party. The State was then Democratic, 
and he found himself in a helpless minority in the 
Legislature , still the testimony comes from all parlies, 
that his courtesy, ability and integrity, won, to a very 
unusual degrt e the respect of his associates. 

In the autumn of 1832, he was elected to a seat in 
the United States Congress. He entered that troubled 
arena in .some of the most tumultuous hours of our 
national history. The great conflict respecting the 
national bank and the removal of the deposits, was 
then raging. 

His term of two years closed ; and he returned to 
his profession, which he pursued with increasing rep- 
utation and success. After a lapse of two years 
he again became a candidate for Congress ; was re- 
elected, and took his seat in 1837. His past expe- 
rience as a representative gave him strength and 
confidence. The first term of service in Congress to 
any man can be but little more than an introduction. 
He was now prepared for active duty. All his ener- 
gies were brought to bear u[X)n the public good. Every 
measure received his impress. 

Mr. Fillmore was now a man of wide repute, and 
his popularity filled tlie State, and in the year 1847, 
he was elected Comptroller of the State. 




Mr. Fillmore had attained the age of forty-seven 
years. His labors at the bar, in the Legislature, in 
Congress and as Comptroller, had given him very con- 
siderable fame. The Whigs were casting about to 
find suitable candidates for President and Vice-Presi- 
dent at the approaching election. Far away, on the 
waters of the Rio Grande, there was a rough old 
soldier, who had fought one or two successful battles 
with the Mexicans, which had caused his name to be 
proclaimed in tiumpet-tones all over the land. But 
it was necessary to associate with him on the same 
ticket some man of reputation as a statesman. 

Under the influence of these considerations, the 
namesofZachary Taylor and Millard Fillmore became 
the rallying-cry of the Whigs, as their candidates for 
President and Vice-Peesident. The Whig ticket was 
signally triumphant. On the 4th of March, 1849, 
Gen. Taylor was inaugurated President, and Millard 
Fillmore Vice-President, of the United States. 

On the 9th of July, 1850, President Taylor, but 
about one year and four months after his inaugura- 
tion, was suddenly taken sick and died. By the Con- 
stitution, Vice-President Fillmore thus became Presi- 
dent. He appointed a very able cabinet, of which 
the illustrious Daniel Webster was Secretary of State. 

Mr. Fillmore had very serious difficulties to contend 
with, since the opposition had a majority in both 
Houses. He did everything in his power to conciliate 
the South ; but the pro-slavery party in the South felt 
the inadequacyof all measuresof transient conciliation. 
The population of the free States was so rapidly in- 
creasing over that of the slave States that it was in- 
evitable that the power of the Government should 
soon pass into the hands of the free States. The 
famous compromise measures were adopted under Mr. 
Fillmcre's adminstration, and the Japan Expedition 
was sent out. On the 4th of March, 1853, Mr. Fill- 
more, having served one term, retired. 

In 1856, Mr. Fillmore was nominated for the Pres- 
idency by the " Know Nothing " party, but was beaten 
by Mr. Buchanan. After that Mr. Fillmore lived in 
retirement. During the terrible conflict of civil war, 
lie was mostly silent. It was generally supjxised that 
his sympathies were rather with those who were en- 
deavoring to overthrow our institutions. President 
Fillmore kept aloof from the conflict, without any 
cordial words of cheer to the one party or the other. 
He was thus forgotten by both. He lived to a ripe 
old age, and died in Buffalo. N. Y., March 8, 1874. 






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FOURTEENTH PRESIDENT. 



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RANKLIN PIERCE, the 
fourteenth President of the 
Jf* United States, was bom m 
Hillsborough, N. H., Nov. 
23, 1804. His father was a 
Revolutionary soldier, who, 
with his own strong ami, 
hewed out a home in the 
wilderness. He was a man 
of inflexible integrity; of 
strong, though uncultivated 
mind, and an uncompromis- 
ing Democrat. The mother of 
Franklin Pierce was all that a son 
could desire, — an intelligent, pru- 
dent, affectionate. Christian wom- 
Franklin was the sixth of eight children. 
Franklin was a very l)right and handsome boy, gen- 
erous, warm-hearted and brave. He won alike the 
love of old and young. The boys on the play ground 
loved him. His teachers loved him. The neighbors 
looked upon him with pride and affection. He was 
by instinct a gentleman; always speaking kind words, 
doing kind deeds, with a peculiar unstudied tact 
which taught him what was agreeable. Witliout de- 
veloping any precocity of genius, or any unnatural 
'S devotion to books, he was a good scholar; in body, 
I in mind, in affections, a finely-developed boy. 

When sixteen years of age, in the year 1820, he 

entered Bowdoin College, at Brunswick, Me He was 

^ one of the most jwpular young men in the college. 

The ))urity of his moral character, the vinvarying 



^ courtesy of his demeanor, his rank as a scholar, and 



genial nature, rendered him a universal favorite. 
There was something very peculiarly winning in his 
address, and it was evidently not in the slightest de- 
gree studied: it was the simple outgushing of his 
own magnanimous and loving nature. 

Upon graduating, in the year 1824, Franklin Pierce 
commenced the study of law in the office of Judge 
Woodbury, one of the most distinguished lawyers of 
the State, and a man of great private worth. The 
eminent social qualities of the young lawyer, his 
father's prominence as a public man, and the brilliant 
political career into which Judge Woodbury was en- 
tering, all tended to entice Mr. Pierce into the faci- 
nating yet perilous path of ixjlitical life. With all 
the ardor of his nature he espoused the cause of Gen. 
Jackson for the Presidency. He commenced the 
practice of law in Hillsborough, and was soon elected 
to represent the town in the State Legislature. Here 
he served for four yeais. The last two years he was 
chosen speaker of the house by a very large vote. 

In 1833, at the age of twenty-nine, he was elected 
a member of Congress. Without taking an active 
part in debates, he was faithful and laborious in duly, 
and ever rising in the estimation of those with wliom 
he was associatad. 

In 1837, being then but thirty-three years of age, 
he was elected to the Senate of the United States; 
taking his seat just as Mr. Van Buren commenced 
his administration. He was the youngest member in 
the Senate. In the year 1S34. lie maaied Miss Jane 
Means Appleton, a lady of rare beauty and accom- 
plishments, and one admirably fitted to adorn every 
station with which her husband was honoied. Of the 









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FRANKLIN PIERCE. 



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three sons who were bom to them, all now sleep with 
their parents in the grave. 

In the year 1838, Mr. Pierce, with growing fame 
and increasing business as a lawyer, took up his 
residence in Concord, the capital of New Hampshire. 
President Polk, upon his accession to office, appointed 
Mr. Pierce attorney-general of the United States ; but 
the offer was declined, in consei]uence of numerous 
professional engagements at home, and the precariuos 
state of Mrs. Pierce's health. He also, about the 
same time declined the nomination for governor by the 
Democratic party. The war with Mexico called Mr. 
Pierce in the army. Receiving the appointment of 
brigadier-general, he embarked, with a portion of his 
troops, at Newport, R. I., on the 27th of May, 1847. 
He took an imfwrtant part in this war, proving him- 
self a brave and true soldier. 

When Gen. Pierce reached his home in his native 
State, he was received enthusiastically by the advo- 
cates of the Mexican war, and coldly by his oppo- 
nents. He resumed the practice of his profession, 
very frequently taking an active part in political ques- 
tions, giving his cordial support to the pro-slavery 
wing of the Democratic party. The compromise 
measures met cordially with his approval ; and he 
strenuously advocated the enforcement of the infa- 
mous fugitive-slave law, which so shocked the religious 
sensibilities of the North. He thus became distin- 
guished as a "Northern man with Southern principles.'' 
The strong partisans of slavery in the South conse- 
quently regarded him as a man whom they could 
safely trust in office to carry out their plans. 

On the 1 2th of June, 1852, the Democratic conven- 
tion met in Baltimore to nominate a candidate for the 
Presidency. For four days they continued in session, 
and in thirty-five ballotings no one had obtained a 
two-thirds vote. Not a vote thus far had been thrown 
for Gen. Pierce. Then the Virginia delegation 
brought forward his name. There were fourteen 
more ballotings, during which Gen. Pierce constantly 
gained strength, until, at the forty-ninth ballot, he 
received two hundred and eighty-two votes, and all 
otlicr candidates eleven. Gen. Winfield Scott was 
the Whig candidate. Gen. Pierce was chosen with 
great unanimity. Only four States — Vermont, Mas- 
sachusetts, Kentucky and Tennessee — cast their 
electoral votes against him Gen. Franklin Pierce 
was therefore inaugurated President of the United 
States on the 4th of March, 1853. 





His administration proved one of the most stormy our 
country had ever experienced. The controversy be- 
tween slavery and freedom was then approaching its 
culminating point. It became evident that there was 
an " irrepressible conflict" between them, and that 
this Nation could not long exist " half slave and half 
free." President Pierce, during the whole of his ad- 
ministration, did every thing he could to conciliate 
the South ; but it was all in vain. The conflict every 
year grew more violent, and threats of the dissolution 
of the Union were borne to the North on every South- 
ern breeze. 

Such was the condition of affairs when President 
Pierce approached the close of his four-years' term 
of office. The North had become thoroughly alien- 
ated from him. The anti-slavery sentiment, goaded 
by great outrages, had been rapidly increasing; all 
the intellectual ability and social worth of President 
Pierce were forgotten in deep reprehension of his ad- 
ministrative acts. The slaveholders of the South, also, 
unmindful of the fidelity with which he had advo- 
cated those measures of Government which they ap- 
proved, and perhaps, also, feeling that he had 
rendered himself so unpopular as no longer to be 
able acceptably to serve them, ungratefully dropped 
him, and nominated James Buchanan to succeed him. 

On the 4th of March, 1857, President Pierce re- 
tired to his home in Concord. Of three children, two 
had died, and his only surviving child had been 
killed before his eyes by a railroad accident ; and his 
wife, one of the most estimable and accomplished of 
ladies, was rapidly sinking in consumption. The 
hour of dreadful gloom soon came, and he was left 
alone in the world, without wife or child. 

When the terrible Rebellion burst forth, which di- 
vided our country into two parties, and two only, Mr. 
Pierce remained steadfast in the principles which he 
had always cherished, and gave his sympathies to 
that pro-slavery party with which he had ever been 
allied. He declined to do anything, either by voice 
or pen, to strengthen the hand of the National Gov- 
ernment. He continued to reside in Concord until 
the time of his death, which occurred in October, 
1869. He was one of the most genial and social of 
men, an honored communicant of the Episcopal 
Church, and one of the kindest of neighbors. Gen- 
erous to a fault, he contributed liberally for the al- 
leviation of suffering and want, and many of his towns- 
people were often gladened by his material bounty. 



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I'IFTEENTH PRESIDENT. 
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AMES BUCHANAN, the fif- 
teenth President of the United 
States, was born in a small 
frontier town, at the foot of the 
eastern ridue of tlie AUegha- 
V(5f .:;.: J^'./ nies, in Franklin Co., I'enn., on 
■^ " the 23d of April, 1791. Tlie place 

(, ■ i where the humble cabin of his 
~^ is' .'^1 lather stood was called Stony 







Batter. It was a wild and ro- 
mantic si)ot in a gorge of the moun- 
tains, with towering summits rising 
grandly all around. His father 
was a native of the north of Ireland ; 
a iX)or man, who had emigrated in 
1783, with little property save his 
own strong arms. Five years afterwards he married 
Elizabeth Spear, the daughter of a respectable farmer, 
and, with his young bride, plunged into the wilder- 
ness, staked his claim, reared his log-hut, opened a 
clearing with his axe, and settled down tliere to per- 
form his obscure part in tlie drama of life. In this se- 
cluded home, where James was born, he remained 
fur eight years, enjoying but few social or intellectual 
advantages. When James was eight yearsof age, his 
father removed to the village of Mercersburg, where 
(^ his son was placed at school, and commenced a 
] course of study in English, Latin and Greek. His 
«-■'-• progress was rapid, and at the age of fourteen, he 
:. entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle. Here he de- 
^ veloped remarkable talent, and took his stand among 
I •,) the first scholars in the institution. His application 
^ to study was intense, and yet his native j)owers en- 




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abled him to master the most abstruse subjects with 
facility. 

In the year 1809, he graduated with the highest 
honors of his class. He was then eighteen years of 
age; tall and graceful, vigorous in health, fond of 
athletic sport, an unerring shot, and enlivened with 
an exuberant flow of animal spirits. He immediately 
commenced the study of law in the city of Lancaster, 
and was admitted to the bar in 1812, when he was 
but twenty-one years of age. Very rapidly he rose 
in his profession, and at once took undisputed stand 
with the ablest lawyers of the State. When but 
twenty-six years of age, unaided by counsel, he suc- 
cessfully defended before the State Senate one of the 
judges of the State, who was tried upon articles of 
impeachment. .\t the age of thirty it was generally 
admitted that he stood at the head of the bar; and 
there was no lawyer in the State who had a more lu- 
crative practice. 

In 1820, he reluctantly consented to run as a 
candidate for Congress. He was elected, and for 
ten years he remained a member of the Lower House. 
During the vacations of Congress, he occasionally 
tried some imix)rtant case. In 1831, he r(?lired 
altogether from the toils of his ])rofession, having .ac- 
• [uired an ample fortune. 

Gen. Jackson, ui)on his elevation to the Presidency, 
ap)X)inted Mr. Buchanan minister to Russia. The 
duties of his mission he performed with ability, which 
gave satisfaction to all parties. Ujwn his return, in 
1833, he was elected to a seat in the United States 
Senate. He there met, as his associates, Webster, 
Clay, AVright and Calhoun. He advocated the meas- 
ures projwsedby President Jackson, of making repri- 



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sals against France, to enforce the payment of our 
claims against that country ; and defended the course 
of the President in his unprecedented and wliolesale 
removal from office of those who were not the sup- 
porters of liis administration. Upon this question he 
was brouglit into direct collision with Henry Clay. 
He also, with voice and vote, advocated e.\[)unging 
from the journal of the Senate tlie vote of censure 
against Gen. Jackson for removing the deposits. 
Earnestly he opposed the al)olition of slavery in the 
District of Columbia, and urged the prohibition of the 
circulation of anti-slavery documents by the United 
States mails. 

As to petitions on the subject of slavery, he advo- 
cated that they should be respectfully received; and 
that the reply should be returned, that Congress had 
no jwwer to legislate upon the subject. " Congress," 
said he, "might as well undertake to interfere with 
slavery under a foreign government as in any of the 
States where it nowe.xists." 

Upon Mr. Polk's accession to the Presidency, Mr. 
Buchanan became Secretary of State, and as such, 
took his share of the responsibility in the conduct of 
the Mexican War. Mr. Polk assumed that crossing 
the Nueces by the American troops into the disputed 
territory was not wrong, but for the Mexicans to cross 
the Rio Grande into that territory was a declaration 
of war. No candid man can read with pleasure the 
account of the course our Government pursued in that 
movement. 

Mr. Buchanan identified himself thoroughly with 
the party devoted to the pi^rpetuation and extension 
\ of slavery, and brought all the energies of his mind 
to bear against the Wilmot Proviso. He gave his 
cordial approval to the comin'omise measures of 1S50, 
which included the fugitive-slave law, Mr. Pierce, 
upon his election to the Presidency, honored Mr. 
Buchanan with the mission to England. 

In the year 1856, a national Democratic conven- 
tion nominated Mr. Buchanan for the Presidency. The 
political conflict was one of the most severe in which 
our country has ever engaged. All the friends of 
slavery were on one side; all the advocates of its re- 
striction and final abolition, on the other. Mr. Fre- 
mont, the candidate of the enemies of slavery, re- 
ceived 1 14 electoral votes. Mr. Buchanan received 
174, and was elected. The popular vote stood 
1,340,618, for Fremont, 1,224,750 for Buchanan. On 
March 4th, 1857, Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. 
Mr. Buchanan was far advanced in life. Only four 
> years were wanting to fill up liis threescore years and 
\ ten. His own friends, those with whom he had been 
"• allied in [wlitical principles and action for years, were 
seeking the destruction of the Government, that they 
might rear u[)on the ruins of our free institutions a 
nation whose corner-stone should be human slavery. 
\^ In this emergency, Mr. Buchanan was hopelessly be- 
^ >yildered. He could not, with his long-avowed prin- 



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ciples, consistently oppose the State-rights party in 
their assumptions. As President of the United States, 
bound by his oath faithfully to administer the laws, 
he could not, without i)erjury of the grossest kind, 
imite witli those endeavoring to overthrow the repub- 
lic. He therefore did nothing. 

The opponents of Mr. Buchanan's administration 
nominated Abraham Lmcoln as their standard bearer 
in the next Presidential canvass. The pro-slaverv 
party declared, that if he were elected, and the con- 
trol of the Government were thus taken from their 
hands, they would secede from the Union, taking 
with them, as they retired, the National Capitol at 
Washington, and the lion's share of the territory of 
the United States. 

Mr. Buchanan's sympathy with the [)ro-slavery 
party was such, that he had been willing to offer them 
far more than they had ventured to claim. All the 
.South had professed to ask of the North was non- 
intervention upon the subject of slavery. Mr. Bu- 
chanan had been ready to offer them the active co- 
operation of the Government to defend and extend 
the institution. 

As the storm increased in violence, tlie slaveholders 
claiming the right to secede, and Mr. Buchanan avow- 
ing that Congress had no power to prevent it, one of 
the most pitiable exhibitions of governmental im- 
becility was exhibited the world has ever seen. He 
declared that Congress had no power to enforce its 
laws in any State which had withdrawn, or which 
was attempting to withdraw from the Union. This 
was not the doctrine of Andrew Jackson, when, with 
his hand upon his sword-hilt, he exclaimed, " The 
Union must and shall be preserved!" 

-South Carolina seceded in December, i860; nearly 
three months before the inauguration of President 
Lincoln. Mr. Buchanan looked on in listless despair. 
The rebel flag was raised in Charleston : Fort Sampler 
was besieged; our forts, navy-yards and arsenals 
were seized; our depots of military stores were plun- 
dered ; and our custom-houses and post-offices were 
ai)propriated by the rebels. 

The energy of the rebels, and the imbecility of our 
Executive, were alike marvelous. The Nation looked 
on in agony, waiting for the slow weeks to glide away, 
aitd close the administration, so terrible in its weak- 
ness At length the long-looked-for hour of deliver- 
ance came, when Abraham Lincoln was to receive the 
scepter. 

The administration of President Buchanan was 
certainly the most calamitous our country has ex- 
perienced. His best friends cannot recall it with 
])leasure. .'\nd still more deplorable it is for his fame, 
that in that dreadful conflict which rolled its billows 
of flame and blood over our whole land, no word came 
from his lips to indicate his wish that our country's 
banner should triumph over the flag of the rebellion. 
He died at his Wheatland retreat, June i, 1868. 



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BRAHAM LINCOLN, 

„, sixteentli President of 
i-#Uiiited States, was born 
•%] Hardin Co., Ky., Feb. 
\h 1809. About tlie year 1780, a 
man by the name of Abraham 
Liiicohi left Virginia with his 
family and moved into the then 
wilds of Kentucky. Only two years 
after tliis emigration, still a young 
man, while working one day in a 
field, was stealthily approached by 
an Indian and shot dead. His widow 
was left in extreme poverty with five 
little children, three boys and two 
girls. Thomas, the youngest of the 
boys, was four years of age at his 
father's death. This Thomas was 
the father of .Vbrahain Lincoln, the 
' President of the United States 
whose name must henceforth forever be enrolled 
with tiie most prominent in the annals of our wodc^. 
Of course no record has been kept of the life 
of one so lowly as Thomas Lincoln. He was among 
the ix)orest of the jwor. His home was a wretched 
log-cabin; his food the coarsest and the meanest. 
Education he had none; he could never either read 
or write. As soon as he was able to do anything for 
himself, he was compelled to leave the cabin of his 
starving mother, and push out into the world, a friend- 
less, wandering boy, seeking work. He hired him- 
self out, and thus s|)ent the whole of his youth as a 
laborer in the fields of others. 

When twenty-eight years of age he built a log- 
cabin of his own, and married Nancy Hanks, the 
daughter of another family of poor Kentucky emi- 
grants, who had also come from Virginia. Their 
second child was Abraham Lincoln, the subject of 
this sketch. The mother of Abraham was a noble 
woman, gentle, loving, pensive, created to adorn 
a palace, doomed to toil and pine, and die in a hovel. 
".Ml ihat I am, or hope to be," e.xclaims the grate- 
ful son " I owe to my angel-mother. " 

When he was eight years of age, his father sold his 




cabin and small Airm, and moved to Indiana. Where 
two years later his mother died. 

Abraham soon became the scribe of the uneducated 
community around iiini. He could not have had a 
better school than this to tcacii him to put thoughts 
into words. He also became an eager reader. The 
books he could obtain were few ; but these he read 
and re-read until they were almost committed to 
memory. 

As tlie years rolled on, the lot of this lowly family 
was the usual lot of humanity. I'hi're were joys and 
griefs, weddings and funerals. Abraham's sister 
Sarah, to whom he was tenderly attached, was mar- 
ried when a child of but fourteen years of age, and 
soon died. The family was gradually scattered. Mr.' 
Thomas Lincoln sold out his squatter's claim in 1830, 
and emigrated to Macon Co., 111. 

Abraham Lincoln was then twenty-one years of age. 
With vigorous hands he aided his father in rearing 
another log-cabin. .Abraham worked diligently at this 
until he saw the family comfortably settled, and their 
small lot of enclosed prairie planted with corn, when 
he announced to his father his intention to leave 
home, and to go out into the world and seek his for- 
tune. Little did he or his friends imagine how bril- 
liant that fortune was to be. He saw the value of 
education, and was intensely earnest to improve his 
mind to the utmost of his jjower. He saw the ruin 
which ardent spirits were causing, and became 
strictly temperate; refusing to allow a drop of intoxi- 
cating liipior to pass his lips. And he had read in 
Cod's word, "Thou shalt not take the name of the 
Lord thy Cod in vain;" and a ])rofaiie expression he 
was never heard to utter. Religion he revered. His 
morals were pure, and he was uncontaminated by a 
single vice. 

Young Abraham worked for a time as a hired laliorer 
among the farmers. Then he went to Springfield, 
where he was employed in building a large flat-boat. 
In this he took a herd of swine, floated ihem down 
the Sangamon to the Illinois, and thence by the Mi.s 
sissippi to New Orleans. Whatever Abraham 
coin undertook, he performed so faithfully as to give 
great satisfaction to his employers. In this adven 









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ture his employers were so well pleased, that upon 
his return they placed a store and mill under his care. 

In 1832, at the outbreak of the Black Hawk war, he 
enlisted and was chosen captain of a company. He 
returned to Sangamon County, and although only 23 
years of age, was a candidate for the Legislature, but 
was defeated. He soon after received from Andrew 
Jackson the appointmentof Postmaster of New Salem, 
His only post-otfice was his hat. All the letters he 
received he carried there ready to deliver to those 
he chanced to meet. He studied surveying, and soon 
made this liis business. In 1834 he again became a 
candidate for the Legislature, and was elected Mr. 
Stuart, of Springfield, advised him to study law. He 
walked from New Salem to Springfield, borrowed of 
Mr. Stuart a load of books, carried them back and 
began his legal studies. When the Legislature as- 
sembled he trudged on foot with his pack on his back 
one hundred miles to Vandalia, then the capital. In 
1836 he was re-elected to the Legislature. Here it 
was he first met Stephen A. Douglas. In 1839 he re- 
moved to Springfield and began the practice of law. 
His success with the jury was so great that he was 
soon engaged in almost every noted case in the circuit. 

In 1854 the great discussion began between Mr. 
Lincoln and Mr. Douglas, on the slavery question. 
In the organization of the Republican party in Illinois, 
in 1856, he took an active part, and at once became 
one of the leaders in that party. Mr. Lincoln's 
speeches in opposition to Senator Douglas in the con- 
test in 1858 for a seat in the Senate, form a most 
notable part of his history. The issue was on the 
slavery (luestion, and he took the broad ground of 
the Declaration of Independence, that all men are 
created equal. Mr. Lincoln was defeated in this con- 
test, but won a far higher prize. 

The great Republican Convention met at Chicago 
on the i6lh of June, i860. The delegates and 
strangers who crowded the city amounted to twenty- 
five tliousand. .\n immense building called "The 
Wigwam," was reared to accommodate the Conven- 
tion. Tliere were eleven candidates for whom votes 
were thrown. William H. Seward, a man whose fame 
as a statesman had long filled tlie land, was the most 
prominent. It was generally su|)posed he would be 
the nominee. Abraham Lincoln, however, received 
the nomination on the third ballot. Little did he then 
dream of the weary years of toil and care, and the 
bloody death, to wliich that nomination doomed him: 
and as little did he dream that lie was to render services 
to his country, which would fix upon him tlie eyes of 
the whole civilized world, and which would give him 
ai)lacein the affections of his countrymen, second 
only, if second, to that of Washington. 

Election day came and Mr. Lincoln received 180 
electoral votes out of 203 cast, and was, therefore, 
constitutionally elected President of the United States. 
The tirade of abuse that was [wured \i[)oi\ this good' 



and merciful man, especially by the slaveholders, was 
greater than upon any other man ever elected to this 
higli position. In February, 1861, Mr. Lincoln started 
for Washington, stopping'in all the large cities on his 
way making speeches. The wliole journey was frought 
with much danger. Many of the Southern States had 
already seceded, and several attempts at assassination 
were afterwards brought to light. A gang in Balti- 
more had arranged, upon his arrival to "get up a row," 
and in the confusion to make sure of his death with 
revolvers and hand-grenades. A detective unravelled 
the plot. A secret and special train was provided to 
take him from Harrisburg, through Baltimore, at an 
unexpected hour of the night. The train started at 
half-past ten ; and to prevent any possible communi- 
cation on the part ot tlie Secessionists with their Con- 
federate gang in Baltimore, as soon as the train had 
started the telegraph-wires were cut. Mr. Lincoln 
reached Washington in safety and was inaugurated, 
although great anxiety was felt by all loyal people. 
In the selection of his cabinet Mr. Lincoln gave 
to Mr. Seward the Department of State, and to other 
prominent opponents before the convention he gave 
important jxjsitions. 

During no other administration have the duties 
devolving upon the President been so manifold, and 
the responsibilities so great, as those which fell to 
the lot of President Lincohi. Knowing this, and 
feeling his own weakness and inability to meet, and in 
his own strength to cope with, the difficulties, he 
learned early to seek Divine wisdom and guidance in 
determining his plans, and Divine comfort in all his 
trials, both personal and national. Contrary to his 
own estimate of himself, Mr. Lincoln was one of the 
most courageous of men. He went directly into the 
rebel capital just as the retreating foe was leaving, 
with no guard but a few sailors. From the time he 
had left S[)ringfield, in 1861, however, plans had been 
made for liis assassination, and he at last fell a victim 
to one of them. April 14, 1865, he, with Gen. Grant, 
was urgently invited to attend Fords' Theater. It 
was announced that they would Le present. Gen. 
Grant, however, left the city. President Lincoln, feel- 
ing, witli liis characteristic kindliness of heart, that 
it would l)e a disappointment if he should fail them, 
very reluctantly consented to go. While listening to 
the play an actor by the name of John Wilkes Booth 
entered the box where tlie President and family were 
seated, and fired a bullet into his brains. He died tlie 
next morning at seven o'clock. 

Never before, in the history of the world was a nation 
plunged into such dee|) grief by the death of its ruler. 
Strong men met in the streets and wept in speechless 
anguish. It is not too much to say that a nation was 
in tears. His was a life which will fitly become a 
model. His name as tlie savior of his country will 
live with that of Washington's, its father; hiscountr)-- 
men being unable to decide which is the greater. 




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HJ NDRP:W J(^HNS()N, sevcn- 
® teenth President of the United 
If States. The early life of 
j. jj Andrew Johnson contains but 
1^,- • -w^ --^^jT ''^"^ record of poverty, destitu- 
^-^>^: S-t/ tion and friendlessness. He 
!^ / was born December 29, 180S, 
in Raleigh, N. C. His parents, 
belonging to the class of the 
"poor whites " of the South, were 
in such circumstances, that they 
could not confer even the slight- 
est advantages of education uixjn 
their child. When Andrew was five 
years of age, his father accidentally 
lost his life while herorically endeavoring to save a 
friend from drowning. Until ten years of age, Andrew 
was a ragged boy about the streets, supixDrted by the 
labor of his mother, who obtained her living with 
her own hands. 

He then, having never attended a school one day, 
and being unable either to read or write, was ap- 
prenticed to a tailor in his native town. A gentleman 
was in the habit of going to the tailor's shop occasion- 
ally, and reading to the boys at work there. He often 
read from the speeches of distinguished British states- 
men. Andrew, who was endowed with a mind of more 
than ordinary native ability, became much interested 
in these speeches ; his ambition was roused, and he 
was inspired with a strong desire to learn to re.ad. 

He accordingly applied himself to the alphabet, and 
with the assistance of some of his fellow-workmen, 
learned his letters. He then called ui)on the gentle- 
roan to borrow the book of speeches. The owner. 



pleased with his zeal, not only gave him the hcwk, 
but assisted him in learning to combine the letters 
into words. Under such difficulties he pressed on- 
ward laboriously, spending usually ten or twelve hours 
at work in the sho]), and then robbing himself of rest 
and recreation to devote sucli time as he could to 
reading. 

He went to Tennessee in 1826, and located at 
Greenville, where he married a young lady who pos- 
sessed some education. Under her instructions he 
learned to write and cipher. He became prominent 
in the village debating society, and a favorite with 
the students of Greenville College. In 1828, he or- 
ganized a working man's party, which elected him 
alderman, and in 1830 elected him mayor, which 
position he held three years. 

He now began to take a lively interest in jxilitical 
affairs; identifying himself with the working-classes, 
to which he belonged. In 1835, he was elected a 
member of the House of Representatives of Tennes- 
see. He was then just twenty-seven years of age. 
He became a very active member of the legislature, 
gave his adhesion to the Democratic party, and in 
1840 "stumped the State," advocating Martin Van 
Buren's claims to the Presidency, in ojjjwsition to those 
of Gen. Harrison. In this campaign he acquired much 
readiness as a si)eaker, and extended and increased 
his reputation. 

In [841, he was elected Stale Senator; in 1843, he 
was elected a member of Congress, and by successive 
elections, held that imiwrtant iwst for ten years. In 
1853, he was elected Governor of Tennessee, and 
was re-elected in 1855. In all these resj^nsible ix)si- 
tions, he discharged his duties with distinguished abil- 

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^ ity, and proved himself the warm friend of the work- 
V:- ing classes. In 1857, Mr. Johnson was elected 
', United States Senator. 

f Years before, in 1845, he had warmly advocated 
f). the annexation of Texas, stating however, as his 
reason, that he thought this annexation would prob- 
ably prove " to be the gateway out of which the sable 
sons of Africa are to pass from bondage to freedom, 
and become merged in a population congenial to 
themselves." In 1850, he also supported the com- 
promise measures, the two essential features of which 
were, that the white people of the Territories should 
be permitted to decide for themselves whether they 
would enslave the colored people or not, and that 
the free States of the North should return to the 
South persons who attempted to escape from slaver)'. 
Mr. Johnson was neverashamedof his lowly origin: 
on the contrary, he often took pride in avowing that 
he owed his distinction to his own exertions. "Sir," 
said he on the floor of the Senate, " I do not forget 
that I am a mechanic ; neither do I forget that Adam 
was a tailor and sewed fig-leaves, and that our Sav- 
ior was the son of a carpenter." 

In the Charleston-Baltimore convention of i860, he 
was the choice of the Tennessee Democrats for the 
Presidency. In 1861, when the purpose of the South- 
em Democracy became apparent, he took a decided 
stand in favor of the Union, and held that " slavery 
must be held subordinate to the Union at whatever 
cost." He returned to Tennessee, and repeatedly 
imperiled his own life to protect the Unionists of 
Tennesee. Tennessee having seceded from the 
Union, President Lincoln, on March 4th, 1862, ap- 
^ pointed him Military Governor of the State, and he 
•1 established the most stringent military rule. His 
\ numerous proclamations attracted wide attention. In 

1864, he was elected Vice-President of the United 
States, and upon the death of Mr. Lincoln, April 15, 

1865, became President. In a speech two days later 
he said, "The American people must be taught, if 
they do not already feel, that treason is a crime and 
must be punished ; that the Government will not 
always bear with its enemies ; that it is strong not 
only to protect, bat to punish. * * The people 
must understand that it (treason) is the blackest of 
crimes, and will surely be punished." Yet his whole 
administration, the history of which is so well known, 
was in utter inconsistency with, and the most violent 



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opposition to, the principles laid down in that speech. 

In his loose policy of reconstruction and general 
amnesty, he was opposed by Congress ; and he char- 
acterized Congress as a new rebellion, and lawlessly 
defied it, in everything possible, to the utmost. In 
the beginnirig of 1868, on account of "high crimes 
and misdemeanors," the principal of which was the 
removal of Secretary Stanton, in violation of the Ten- 
ure of Office Act, articles of impeachment were pre- 
ferred against him, and the trial began March 23. 

It was very tedious, continuing for nearly three 
months. A test article of the impeachment was at 
length submitted to the court for its action. It was 
certain that as the court voted upon that article so 
would it vote upon all. Thirty-four voices pronounced 
the President guilty. As a two-thirds vote was neces- 
sary to his condemnation, he was pronounced ac- 
quitted, notwithstanding the great majority against 
him. The change of one vote from the not guilty 
side would have sustained the impeachment. 

The President, for the remainder of his term, was 
but little regarded. He continued, though impotently, 
his conflict with Congress. His own party did not 
think it expedient to renominate him for the Presi- 
dency. The Nation rallied, with enthusiasm unpar- 
alleled since the days of Washington, around the name 
of Gen. Grant. Andrew Johnson was forgotten. 
The bullet of the assassin introduced him to the 
President's chair. Notwithstanding this, never was 
there presented to a man a better opportunity to im- 
mortalize his name, and to win the gratitude of a 
nation. He failed utterly. He retired to his home 
in Greenville, Tenn., taking no very active part in 
politics until 1875. On Jan. 26, after an exciting 
struggle, he was chosen by the Legislature of Ten- 
nessee, United States Senator in the forty-fourth Con- 
gress, and took his seat in that body, at the special 
session convened by President Grant, on the 5th of 
March. On the 27th of July, 1875, the ex-President 
made a visit to his daughter's home, near Carter 
Station, Tenn. When he started on his journey, he was 
apparently in his usual vigorous health, but on reach- 
ing the residence of his child the following day, was 
stricken with paralysis, rendering him unconscious. 
He rallied occasionally, but finally passed away at 
2 A.M., July 31, aged sixty-seven years. His fun- 
eral was attended at Geenville, on the 3d of August, 
with every demonstration of respect. 



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LYSSES S. GRANT, the 
eighteenth President of the 
5 United States, was born on 
the 29th of April, 1822, of 
Christian parents, in a humble 
' home, at Point Pleasant, on the 
banks of the Ohio. Shortly after 
his father moved to George- 
town, Brown Co., O. In this re- 
mote frontier hamlet, Ulysses 
received a common-school edu- 
cation. At tiie age of seven- 
teen, in the year 1839, he entered 
the Military Academy at West 
Point. Here he was regarded as a 
solid, sensible young man of fair abilities, and of 
sturdy, honest character. He took respectable rank 
as a scholar. In June, 1843, he graduated, about the 
middle in his class, and was sent as lieutenant of in- 
fantry to one of the distant military jwsts in the Mis- 
souri Territory. Two years he i)ast in these dreary 
solitudes, watching the vagabond and exasperating 
Indians. 

The war with Mexico came. Lieut. Grant was 
sent with his regiment to Corpus Christi. His first 
battle was at Palo Alto. There was no chance here 
for the exhibition of either skill or heroism, nor at 
Resaca de la Palma, his second battle. K\ the battle 
of Monterey, his third engagement, it is said that 
he performed a signal service of daring and skillful 
horsemanship. His brigade had exhausted its am- 
munition. A messenger must be sent for more, along 
a route exjxssed to the bullets of the foe. Lieut. 
Grant, adopting an expedient learned of the Indians, 
grasped the mane of his horse, and hanging \\\io\\ one 
v^ side of the animal, ran the gauntlet in entire safety. 



From Monterey he was sent, with the fourth infantry, 
to aid Gen. Scott, at the siege of Vera Cruz. In 
preparation for the march to the city of Mexico, he 
was appointed quartermaster of his regiment. At the 
battle of Molino del Rey, he was promoted to a 
first lieutenancy, and was brevetted captain at Cha- 
pultepec. 

At the close of the Mexican War, Capt. Grant re- 
turned with his regiment to New York, and was again 
sent to one of the military posts on the frontier. The 
discover)' of gold in California causing an immense 
tide of emigration to flow to the Pacific shores, Capt. 
Grant was sent with a battalion to Fort Dallas, in 
Oregon, for the protection of the interests of the im- 
migrants. Life was wearisome in those wilds. Capt. 
Grant resigned his commission and returned to the 
States; and having married, entered uiwn the cultiva- 
tion of a small farm near St. Louis, Mo. He had but 
little skill as a farmer. Finding his toil not re- 
munerative, he turned to mercantile life, entering into 
the leather business, with a younger brother, at Ga- 
lena, 111. This was in the year i860. As the tidings 
of the rebels firing on Fort Sumpter reached the ears 
of Capt. Grant in his counting-room, he said, — 
"Uncle Sam has educated me for the anny; though 
1 have served him through one war, I do not feel that 
I have yet repaid the debt. I am still ready to discharge 
my obligations. I shall therefore buckle on my sword 
and see Uncle Sam through tliis war too." 

He went into the streets, raised a company of vol- 
unteers, and led them as their captain to Springfield, 
the capital of the Stale, where their services were 
offered to Gov. Yates. The Governor, impressed by 
the zeal and straightforward executive ability of Capt. 
Grant, gave him a desk in his office, to assist in the 
volunteer organization that was being formed in the 
State in behalf of the Government. On the 15th of 



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June, 1 86 1, Capt. Grant received a comraissioii as 
Colonel of the Twenty-first Regiment of Illinois Vol- 
unteers. His merits as a West Point graduate, who 
had served for 15 years in the regular army, were such 
that he was soon promoted to the rank of Brigadier- 
General and was jilaced in command at Cairo. The 
rebels raised their banner at Paducah, near the mouth 
of the Tennessee River. Scarcely had its folds ap- 
peared in the breeze ere Gen. Grant was there. The 
rebels fled. Their banner fell, and the stars and 
stripes were unfurled in its stead. 

He entered the service with great determination 
and immediately began active duty. This was the be- 
ginning, and until the surrender of Lee at Richmond, 
he was ever pushing the enemy with great vigor and 
effectiveness. At Belmont, a few days later, he sur- 
prised and routed the rebels, then at Fort Henry 
won another victory. Then came the brilliant fight 
at Fort Donelson. The nation was electrified by tlie 
victory, and the brave leader of the boys in blue was 
immediately made a Major-General, and the military 
district of Tennessee was assigned to him. 

Like all great captains, Gen. Grant knew well how 
to secure the results of victory. He immediately 
pushed on to the enemies' lines. Then came the 
terrible battles of Pittsburg Landing, Corinth, and the 
siege of Vicksburg, where Gen. Pemberton made an 
unconditional surrender of the city with over thirty 
thousand men and one-hundred and seventy-two can- 
non. The fall of Vicksburg was by far the most 
severe blow which the rebels had thus far encountered, 
and opened up the Mississippi from Cairo to the Gulf. 

Gen. Grant was next ordered to co-operate with 
Gen. Banks in a movement upon Texas, and pro- 
ceeded to New Orleans, where he was thrown from 
his horse, and received severe injuries, from which he 
was laid up for months. He then rushed to the aid 
of Gens. Rosecrans and Thomas at Chattanooga, and 
by a wonderful series of strategic and tactical meas- 
ures put the Union army in fighting condition. Then 
followed the bloody battles at Chattanooga, Lookout 
Mountain and Missionary Ridge, in which the rebels 
were routed with great loss. This won for him un- 
bounded praise in the North. On the 4th of Febru- 
ary, 1S64, Congress revived the grade of lieutenant- 
general, and the rank was conferred on Gen. Grant. 
He repaired to Washington to receive his credentials 
and enter upon the duties of his new office. 





Gen. Grant decided as soon as he took charge of 
the army to concentrate the widely-dispersed National 
troops for an attack upon Richmond, the nominal 
capital of the Rebellion, and endeavor there to de- 
stroy the rebel armies which would be promptly as- 
sembled from all quarters for its defence. The whole 
continent seemed to tremble under the tramp of these 
majestic armies, rushing to the decisive battle field. 
Steamers were crowded with troops. Railway trains 
were burdened with closely packed thousands. His 
plans were comprehensive and involved a series of 
campaigns, which were executed with remarkable en- 
ergy and ability, and were consummated at the sur- 
render of Lee, April 9, 1865. 

The war was ended. The Union was saved. The 
almost unanimous voice of the Nation declared Gen. 
Grant to be the most prominent instrument in its sal- 
vation. The eminent services he had thus rendered 
the country brought him conspicuously forward as the 
Republican candidate for the Presidential chair. 

At the Republican Convention held at Chicago, 
May 21, 1868, he was unanimously nominated for the 
Presidency, and at the autumn election received a 
majority of the popular vote, and 214 out of 294 
electoral votes. 

The National Convention of the Republican party 
which met at Philadelphia on the 5th of June, 1872, 
placed Gen. Grant in nomination for a second temi 
by a unanimous vote. The selection was emphati- 
cally indorsed by the people five months later, 292 
electoral votes being cast for him. 

Soon after the close of his second term. Gen. Grant 
started upon his famous trip around the world. He 
visited almost every country of the civilized world, 
and was everywhere received with such ovations 
and demonstrations of respect and honor, private 
as well as public and official, as were never before 
bestowed upon any citizen of the United States. It 
is not too much to say that his modest, courteous, and 
dignified demeanor in the presence of the most dis- 
tinguished men in the different nations in the world, 
reflected honor upon the Republic which he so long 
and so faithfully served. Tlie country felt a great 
jnide in his reception. Upon his arrival in San Fran- 
cisco, Sept. 20, 1879, the city authorities gave him a 
fine reception. After lingering in the Golden State 
for a while, he began his tour tlirough the States, 
which extended North and .'^oulh, evcr)-where mark- 
ed by great acclamation and splendid ovations. 



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NINETEENTH PRESIDENT. 



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UTHERFORD H. HAYES, 
the nineteenth President of 
the United States, was born in 
Delaware, O., Oct. 4, 1822, al- 
most three months after the 
death of his father, Rutherford 
Hayes. His ancestry on both 
the paternal and maternal sides, 
was of the most honorable char- 
acter. It can be traced, it is said, 
as far back as 1280, when Hayes and 
Rutherford were two Scottish chief- 
tains, fighting side by side with 
Baliol, William Wallace and Robert 
Bruce. Both families belonged to the 
nobility, owned extensive estates, 
and had a large following. Misfor- 
tune overtaking the family, Cieorge Hayes left Scot- 
land in 1680, and settled in Windsor, Conn. His son 
Cieorge was born in Windsor, and remained there 
during his life. Daniel Hayes, son of the latter, mar- 
ried Sarah Lee, and lived from the time of his mar- 
riage until his death in Simsbury, Conn. Ezckiel, 
son of Daniel, was born in 1724, and was a manufac- 
turerof scythes at Bradford, Conn. Rutherford Hayes, 
son of Ezekiel and grandfather of President Hayes, was 
born in New Haven, in August, 1756. He was a farmer, 
blacksmith and tavern-keeper. He emigrated to 
Vermont at an unknown date, settling in Brattleboro, 
where he established a hotel. Here his son Ruth- 
erford Hayes, the father of President Hayes, was 






born. He was married, in September, 1813, to Sophia 
Birchard, of Wilmington, Vt., whose ancestors emi- 
grated thither from Connecticut, they having been 
among the wealthiest and best famlies of Norwich. 
Her ancestry on the male side are traced back to 
1635, to John Birchard, one of the principal founders 
of Norwich. Both of her grandfathers were soldiers 
in the Revolutionary War. 

The father of President Hayes was an industrious, 
frugal and opened-hearted man. He was of a me- 
chanical turn, and could mend a plow, knit a slock- 
ing, or do almost anything else that he choose to 
undertake. He was a member of the Church, active 
in all the benevolent enterprises of the town, and con- 
ducted his business on Christian principles. After 
the close of the war of 1812, for reasons inexplicable 
to his neighbors, he resolved to emigrate to Ohio. 

The journey from Vermont to Ohio in that day, 
when there were no canals, steamers, nor railways, 
was a very serious affair. \ tour of inspection was 
first made, occupying four months. Mr. Hayes deter- 
mined to move to Delaware, where the family arrived 
in 1817. He died July 22, 1822, a victim of malarial 
fever, less than three months before the birth of the 
son, of whom we now write. Mrs. Hayes, in her sore be- 
reavement, found the support she so much needed in 
her brother Sardis, who had been a member of the 
household from the day of its departure from Ver- 
mont, and in an orphan girl whom she had adopted 
some time before as an act of charity. 

Mrs. Hayes at this period was very weak, and the 



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subject of this sketch was so feeble at birth that he 
was not expected to live beyond a month or two at 
most. As the months went by he grew weaker and 
weaker, so that the neighbors were in the habit of in- 
quiring from time to time " if Mrs. Hayes' baby died 
last night." On one occasion a neighbor, who was on 
familial- terms with the family, after alluding to the 
boy's big head, and the mother's assiduous care of 
him, said in a bantering way, " That's right ! Stick to 
him. You have got him along so far, and 1 shouldn't 
wonder if he would really come to something yet." 

"You need not laugh," said Mrs. Hayes. "You 
wait and see. You can't tell but I shall make him 
President of the United States yet." The boy lived, 
in spite of the universal predictions of his speedy 
death; and when, in 1825, his older brother was 
drowned, he became, if possible, stilly dearer to his 
mother. 

The boy was seven years old before he went to 
school. His education, however, was not neglected. 
He probably learned as much from his mother and 
sister as he would have done at school. His sports 
were almost wholly within doors, his playmates being 
his sister and her associates. These circumstances 
tended, no doubt, to foster that gentleness of dispo- 
sition, and that delicate consideration for the feelings 
of others, which are marked traits of his character. 
His uncle Sardis Birchard took the deepest interest 
in his education ; and as the boy's health had im- 
proved, and he was making good progress in his 
studies, he proposed to send him to college. His pre- 
paration commenced with a tutor at home; but he 
was afterwards sent for one year to a professor in the 
Wesleyan University, in Middletown, Conn. He en- 
tered Kenyon College in 1838, at the age of sixteen, 
and was graduated at the head of his class in 1842. 
Immediately after his graduation he began the 
study of law in the office of Tliomas Sparrow, Esq., 
in Columbus. Finding his opportunities for study in 
Columbus somewhat limited, he determined to enter 
the Law School at Cambridge, Mass., where he re- 
mained two years. 

In 1845, after graduating at the Law School, he was 
admitted to the bar at Marietta, Ohio, and shortly 
afterward went into practice as an attorney-at-law 
with Ralph P. Buckland, of Fremont. Here he re- 
mained three years, acquiring but a limited practice, 
and apparently unambitious of distinction in his pro- 
fession. 

In 1S49 he moved to Cincinnati, where his ambi- 
tion found a new stimulus. For several years, how- 
ever, his progress was slow. Two events, occurring at 
this period, had a jiowerful influence iqwn his subse- 
quent life. One of these was his marrage with Miss 
Lucy Ware Webb, daughter of Dr. James Wel>b, of 
Chilicothe; the other was his introduction to the Cin- 
cinnati Literary Club, a l)ody embracing among its 
members such men as Chief Justice Salmon P. Chase, 




Gen. John Pope, Gov. Edward F. 
others hardly less distinguished 
marriage was a fortunate one in 
everybody knows. Not one of all 



many 
The 



Noyes, and 

in after life. 

every respect, as 

the wives of our 




Presidents was more universally admired, reverenced 
and beloved than was Mrs. Hayes, and no one did 
more than she toreflect honor upon American woman- 
hood. The Literary Club brought Mr. Hayes into 
constant association with young men of high char- 
acter and noble aims, and lured him to display the 
qualities so long hidden by his bashfulness and 
modesty. 

In 1856 he was nominated to the office of Judge of 
the Court of Common Pleas; but he declined to ac- 
cept the nomination. Two years later, the office of 
city solicitor becoming vacant, the City Council 
elected him for the unexpired term. 

In 1861, when the Rebellion broke out, he was at 
the zenith of his professional life. His rank at the 
bar was among the the first. But the news of the 
attack on Fort Sumpter found him eager to take up 
arms for the defense of his country. 

His military record was bright and illustrious. In 
October, 186 1, he was made Lieutenant-Colonel, and 
in August, 1 86 2, promoted Colonel of the 79th Ohio 
regiment, but he refused to leave his old comrades 
and go among strangers. Subsequently, however, he 
was made Colonel of his old regiment. At the battle 
of South Mountain he received a wound, and while 
faint and bleeding displayed courage and fortitude 
that won admiration from all. 

Col. Hayes was detached from his regiment, after 
his recovery, to act as Brigadier-General, and placed 
in command of the celebrated Kanawha division, 
and for gallant and meritorious services in the battles 
of Winchester, Fisher's Hill and Cedar Creek, he was 
promoted Brigadier-General. He was also brevetted 
Major-General, "for gallant and distinguished services 
during the campaigns of 1864, in West Virginia." In 
the course of his arduous services, four horses were 
shot from under him, and he was wounded four times. 

In 1864, Gen. Hayes was elected to Congress, from 
the Second Ohio District, which had long been Dem- 
ocratic. He was not present during the campaign, 
and after his election was importuned to resign his 
commission in the army; but he finally declared, " I 
shall never come to Washington until 1 can come by 
the way of Richmond." He was re-elected in 1866. 

In 1867, Gen Hayes was elected (Governor of Ohio, 
over Hon. Allen G. Thurman, a jwpular Democrat. 
In 1869 was re-elected over George H. Pendleton. 
He was elected Governor for the third term in 1875. 

In 1876 he was the standard bearer of the Repub- 
lican Party in the Presidential contest, and after a 
hard long contest was chosen President, and was in 
augurated Monday, March 5, 1875. He served his 
full term, not, hcwever, witli satisfaction to his party 
but his administration was an average one. 



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AMES A. (;ARFIELD, iwun- 
tieth President of tlie United 
States, was born Nov. 19, 
1 83 1, in the woods of Orange, 
Cuyahoga Co., O His par- 
, eats were Abram and EHza 

J^ p V -''' V : 4 (Ballon) Garfield, both of New 
'^ ■'" England ancestry and from fami- 
lies well known in the early his- 
'\ tory of that section of our coun- 
try, but had moved to the Western 
Reserve, in Ohio, early in its settle- 
ment. 

The house in which James A. was 
born was not unlike the houses of 
poor Ohio farmers of that day. ft 
was about 20x30 feet, built of logs, with the spaces be- 
tween the logs filled with clay. His father was a 
J hard working farmer, and he soon had his fields 
^ cleared, an orchard planted, and a log barn built. 
,^} The household comprised tlic father and mother and 
their four children — Mehetal)el, Tiiomas, Mary and 
James. In May, 1823, the father, from a cold con- 
tracted in helping to i)ut out a forest fire, died. At 
tills time James was about eighteen montlis old, and 
Thomas about ten years old. No one, perhaps, can 
tell how much James was indebted to his biother's 
toil and self-sacrifice during the twenty years suc- 
ceeding his father's death, but undoubtedly very 
much. He now lives in Michigan, and the two sis- 
ters live in Solon, O., near their birthplace. 

Tlie early educational advantages young Garfield 
enjoyed were very limited, yet he made the most of 
them. He labored at farm work for others, did car- 
penter work, chopped wood, or did anything that 
would bring in a few dollars lo ai<l his widowed 
^ mother in her struggles to keep the little family to- 



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gether. Nor was Gen. (larfield ever ashamed of his 
origin, and he never forgot the friends of his strug- 
gling childhood, youth and manhood, neither did they 
ever forget him. When in tlie highest seals of honor, 
the humblest fiiend of his boyhood was as kindly 
greeted as ever. The ])oorest laborer was sure of tlie 
sympathy of one who had kni;wn all the bitterness 
of want and the sweetness of bread earned by the 
sweat of the brow. He was ever the simple, plain, 
modest gentleman. 

The highest ambition of young Garfield until he 
was about si.vteen years old was to be a captain of 
a vessel on Lake Erie. He was anxious to go aboard 
a vessel, wliich his mother strongly opposed. She 
finally consented to his going to C^leveland, with the 
understanding, however, that he should try to obtain 
some other kind of employment. He walked all the 
way to Cleveland. This was his first visit to the city. 
.\fier making many applications for work, and trying 
to get aboard a lake vessel, and not meeting with 
success, he engaged as a driver for his cousin, Amos 
Letcher, on the Ohio iV Pennsylvania Canal. He re- 
mained at this work but a short time when lie went 
home, and attended the seminary at Chester for 
about three years, when he entered Hiram and the 
Eclectic Institute, teaching a few terms of school in 
tlie meantime, and doing other work. This school 
was started by the Disciples of Christ in i<S5o, of 
whicli churcli he was then a member. He became 
janitor and bell-ringer in order to help pay his way. 
He then became both teacher and pupil. He soon 
" exhausted Hiram " and needed more ; hence, in the 
fall of 1854, he entered Williams College, from which 
he graduated in 1856, taking one of the highest hon- 
ors of his class. He afterwards returned lo Hiram 
College as its President. As above slated, he early 
united with the Christian or Diciples C"hurch at 
Hiram, and was ever after a devoted, zealous mem- 
ber, often preaching in its pulpit and places where 
he iiappened to be. Dr. Noah Porter, President of 
Vale College, says of liim in reference to his religion ; 



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" President Garfield was more than a man of 
strong moral and religious convictions. His whole 
history, from boyhood to the last, shows that duty to 
man and to God, and devotion to Christ and life and 
faith and spiritual commission were controlling springs 
of his being, and to a more than usual degree. In 
my judgment there is no more interesting feature of 
his character than his loyal allegiance to the body of 
Christians in which he was trained, and the fervent 
sympathy which he ever showed in their Christian 
communion. Not many of the few 'wise and mighty 
and noble who are called ' show a similar loyalty to 
the less stately and cultured Christian communions 
in which they have been reared. Too often it is true 
that as they step upward in social and political sig- 
nificance they step upward from one degree to 
another in some of the many types of fashionable 
Christianity. President Garfield adhered to the 
church of his mother, the church in which he was 
trained, and in which he served as a pillar and an 
evangelist, and yet with the largest and most unsec- 
larian charity for all 'who loveour Lord in sincerity.'" 

Mr. Garfield was united in marriage with Miss 
Lucretia Rudolpli, Nov. 1 1, 1858, who proved herself 
worthy as the wife of one whom all the world loved and 
mourned. To them were born seven children, five of 
whom are still living, four boys and one girl. 

Mr. Garfield made his first political speeches in 1856, 
in Hiram and the neighboring villages, and three 
years later he began to speak at county mass-meet- 
ings, and became tlie favorite speaker wherever he 
was. During this year he was elected to the Ohio 
Senate. He also began to study law at Cleveland, 
and in 1861 was admitted to the bar. The great 
Rebellion broke out in the early part of this year, 
and Mr. Garfield at once resolved to fight as he had 
talked, and enlisted to defend the old flag. He re- 
ceived his commission as Lieut. -Colonel of the Forty- 
second Regiment of Ohio Volunteer Infantry, Aug. 
14,1861, He was immediately put into active ser- 
vice, and before he had ever seen a gun fired in acHon, 
was placed in command of four regiments of infantry 
and eight companies of cavalry, charged with the 
work of driving out of his native State the officer 
(Humphrey M^.rsliall) reputed to be the ablest of 
those, not educated to war whom Kentucky had given 
to the Reliellioii. This work was bravely and speed- 
ily accomplished, although against great odds. Pres- 
ident Lincoln, on his success commissioned him 
Brigadier-General, Jan. 10, 1862; and as "he had 
been the youngest man in the Ohio Senate two years 
before, so now he was the youngest General in the 
army." He was with Gen. Buell's army at Shiloh, 
in its operations around Corinth and its marcli through 
Alabama. He was then detailed as a member of the 
General Court-Martial for the trial of Gen. Fitz-John 
Porter. He was then ordered to report to Gen. Rose- 
crans, and was assigned to the " Chief of Staff." 

The military history of Gen. Garfield closed with 




his brilliant services at Chickamauga, where he won 
the stars of the Major-General. 

Without an effort on his part Gen. Garfield was 
elected to Congress in the fall of 1862 from the 
Nineteenth District of Ohio. This section of Ohio 
had been represented in Congress for sixty years 
mainly by two men — Elisha Whittlesey and Joshua 
R. Giddings. It was not witliout a struggle that he 
resigned his place in the army. At the time he en- 
tered Congress he was the youngest member in that 
body. There he remained by successive re- 
elections until he was elected President in 1880. 
Of his labors in Congress Senator Hoar says : " Since 
the year 1864 you cannot think of a question which 
has been debated in Congress, or discussed before a 
tribunel of the American people, in regard to which 
you will not find, if you wish instruction, the argu- 
ment on one side stated, in almost every instance 
better than by anybody else, in some speech made in 
the House of Representatives or on the hustings by 
Mr. Garfield." 

Ui»n Jan. 14, 1880, Gen. Garfield was elected to 
the U. S. Senate, and on the eighth of June, of the 
same year, was nominated as the candidate of his 
party for President at the great Chicago Convention. 
He was elected in the following November, and on 
March 4, r88i, was inaugurated. Probably no ad- 
ministration ever opened its existence under brighter 
auspices than that of President Garfield, and every 
day it grew in favor with the peojjle, and by the first 
of July lie had completed all the initiatory and pre- 
liminary work of his administration and was prepar- 
ing to leave the city to meet his friends at Williams 
College. While on his way and at the depot, in com- 
pany with Secretary ISlaine, a man stepped behind 
liim, drew a revolver, and fired directly at his back. 
The President tottered and fell, and as he did so the 
assassin fired a second shot, the bullet cutting the 
left coat sleeve of his victim, but inflicting no further 
injury. It has been very truthfully said that this was 
" the shot that was heard round the world " Never 
liefore in the history of the Nation liad anything oc- 
curred which so nearly froze the blood of the people 
for tlie moment, as this awful deed. He was smit- 
ten on the briglitest, gladdest day of all his life, and 
was at the summit of his power and hope. For eighty 
days, all during the hot months of July and August, 
he lingered and suffered. He, however, remained 
master of himself till the last, and by his magnificent 
bearing was teaching tlie country and the world the 
noblest of human lessons — liow to live grandly in the 
very clutch of death. Great in life, he was surpass- 
ingly great in death. He passed serenely away Sept. 
19, 1883, at Elberon, N. J., on the very bank of the 
ocean, where he had been taken shortly previous. The 
world wept at his death, as it never had done on the 
death of any other man who had ever lived u]ion it. 
The murderer was duly tried, found guilty and exe- 
cuted, in one year after he committed the foul deed. 



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A. ARTHUR, 

President of the 

United States, was born in 

Franklin County, Vermont, on 

"^ the fifthof October, 1830, and is 

%.r:;C;,nJ^ the oldest of a family of two 






'-' sons and five daughters. His 

father was the Rev. Dr. William 

Arthur, a Baptist clergyman, who 

emigrated to this countrj' from 

the county Antrim, Ireland, in 

liis 1 8th year, and died in 1875, in 

Newtonville, near Albany, after a 

long and successful ministry. 

Young Arthur was educated at 

Union College, Schenectady, where 

he excelled in all his studies. Af- 

% ter his graduation he taught school 

&in Vermont for two years, and at 
- the expiration of that time came to 
New York, with $500 in his pocket, 
and entered the office of ex-Judge 
E. D. Culver as student. After 
1 being admitted to the bar he formed 
a partnership with his intimate friend and room-mate, 
Henry I). Gardiner, with the intention of practicing 
in the West, and for three months they roamed about 
in the Western States in search of an eligible site, 

tbut in the end returned to New York, where they 
hung out their shingle, and entered upon a success- 
, ful career almost from the start, (leneral Arthur 
V« soon afterward married the daughter of Lieutenant 



Herndon, of the United States Navy, who was lost at 
sea. Congress voted a gold medal to his widow in 
recognition of the bravery he displayed on that occa- 
sion. Mrs. Arthur died shortly before Mr. Arthur's 
nommation to the Vice Presidency, leaving two 
children. 

Gen. Arthur obtained considerable legal celebrity 
in his first great case, the famous Lemmon suit, 
brought to recover possession of eight slaves who had 
been declared free by Judge Paine, of the Superior 
Court of New York City. It was in 1852 that Jon- 
athan Lemmon, of Virginia, went to New York with 
his slaves, intending to ship them to Texas, when 
they were discovered and freed. The Judge decided 
that they could not be held by the owner under the 
Fugitive Slave Law. A howl of rage went up from 
the South, and the Virginia Legislature authorized the 
Attorney General of that State to assist in an appeal. 
Wm. M. Evarts and Chester A. Arthur were employed 
to represent the People, and they won their case, 
which then went to the Supreme Court of the United 
States. Charles O'Conor here csjwused the cause 
of the slave-holders, but l;e too was beaten by Messrs. 
Evarts and Arthur, and a long step was taken toward 
the emancipation of the black race. 

Another great service was rendered by General 
Arthur in the same cause in 1856. Lizzie Jennings, 
a respectable colored woman, was put off a Fourth 
Avenue car with violence after she had paid her fare. 
General Arthur sued on her behalf, and secured a 
verdict of $500 damages. The next day the compa- 
ny issued an order to admit colored persons to ride 
on their cars, and the other car companies ipiickly 



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followed their example. Before that the Sixth Ave- 
§) nue Company ran a few special cars for colored per- 
^ sons and the other lines refused to let them ride at all. 
f General Arthur was a delegate to the Convention 
at Saratoga that founded the Republican party. 
Previous to the war he was Judge-Advocate of the 
Second Brigade of the State of New York, and Gov- 
ernor Morgan, of that State, appointed huii Enginecr- 
in-Chief of his staff. In 1861, he was made Inspec- 
tor General, and soon afterward became Quartermas- 
ter-General. In each of these offices he rendered 
great service to the Government during the war. At 
the end of Governor Morgan's term he resumed the 
practice of the law, forming a partnership with Mr. 
Ransom, and then Mr. Phelps, the District Attorney 
of New York, was added to the firm. The legal prac- 
tice of this well-known firm was very large and lucra- 
tive, each of the gentlemen composing it were able 
lawyers, and possessed a splendid local reputation, if 
not indeed one of national extent. 

He always took a leading part in State and city 
politics. He was appointed Collector of the Port of 
New York by President Grant, Nov. 21 1872, to suc- 
ceed Tliomas Murphy, and held the office until July, 
20, 1878, when he was succeeded by Collector Merrill. 

Mr. Arthur was nominated on the Presidential 
ticket, with Gen. James A. Garfield, at the famous 
National Republican Convention held at Chicago in 
June, 18S0. This was perhaps the greatest political 
convention that ever asseml)led on the continent. It 
was composed of the leading politicians of the Re- 
publican party, all able men, and each stood firm and 
fought vigorously and with signal tenacity for their 
respective candidates that were before the conven- 
tion for the nomination. Finally Gen. Garfield re- 
ceived the nomination for President and Gen. Arthur 
for Vice-President. The campaign which followed 
was one of the most animated known in the history of 
our country. Gen. Hancock, the standard-bearer of 
the Democratic party, was a popular man, and his 
party made a valiant fight for his election. 

Finally the election came and the country's choice 
was Garfield and Arthur. They were inaugurated 
March 4, 1881, as President and Vice-President. 
A few months only had passed ere the newly chosen 
President was the victim of the assassin's bullet. Then 
came terrible weeks of suffering, — those moments of 
anxious suspense, when the hearts of all civilized na- 

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covery of the noble, the good President. The remark- 
able patience that he manifested during those hours 
and weeks, and even months, of the most terrible suf- 
fering man has often been called upon to endure, was 
seemingly more than human. It was certainly God- 
like. During all this period of deepest anxiety Mr. 
Arthur's every move was watched, and be it said to his 
credit that his every action displayed only an earnest 
desire that the suffering Garfield might recover, to 
serve the remainder of the term he had so auspi- 
ciously begun. Not a selfish feeling was manifested 
in deed or look of this man, even though the most 
honored ]X)sition in the world was at any moment 
likely to fall to him. 

At last God in his mercy relieved President Gar- 
field from further suffering, and the world, as never 
before in its history over the death of any other 
man, wept at his bier. Then it became the duty of 
the Vice President to assume the resix)nsibilities of 
the high office, and he took the oath in New York, 
Sept. 20, 1881. The jwsition was an embarrassing 
one to him, made doubly so from the facts that all 
eyes were on him, anxious to know what he would'do, 
what policy he would pursue, and who he would se- 
lect as advisers. The duties of the office had been 
greatly neglected during the President's long illness, 
and many important measures were to be immediately 
decided by him ; and still farther to embarrass him he 
did not fail to realize under what circumstances he 
became President, and knew the feelings of many on 
this point. Under these trying circumstances President 
Arthur took the reins of the Government in his own 
hands ; and, as embarrassing as were the condition of 
affairs, he has happily surprised the Nation, acting so 
justly, so wisely, so well, that but few have criticised 
his administration. Should he continue during the 
remainder of his term to pursue the wise policy he 
has followed thus far, we believe President Arthur's 
administration will go down in history as one of the 
wisest and most satisfactory our country has ever 
enjoyed. His highest ambition seems to be to do his (q^ 
duty to the whole Nation, even to tlie sacrifice of his f 
warmest personal friends. AVith the good of the ^|g 
people at heart, and guided by the wisdom already m 
displayed, he will surprise his opponents, gratify his >jf 
friends, and bless the .Xmerican Republic, during ^', 
the years he occupies the Presidential chair, ^ 






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GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



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TEPHEN T. MASON, the 

'■*' first Oovcrnorof Michigan, was 
a son of Gen. John T. Mason, 
of Kentucky, but was born in 
Virginia, in i8 1 2. At the age 
*=^ of 19 he was apiwinted Secre- 
tary of Michigan Territory, and 
served in that capacity during the 
administration of Gov. George li. 
Porter. Upon the death of Gov. 
Porter, which occurred on the 6tii of 
July, 1834, Mr. Mason became Act- 
ing Governor. In October, 1835, he 
was elected Governor under the St ate 
organization, and immediately en- 
tered u[X)n the performance of the 
duties of the office, although the 
State was not yet admitted into the Union. .After 
the State was admitted into the Union, Governor 
Mason was re-elected to the position, and served with 
credit to himself and to the advantage of the Stale. 
He died Jan. 4, 1843. The principal event during 
Governor Mason's official career, was that arising from 
the disputed southern boundary of the State. 

Michigan claimed for her southern boundary a line 
running east across the peninsula from the extreme 
southern [xiint of Lake Michigan, e.xtending through 
Lake Erie, to the Pennsylvania line. This she 
claimed as a vested right — a right accruing to her by 
compact. This compact was the ordinance of 1787, 
the parties to which were the original 13 States, and 
the territory northwest of the Ohio; and, by the suc- 
cession of i)arties under statutory amendments to the 
ordinance and laws of Congress — the United States on 
the one part, and each Territory northwest of the 
Ohio, as far as affected by their provisions, on the 




other. Michigan, therefore, claimed it under the jirior 
grant, or assignation of boundary, 

Ohio, on the other liand, claimed that the ordinance 
had been superseded by the Constitution of the 
United States, and that Congress had a right to regu- 
late the boundary. It was also claimed that the 
Constitution of the State of Ohio having described a 
different line, and Congress having admitted the State 
under that Constitution, without mentioning the sub- 
ject of the line in dispute. Congress had thereby given 
its consent to the line as laid down by the Constitu- 
tion of Ohio. This claim was urged by Ohio at 
some periods of the controversy, but at others she aiw 
peared to regard the (piestion unsettled, by the fact 
that she insisted upon Congress taking action in re- 
gard to the boundary. Accordingly, we find that, in 
18 1 2, Congress authorized the Surveyor-General to 
survey a line, agreeably to the act, to enable the people 
of Ohio to form a Constitution and State government. 
Owing to Indian hostilities, however, the line was not 
run till 1818. In 1820, the question in disj)ute 
underwent a rigid examination by the Committee on 
Public Lands. The claim of Ohio was strenuously 
urged by her delegation, and as ably opjxjsed liy Mr. 
Woodbridge, the then delegate from Michigan. The 
result was that the committee decided unanimously 
in favor of Michigan; but, in the hurry of business, 
no action was taken by Congress, and the (piestion 
remained open till Michigan organized her State gov- 
ernment. 

The Territory in dispute is about five miles in 
width at the west end, and about eight miles in width 
at the east end, and extends along the whole north- 
ern line of Ohio, west of Lake Erie. The line claimed 
liy Michigan was known as the " Fulton line," and 
that claimed by Ohio was known as the" Harris line," 



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from the names of the surveyors. The territory was 
valuable for its rich agricultural lands; but the chief 
value consisted in the fact that the harbor on the 
Maumee River, where now stands the flourishing city 
of Toledo, was included within its limits The town 
originally bore the name of Swan Creek, afterwards 
Port Lawrence, then Vestula, and then Toledo. 

In February, 1835, the Legislature of Ohio passed 
an act extending the jurisdiction of the State over 
the territory in question; erected townships and 
directed them to hold elections in April following. It 
also directed Governor Lucus to appoint three com- 
missioners to survey and re-mark the Harris line ; and 
named the first of April as the day to commence the 
survey. Acting Governor Mason, however, anticipated 
this action on the part of the Ohio Legislature, sent 
a special message to the Legislative Council, appris- 
ing it of Governor Lucas' message, and advised imme- 
diate action by that body to anticipate and counteract 
the proceedings of Ohio. Accordingly, on the 12th 
of February, the council passed an act making it a 
crimmal offence, punishable by a heavy fine, or im- 
prisonment, for any one to attempt to exercise any 
official functions, or accept any office within the juris- 
diction of Michigan, under or by virture of any au- 
thority not derived from the Territory, or the United 
States. On the 9th of March, Governor Mason wrote 
General Brown, then in command of the Michigan 
militia, directing him to hold himself in readiness to 
meet the enemy in the field in case any attempt was 
made on the part of Ohio to carrj' out the provisions 
of that act of the Legislature. On the 31st of March, 
Governor Lucus, with his commissioners, arrived at 
Perrysburgh, on their way to commence re-surveying 
the Harris line. He was accompanied by General 
Bell and staff, of the Ohio Militia, who proceeded to 
muster a volunteer force of aliout 600 men. This 
was soon accomplished, and the force fully armed and 
equipped. The force then went into camp at Fort 
Miami, to await the Governor's orders. 

In the meantime, Governor Mason, with General 
Brown and staff, had raised a force 800 to 1200 
strong, and were in jiossession of Toledo. General 
Brown's Staff consisted of Captain Henry Smith, of 
Monroe, Inspector; Major J. J. UUman, of Con- 
stantine, Quartermaster; William E. Broadman, of 
Detroit, and Alpheus Felch, of Monroe, Aids-de- 
camp. When Governor Lucas observed tlie deter- 
mined bearing of the Michigan braves, and took note 



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of their number, he found it convenient to content 
himself for a time with " watching over the border." 
Several days were passed in this exhilarating employ- 
ment, and just as Governor Lucas had made up his 
mind to do something rash, two commissioners ar- 
rived from Washington on a mission of peace. They 
remonstrated with Gov. Lucus, and reminded him of 
the consequences to himself and his State if he per- 
sisted in his attempt to gain possessionof the disputed 
territory by force. After several conferences with 
both governors, the connnissioners submitted proposi- 
tions for their consideration. 

Governor Lucas at once accepted the propositions, 
and disbanded his forces. Governor Mason, on the 
other hand, refused to accede to the arrangement, and 
declined to compromise the rights of his people by a 
surrender of possession and jurisdiction. When Gov- 
ernor Lucus disbanded his forces, however. Governor 
Mason partially followed suit, but still held himself 
in readiness to meet any emergency that might arise. 

Governor Lucus now supposed that his way was 
clear, and that he could re-mark the Harris line with- 
out being molested, and ordered the commissioners 
to proceed with their work. 

In the meantime. Governor Mason kept a watch- 
ful eye upon the proceedings. General Brown sent 
scouts through the woods to watch their movements, 
and report when operations were commenced. When 
the surveying party got within the county of Lena- 
wee, the under-sheriff of that county, armed with a 
warrant, and accompanied by a posse, suddenly made 
his appearance, and succeeded in arresting a jiortion 
of the party. The rest, including the commissioners, 
took to their heels, and were soon beyond the dis- 
puted territory. They reached Perrysburgh the fol- 
lowing day in a highly demoralized condition, and 
reported they had been attacked by an overwhelm- 
ing force of Michigan malitia, under command of 
General Brown. 

Tliis summary breaking up of the surveying party 
produced the most tremendous excitement throughout 
Ohio. Governor Lucas called an extra session of the 
Legislature. But little remains to be said in reference 
to the " war." The question continued for sometime 
to agitate the minds of the opposing parties; and the ■"■..■ 
action of Concress was impatiently awaited. Michigan ' y 
was admitted into the Union on the condition that ^ 
she give to Ohio the disputed territory, and accept 
in return the Northern Peninsula, which she did. .^^ 



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SECOND GO VERNOR OF MICHIGAN. 



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ILLIA.M WOODBRlIKiE, 
second (Governor of Michigan, 
was born at Norwich, Conn., 
Aug. 20, 1780, and died at 
' Detroit Oct. 20, i86i. He 
A was of a family of three brothers 
and two sisters. His father, 
I )udley Woodbridge, removed to 
Marietta, Ohio, al)Out 1790. The 
life of Wni. Woodbridge, by Chas. 
Lauman, from which this sketch 
is largely com piled, mentions noth- 
ing concerning his early education 
beyond the fact that it was such as 
was afforded by the average school 
of the lime, e.xcept a year with the 
French colonists at GalliixDlis, 
where he acquired a knowledge of 
the French language. It should 
be borne in mind, however, that 
home education at that time was 
an indispensable feature in the 
training of the young. To this and 
and to a few studies well mastered, 
is due that strong mental discipline which has served 
as a basis for many of the grand intellects that have 
adorned and helped to make our National history. 
Mr. Woodbridge studied law at Marietta, having 
as a fellow student an intimate personal friend, a 
young man subsequently distinguished, but known 
at that time simply as Lewis Cass. He graduated at 
the law school in Connecticut, after a course there of 
nearly three years, and began to practice at Marietta 
in 1806. In June, 1806, he married, at Hartford, Con- 
necticut, Juleanna, daughter of John Trunibell, a 
distinguished author and judge ; and author of the 



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peom McFingal, which, during a dark period of tlic 
Revolution, wrought such a magic change uiwn the 
spirits of the colonists. He was happy in his domes- 
tic relations until the death of Mrs. W., Feb. 2, 19, 1S60. 
Our written biographies necessarily speak more 
fully of men, because of their active participation in 
public affairs, but human actions are stamped upon 
the page of time and when the scroll shall be unrolled 
the influence of good women upon the history of the 
world will be read side by side with the deeds of men. 
How much success and renown in life many men owe 
to their wives is probably little known. Mrs. W. en- 
joyed the best means of early education that the 
country afforded, and her intellectual genius enabled 
her to improve her advantages. During her life, side 
by side with the highest tyi)e of domestic and social 
graces, she manifested a keen intellectuality that 
formed the crown of a faultless character. She was 
a natural poet, and wrote quite a large number of fme 
verses, some of which are preserved in a i)rinted 
memorial essay written upon the occasion of her 
death. In this essay, it is said of her "to contribute 
even in matters of minor imiwrtance, to elevate the 
reputation and add to the well being of her husband 
in the various stations he was called ujwn to fill, gave 
her the highest satisfaction." She was an invalid 
during the latter [wrtion of her life, but was patient 
and cheerful to the end. 

In 1807, Mr. W. was chosen a representative to the 

(ieneral Assembly of ( )hio, and in (809 was elected to (*~ 

the .Senate, continuing a member by re-election until I 

his removal from the State. He also held, by ap- «l» 

pointment, during the time the office of Prosecuting m 

Attorney for his county. He took a leading part in "«/ 

the Legislature, and in i Si 2 drew up a declaration and (.i, 

resolutions, which passed the two houses unaminously *^ 



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and attracted great attention, endorsing, in strongest 
and most empiiatic terms, the war measures of Presi- 
dent Madison. Dining the period from 1804 to 1814 
the two law students, Woodbridge and Cass, had be- 
come widely separated. Tlie latter was Governor of 
the Territory of Michigan under the historic "Governor 
and Judges" plan, with the indispensable requisite of a 
Secretary of the Territorry. This latter position was, 
in 1814, without solicitation on his part, tendered to 
Mr. W. He accepted the position with some hesita- 
tion, and entered upon its duties as soon as he could 
make the necessary arrangements for leaving Ohio. 
The office of Secretary involved also the duties of 
coUectorof customsat the port of Detroit, and during 
the frequent absences of the Governor, the dischargeof 
of his duties, also including those of Superintendent 
of Indian Affairs. Mr. W. officiated as Governor for 
about two years out of the eight years that he held the 
office of Secretary. Under the administration of "Gov- 
ernor and Judges," which the people of the Territory 
preferred for economical reasons, to continue some time 
after their numbers entitled them to a more popular 
representative system, they were allowed no delegate 
in Congress. Mr. W., as a sort of informal agent of 
the people, by correspondence and also by a visit to 
the National capital, so clearly set forth the demand 
for representation by a delegate, that an act was 
passedin Congress in iSigauthorizingone tobechosen. 
Under this act Mr. W. was elected by the concurrence 
of all parties. His first action in Congress was to secure 
the passage of a bill recognizing and confirming the 
old French land titles in the Territory according to 
the terms of the treaty, of peace with (ireat Britain 
at the close of the Revolution ; and another for the 
construction of a Government road through the "black 
swamps" from the ^\Iiami River to Detroit, thus open- 
ing a means of land transit between Ohio and Micli- 
igan. He was influential in securing the passage of 
bills for the construction of Government roads from 
Detroit to Chicago, and Detroit to Fort Gratiot, and 
for the improvement of La Plaisance Bay. The ex- 
pedition for the exploration of the country around 
Lake Superior and in the valley of the Upper Mis- 
sissi[)pi, projected l>y Governor Cass, was set on foot 
by means of representations made to the head of tlie 
department by Mr. W. While in Congress he stren- 
uously maintained the right of Michigan to the strip 
of territory now forming the northern boundary of 
Ohio, which formed the subject of such grave dispute 
between Ohio and Michigan at the time of the ad- 
mission of the latter into the Union. He served 
but one term as delegate to Congress, de- 
clining further service on account of personal and 
family considerations. Mr. \V. continued to discharge 
the duties of Secretary of the Territoiy up to the time 
its Government passed into the "second grade." 

\\\ 1824, he was appointed one of a I)oard of 
commissioners for adjusting private land claims in 



the Territory, and was engaged also in the practice of 
his profession, having the best law library in the Ter- 
ritory. In 1828, upon the recommendation of the 
Governor, Judges and others, he was appointed by the 
President, J. (^. Adams, to succeed Hon. James VVith- 
erell, who had resigned as a Judge of what is conven- 
tionally called thg "Supreme Court" of the Territory. 
This court was apparently a continuation of the Terri- 
torial Court, under the "first grade" or "Governor and 
Judges" system. .Mthough it was supreme in its ju- 
dicial functions within the Territory, its powers and 
duties were of a very general character. 

In 1832, the term of his appointment as Judge ex- 
piring. President Jackson appointed a successor, it is 
supposed on political grounds, much to the disappoint- 
ment of the public and the bar of the Territory. The 
partisan feeling of the time extended into the Terri- 
tory, and its people began to think of assuming the 
dignity of a State government. Party lines becom- 
ing very sharply drawn, he identified himself with 
the Whigs and was elected a member of the Conven- 
tion of 1835, which formed the first State Constitution. 
In 1837 he was elected amember of tie Slate Senate. 

This sketch has purposely dealt somewhat in detail 
with what may be called Judge W's. earlier career, 
because it is closely identified with the early his- 
tory of the State, and the develo]>ment of its (joliti- 
cal system. Since the organization of the State Gov- 
ernment the history of Michigan is more familiar, and 
hence no review of Judge W's career as (jovernor 
and Senator will be attempted. He was elected Gov- 
ernor in 1839, under a popular ini|)ression that the 
affairs of the State had not been prudently adminis- 
tered by the Democrats. He served as Governor but 
little more than a year, when he was elected to the 
Senate of the United States. 

His term in the Senate practically closed his polit- 
ical life, although he was strongly urged by many 
prominent men for the Whig nomination for Vice 
President in 1848. 

Soon after his appointment as Judge in 1828, Gov- 
ernor W. took up his residence on a tract of land 
which he owned in the township of Spring Wells, a 
sho^t distance below what was then the corporate lim- 
its of Detroit, where he resided during the remainder 
of his life. Both in his public papers and private 
communications, Governor \\'. sliows himself a mas- 
ter of language; he is fruitful in simile and illustra- 
tion, logical in arrangement, happy in the choice and 
treatment of topics, and terse and vigorous in expres- 
sion. Judge W. was a ('ongregalionalist. I lis opinions 
on all subjects were decided ; he was earnest and 
energetic, courteous and dignified, and at times ex- 
hibited a vein of fine humor that was tlie more at- 
tractive because not too often allowed to come to the 
surface. His letters and addresses show a deep and 
earnest affection. not only for his ancestral home, but 
-the home of his adoption and for friends and family. 




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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



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xJOHN B. BARRY _ 



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OHN STEWARD HARRY, 
Governor of Michigan from 
^Jan. 3, 1842, to Jan. 5, 1846, 
/J and from Jan. 7, 1850, to Jan. 
'~^^, I, 1852, was lx)rn at Amherst, 
/ N. H., Jan. 29, 1S02. His juir- 

^5 ents, John and Ellen (Steward) 
Harr)', early removed to Rocking- 
, ham, Vt., where he remained until 
^i» he became of age, working on his 
t ither's farm, and pursuing his 
-Indies at the same time. He mar- 
ried Mary Kidder, of Grafton, Vt., 
and in 1824 went to Georgia, Vt., 
where he had charge of an academy 
for two years, meanwhile studying 
law. He afterward practiced law in 
that State. While he was in Georgia he was for some 
time a member of the Governor's staff, with the title 
of Governors Aid, and at a somewhat earlier period 
was Captain of a company of Slate militia. In 1831 
he removed to Michigan, and settled at White Pigeon, 
where he engaged in mercantile business with I W 
Willard. 

Four years after, 1834, Mr. Barry removed to Con- 




stantine and continued his mercantile pursuits. He 
became Justice of the I'eace at White Pigeon, Mich., 
in 1831, and held the office until the year 1835. 
Mr. Barry's first public office was that of a member 
of the first constitutional convention, which assembled 
and framed the constitution ujwn which Michigan 
was admitted into the Union. He took an imjwrtant 
and prominent part in the jjroceedings of that body, 
and showed himself to be a man of far more than 
ordinary ability. 

Upon Michigan being admitted into the Union, 
Mr. Barry was cliosen State Senator, and so favorably 
were his associates impressed with his abilities at the 
first session of the Legislature that tliey looked to him 
as a party leader, and that he should head the State 
ticket at the following election. Accordingly he re- 
ceived the nomination for Governor at the hands 
of his party assembled in convention. He was 
elected, and so jKipuIar was his administration that, in 
1842, he was again elected. During these years 
Michigan was embarrassed by great financial diffi- 
culties, and it was through his wisdom and sound judg- 
ment that the State was finally placed ujxjn a solid 
financial basis. 

During the first year of Gov. Barry's first term, the 
University at Ann Arbor was opened for the reception 



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John STEWARD barry. 



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of students. The Michigan Central and Michigan 
Southern railroads were being rapidly constructed, and 
general progress was everj'where noticeable. In 1842, 
j the number of pupils reported as attending the public 
I schools was nearly fifty-eight thousand. In 1843, a 
State land office was established at Marshall, which 
was invested with the charge and disposition of all 
the lands belonging to the State. In 1844, the tax- 
able property of the State was found to be over 
twenty-eight millions of dollars, the tax being at the 
rate of two mills on the dollar. The expenses of the 
State were only seventy thousand dollars, while the 
income from the railroads was nearly three hundred 
thousand dollars. At tliis time the University of 
Michigan had become so prosperous that its income 
was ample to pay the interest on the University debt ; 
and the amount of money which the State was able 
to loan the several progressing railroads was one 
hundred and twenty thousand dollars. Efforts were 
made to increase the efficiency of the common schools 
with good results In r845, when Gov. Barry's sec- 
ond term expired, the population of the State was 
more than three hundred thousand. 

The constitution of the State forbade more than two 
consecutive terms, but he was called upon to fill the 
position again in 1850 — the only instance of the kind 
in tlie history of the State. He was a member of the 
Territorial Legislature, of the Constitutional Conven- 
tion, and afterward of the State House of Represent- 
atives. 

During Mr. Barry's third term as Governor the Nor- 
mal School was established at Ypsilanti, which was 
endowed with lands and placed in charge of a board 
of education consisting of six persons. A new con- 
stitution for the government of the State was also 
adopted and the " Great Railway Conspiracy Case " 
was tried. This grew out of a series of lawless acts 
which had been committed upon the [iroperty of the 
Michigan Central Raihoad Company, along the line 
of their road, and finally the burning of the de]X3t 
at Detroit, in 1850. 
;^ At a setting of the grand jury of Wayne County, 
^ April 24, 1851, 37 men of the 50 under arrest for this 
crime were indicted. May 20, following, the accused 
})arties appeared at the Circuit Court of Wayne, of 
wliicii Warner AVing was resident judge. The Rail- 
road Company employed ten eminent lawyers, in- 
cluding David Stuart, John Van Arman, James A. 
Van Dyke, Jacob M. Howard, .Mex. D. Fraser, Dan- 
iel Goodwin and William Gray. The defendants were 
represented by six members of the State bar, led by 
William H. Seward, of New York. The trial occupied 

tfour months, during which time the plaintiffs exam- 
ined 246 witnesses in 27 days, and the defendants 
\[t 249 in 40 days. Mr. Van Dyke addressed the jury 
■^ for the prosecution ; William H. Seward for the 
1?) defense. 
^ The great lawyer was convinced of tlie innocence 

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of his clients, nor did the verdict of that jury and the 
sentence of that judge remove his firm belief that his 
clients were the victims of purchased treachery, 
rather than so many sacrifices to justice. 

The verdict of " guilty " was rendered at 9 o'clock 
I'. -M., Sept. 25, 1851. (_)n the 26th the prisoners were 
put forward to receive sentence, when many of them 
protested their entire innocence, after which the pre- 
siding judge condemned 12 of the number to the fol- 
lowing terms of imprisonment, with hard labor, within 
the State's prison, situate in their county : Ammi 
Filley, ten years; Orlando L. Williams, ten years; 
Aaron Mount, eight years; Andrew J. Freeland, eight 
years; Eben Farnham, eight years; William Corvin, 
eight years; Richard Price, eight years; Evan Price, 
eight years; Lyman Chamiilin, five years; Willard 
W. Champlin, five years; F-rastus Champlin, five 
years; Erastus Smith, five years. 

In 1840, Gov. Barry became deeply interested in 
the cultivation of the sugar beet, and visited Eurojie 
to obtain information in reference to its culture. 

He was twice Presidential Elector, and his last 
public service was that of a delegate to the National 
Democratic Convention held in Chicago in 1864. 

He was a man who, throughout life, maintained a 
high character for integrity and fidelity to the trusts 
bestowed upon him, wliether of a public or a private 
nature, and he is acknowledged by all to have been 
one of the most efficient and popular (lovernors the 
Slate has ever had. 

Gov. Barry was a man of incorruptible integrity. 
His opinions, which he reached I)y the most thorough 
investigation, he held tenaciously. His strong con- 
victions and outspoken lionesty made it impossible for 
him to take an undefined position when a principle 
was involved. His attachments and prejudices were 
strong, yet he was never accused of favoritism in his 
administration of public affairs. .\s a speaker he was 
not remarkable. Solidity, ratlier than brilliancy, char- 
acterized his oratory, which is described as argument- 
ative and instructive, but cold, hard, and entirely 
wanting in rhetorical ornament. He was never elo- 
quent, seldom humorous or sarcastic, and in manner 
rather awkward. 

Although Mr. Barry's educational advantages were 
so limited, he was a life-long student. He mastered 
both ancient and modern languages, and acquired a 
thorough knowledge of history. No man owed less 
to political intrigue as a means of gaining posi- 
tion. He was a true statesman, and gained public es- 
teem by his solid worth. His political connections 
were always wUh the Democratic party, and his opin- 
ions were usually extreme. 

Mr. Barry retired to private life after the beginning 
of the ascendency of the Republican party, and car- 
ried on his mercantile business at Constantine. He 
died Jan. 14, 1R70, his wife's death having occurred a 
year previous, March 30, 1869. They left no children. 






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,PHEUS FELCH, the third 
rnor of Michigan, was 
)orn in Limerick, Maine, Sep- 
tember 28, 1806. His grand- 
father, Ahijah Felch, was a sol- 
^■^ dier in tlie Revolution ; and 
when a young man, having with 
others ol)tained a grant of land be- 
tween the Great and Little Ossipee 
V, Rivers, in Maine, moved to that re- 
gion when it was yet a wilderness. 
The father of Mr. Felch embarked in 
mercantile life at Limerick. He was 
the first to engage in that business in 
that section, and continued it until 
his death. The death of the father, 
followed within a year by the death of 
the mother, left the subject of this sketch, then three 
years old, to the care of relatives, and he found a 
home with his paternal grandfather, where he re- 
mained until his death. Mr Felch received his early 
education in the district school and a neighboring 
academy. In 1821 he became a student at l'hillii)s 
Exter Academy, and, subsequently, entered IJowdoin 
College, graduated with the class of 1827. He at 
once began the study of law and was admitted to 
practice at Bangor, Me., in 1830. 

He began the practice of his profession at Houlton, 
Me., where he remained until 1833. The severity 
of the climate impaired his health, never very good, 
and he found it necessary to seek a change of climate. 
He disix)sed of his library and started to seek 
a new home. His intention was to join his friend, 




Sargent S. Prentiss, at Vicksburg, Miss., but on his 
arrival at Cincinnati, Mr. Felch was attacked by 
cholera, and when he had recovered sufficiently to 
permit of his traveling, found that the danger of the 
disease was too great to permit a journey down the 
river. He therefore determined to come to Michi- 
gan. He first began to practice in this State at Mon- 
roe, where he continued until 1S43, when lie removed 
to Ann .\rbor. He was elected to the State Legisla- 
ture in 1835, and continued a member of that Iwdy 
during the years 1836 and 1837. Wliile he held this 
office, the general banking law of the State was enact- 
ed, and went into operation. .After mature delibera- 
tion, he became convinced that the proposed system 
of banking could not prove beneficial to the public 
interests ; and that, instead of relieving the people 
from the pecuniary difficulties under which they were 
laboring, it would result in still further embarrass- 
ment. He, therefore, opiX)sed the bill, and ix)inted 
out to the House the disasters which, in his opinion, 
were sure to follow its passage. 'I'he public mind, 
however, was so favorably impressed by the measure 
that no other member, in either branch of the Legisl.i- 
ture, raised a dissenting voice, and but two voted with 
him in opix)sition to the bill. Early in 1838, he was 
appxDinted one of the Bank Commissioners of the 
State, and held that office for more than a year. Dur- 
ing this time, the new banking law had given birth to 
that numerous progeny known as "wild-cat" banks. 
Almost every village had its bank. The country was 
fiooded with depressed "wild-cat" money. The ex- 
aminations of the Bank Commissioners brought to 
light frauds at every point, which were fearlessly re- 



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ported to the Legislature, and were followed by crim- 
inal prosecutions of the guilty parties, and the closing 
of many of their institutions. The duties of the of- 
fice were most laborious, and in 1839 Mr. Felch re- 
signed. The chartered right of almost every bank 
had, in the meantime, been declared forfeited and 
the law repealed. It was subsequently decided to 
be constitutional by the Supreme Court of the State. 
In the year 1842 Governor Felch was appointed 
to the office of Auditor General (if the State; but 
after holding the office only a few weeks, was com- 
missioned by the Governor as one of the Judges of the 
Supreme Court, to fill a vacancy caused by the resig- 
nation of Judge Fletcher. In January, 1843, he was 
elected to the United States Senate for an unexpired 
term. In 1845 he was elected Governor of Michigan, 
and entered upon his duties at the commencement of 
the next year. In 1847 he was elected a Senator 
in Congress for six years; and at once retired from 
the office of Governor, by resignation, which took 
effect March 4, 1847, when his Senatorial term com- 
menced. While a member of the Senate he acted on 
the Committee on Public Lands, and for four years 
was its Chairman. He filled the honorable position 
of Senator with becoming dignity, and with great 
credit to the State of Michigan. 

During Governor Felch 's administration the two 
railroads belonging to the State were sold to private 
corporations, — the Central for $2,000,000, and the 
Southern for |j(!5 00,000. The exports of the State 
amounted in 1846 to l|t;4,647,6oS. The total capacity 
of vessels enrolled in the collection district at Detroit 
was 26,928 tons, the steam vessels having 8,400 and 
the sailing vessels 18,528 tons, the whole giving em- 
ployment to 18,000 seamen. In 1847, there were 39 
counties in the State, containing 435 townships ; and 
275 of these townships were supplied with good libra- 
ries, containing an aggregate of 37,000 volumes. 

At the close of his Senatorial term, in March, 1853, 
Mr. Felch was appointed, by President Pierce, one of 
the Connnissioners to adjust and settle tlie Spanish 





and Mexican land claims in California, under the 

treaty of Gaudalupe Hidalgo, and an act of Congress 
passed for that purpose. He went to California in 
May, 1853, and was made President of the Commis- 
sion. The duties of this office were of the most im- 
portant and delicate character. The interest of the 
new State, and the fortunes of many of its citizens, 
both the native Mexican population and the recent 
American immigration ; the right of the Pueblos to 
their common lands, and of tlie Catholic Cliurch to 
the lands of the Missions, — the most valuable of the 
State, — wereinvolved in the adjudications of this Com- 
mission. In March, 1856, their labors were brought 
to a close by the final disposition of all the claims 
which were presented. Tlie record of their proceed- 
ings, — the testimony whicli was given in each case, 
and the decision of the Commissioners tliereon,— 
consisting of some forty large volumes, was deposited 
in the Department of the Interior at Washington. 

In June of that year, (lOvernor Felch returned to 
Ann Arbor, where he has since been engaged piinci- 
pally in legal business. Since his return he has 
been nominated for Governor and also for U. S. Sen- 
ator, and twice for Judge of the Supreme Court, Hut 
the Democratic party, to which he has always been 
attached, being in the minority, he failed of an elec- 
tion. In 1873 he witlidrew from the active practice 
of law, and, with the exception of a tour in Euroi^e, 
in 1875 has since led a life of retirement at his home 
in Ann Arbor. In 1877 the University of Michigan 
conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. For 
many years he was one of the Regents of Michigan 
University, and in the sjjring of 1879 was appointed 
Tappan Professor of Law in the same. Mr. Felch is 
the oldest surviving member of the Legislature from 
Monroe Co., the oldest and only surviving Hank Com- 
missioner of the State, the oldest surviving Auditor 
General of the State, the oldest surviving Governor of 
the State, the oldest surviving Judge of the Supreme 
Court of Michigan, and the oldest surviving United 
States Senator from the State of Michigan. 



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I.LIAM L. GREENLY 
^.;gv"ioveruor of Michigan for the 
year 1847, was born at Hamil- 
•ton. Madison Co., N. Y., Sept. 
S;=f]r 18,1813. He graduated at Un- 
^s^'/ ion College, Schenectady, in 
|t|^5«sn I 1831, studied law and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in 1834. In 
1836, having removed to Michi- 
gan, he settled in Adrian, where 
he has since resided. The year 
following his arrival in Michigan 
he was elected State Senator and 
served in that capacity until 1839. 
In 1845 he was elected Lieut. Gov- 
'ij'l) emor and became acting Governor 
' ■'- by the resignation of Gov. Feli h, 
who was elected to the United 
States Senate. 
! The war with Mexico was brougin 

to a successful termination during Gov. Greenly 's 
administration. We regret to say that there are only 
few records e.xtant of the action of Michigan troops 
in the Mexican war. Tliat many went there and 
fought well are points conceded ; but their names and 
nativity are hidden away in United States archives 





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and where it is almost impossible to find ihcni. 

The soldiers of this State deserve much of the 
credit of the memorable achievements of Co. K, 3d 
Dragoons, and Cos. A, E, and G of the U. S. Inf 
The two former of these companies, recruited in this 
State, were reduced to one-third their original num- 
ber. 

In May, 1846, the Governor of -Michigan was noti- 
fied by the War Department of the United States to 
enroll a regiment of volunteers, to be held in readi- 
ness for service whenever demanded. At his sum- 
mons 13 independent volunteer companies, 11 of 
infantry and two of cavalry, at once fell into line. Of 
the infantry four companies were from Detroit, bear- 
ing the honored names of Montgomery, Lafayette, 
Scott and Brady upon their banners. Of the re- 
mainder Monroe tendered two, Lenawee County three, 
St. Clair, Berrien and Hillsdale each one, and Wayne 
County an additional company. Of these alone tlie 
veteran Bradys were accepted and ordered into ser- 
vice. In addition to them ten companies, making the 
First Regiment of Michigan Volunteers, springing 
from various parts of the State, but embodying to a 
great degree the material of which the first volunteers 
was formed, were not called for until October follow- 
ing. This regiment was soon in readiness and pro- 
ceeded by orders from Government to the seat of war, 



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HE HON. EPAPHRODI- 
TUS RANSOM, the Seventh 
Governor of Michigan, was a 
native of Massachusetts. In 
that State he received a col- 
legiate education, studied law, 
and was admitted to the bar. 
Removing to Michigan about 
the time of its admission to the 
Union, he took up his residence 
at Kalamazoo. 

Mr. Ransom served with marked 
. ability for a number of years in the 
State Legislature, and in 1837 he was apix)inted As- 
sociate Justice of the Supreme Court. In 1843 he 
was promoted to Chief Justice, which office he re- 
tained until 1845, when he resigned. 

Shortly afterwards he became deeply interested in 
the building of plank roads in the western portion of 
the State, and in this business lost the greater portion 
of the property which he had accumulated by years 
'^ of toil and industry. 

I Mr. Ransom became Governor of the State of 
'^ Michigan in the fall of 1847, and served during one 
f ' term, jierforming the duties of the office in a truly 
^ statesmanlike manner. He subsequently became 
i'^ President of the Michigan Agricultural Society, in 
^ which position he displayed the same ability that 



shone forth so prominently in his acts as Governor. 

He held the office of Regent of the Michigan Univer- 
sity several times, and ever advocated a liberal policy 
in its management. 

Subsetjuently he was apix)inted receiver of the 
land office in one of the districts in Kansas, by Pres- 
ident Buchanan, to which State he had removed, and 
where he died before the expiration of his term of 
office. 

We sum up the events and affairs of the State un- 
der Gov. Ransom's administration as follows: The 
.\sylum for the Insane was establised, as also the 
Asylum for the Deaf, Dumb and Blind. Both of 
these institutes were liberally endowed with lands, 
and each of them placed in charge of a board of five 
trustees. The appropriation in 1849 for the deaf and 
dumb and blind amounted to $81,500. On tiie first 
of March, 1848, the first telegraph line was com- 
pleted from New York to Detroit, and the first dis- 
patch transmitted on that day. The foUowmg figures 
show the progress in agriculture : The land refwrted 
as under cultivation in 1848 was 1,437,460 acres; of 
wheat there were produced 4,749,300 bushels; other 
grains, 8,197,767 bushels; wool, 1,645,756 jxiunds; 
maple sugar, 1,774,369 pounds; horses, 52,305; cat- 
tle, 210,268; swine, 152,541; sheep, 610,534; while 
the flour mills numbered 228, and the lumber mills 
amounted to 730. 1847, an act was passed removing 
the Legislature from Detroit to Lansing, and temixj- 
rary buildings for the use of the Legislature were im- 
mediately erected, at a cost of S' 2,450- 



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OBERT McClelland, 

rnor of Michigan from 
Jan. I, 1852, to March 8, 1853, 
was born at Grcencastle, Frank- 
■^^ lin Co., Penn., Aug. i, 1807. 
Among his ancestors were several 
officers of rank in tl\e Revohition- 
ary war, and some of his family con- 
nections were distinguished in the 
war of 1812, and that witli ^[exico. 
His father was an eminent physician 
and surgeon who studied under Dr. 
Henj. Rush, of Philadelphia, and 
practiced his profession successfully 
until six months before his death, at 
the age of 84 years. .Mthough Mr. 
McClelland's family had been in good circum- 
stances, when he was 17 years old he was thrown 
uiwn his own resources. After taking the usual pre- 
liminary studies, and teaching school to obtain the 
means, he entered Dickinson College, at Carlisle, 
Penn., from which he graduated among the first in 
his class, in 1829. He then resinned teaching, and 
having completed the course of study for the legal 
profession, was admitted to the bar at Chambersburg, 
Penn., in 1831. Soon afterward he removed to the 
city of Pittsburgh, where he practiced for almost a 
year. 




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In 1833, Mr. McClelland removed to Monrfjc, in 



the Territory of Michigan, where, after a severe ex- 
amination, he became a member of the bar of Michi- 
gan, and engaged in practice with bright prospect of 
success. In 1835, a convention was called to frame 
a constitution for the proposed State of Michigan, of 
which Mr. McClelland was elected a member. He 
took a prominent part in its deliberations and ranked 
among its ablest debaters. He was apixiinted the 
first Bank Commissioner of the State, by Gov. Mason, 
and received an offer of the Attorney Generalship, but 
declined both of these offices in order to attend to his 
professional duties. 

In 1838, Mr. McClelland was elected to the State 
Legislature, in which he soon became distinguished 
as the head of several imiKjrtant conmiittees. Speaker 
//■f leinpore, and as an active, zealous and efficient 
member. In 1840, Gen. Harrison, as a candidate for 
the Presidency, swept the country with an overwhelm- 
ing majority, and at the same time the State of Michi- 
gan was carried by the Whigs under the ixjpular cry 
of " VVoodbridge and reform " against the Democratic 
l)arty. At this time Mr. McClelland stood among the 
.acknowledged lenders of the latter organization ; was 
elected a member of the State House of Representa- 
tives, and with others adopted a plan to regain a lost 
authority and [jrestige. 

This party soon came again into jxDwer in tlie State, 
and having been returned to the State Legislature Mr. 
McClelland's leadership was acknowledged by his 
election as Speaker of the House of Representatives 



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in 1843. Down to this time Michigan had consti- 
tuted one congressional district. The hue Hon. Jacob 
M. Howard had been elected against Hon. 7\lpheus 
Felch by a strong majority ; but, in 1S43, so thoroughly 
had the Democratic party recovered from its defeat 
of 1840 that Mr. McClelland, as a candidate for Con- 
gress, carried Detroit district by a majority of about 
2,500. Mr. McClelland soon took a prominent posi- 
tion in Congress among the veterans of that body. 
During his first term he was placed on Committee on 
Commerce, and org;mi/.ed and carried through what 
were known as the " Harbor bills." The continued 
/ confidence of his constituency was manifested in his 
- election to the 29th Congress. At the opening of this 
session he had acquired a National reputation, and so 
favorably was he known as a parlimentarian that his 
name was mentioned for Speaker of the House of Rep- 
resentatives. He declined the offer in favor of J. W. 
Davis, of Indiana, who was elected. During this term 
he became Chairman of Committee on Commerce, in 
which position his reports and advocacy of important 
measures at once attracted public attention. The 
members of this committee, as an evidence of the es- 
teem in which they held his services and of their 
personal regard for him, presented him with a cane 
which he retains as a souvenir of the donors, and of 
his labors in Congress. 

In 1847, Mr. McClelland was re-elected to Con- 
gress, and at the opening of the 3olh Congress be- 
came a member of the Committee on Foreign Rela- 
tions. While acting in this capacity, what was known 
as the " French Spoliation Bill" came under his spe- 
cial charge, and his management of the same was such 
as to command universal approbation. While in 
Congress, Mr. McClelland was an advocate of the 
right of petition as maintained by John Q. Adams, 
when the petition, was clothed in decorous language 
and presented in the ])roper manner. This he re- 
garded as the citizens'constitutional right which should 
not be impaired by any doctrines of temporary expe- 
diency. He also voted for the adoption of Mr. Gid- 
dings's bill for the abolishing of slavery in the District 
of Columbia. Mr. McClelland was one of the few 
Democrats associated with David Wilmot, of Penn- 
sylvania, in bringing forward the celebrated "Wilmot 
Proviso, ■ with a view to prevent further extension of 
slavery in new territory which might be acquired by 
the United States. He and Mr. Wilmot were to- 
gether at the time in Washington, and on intimate 
and confidential terms. Mr McClelland was in sev- 
eral National conventions and in the Baltimore con- 
vention, which nominated Gen. Cass for President, 
in 1848, doing valiant service that year for the elec- 
tion of that distinguished statesman. On leaving 
■y Congress, in 1848, Mr. McClelland returned to the 
^ practice of his profession at Monroe. In 1850 a 
I * convention of the State of Michigan was called to 
^ revise the State constitution. He was elected a 






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member and was regarded therein as among the ablest 
and most experienced leaders, His clear judgment 
and wise moderation were conspicuous, both in the 
committee room and on the floor^ in debate. In 1850, 
he was President of the Democratic State convention 
which adopted resolutions in sup(X)rt of Henry Clay's 
famous compromise measures, of which Mr, ^IcClel- 
land was a strong advocate. He was a member of 
the Democratic National convention in 1852, and in 
that year, in company with Gen, Cass and Governor 
Felch, he made a thorough canvass of the State. 
He continued earnestly to advocate the Clay com- 
promise measures, and took an active part in the 
canvass which resulted in the election of Gen Pierce 
to the Presidency, 

In 185 r, the new Stats constitution took effect and 
it was necessary that a Governor should be elected 
for one year in order to prevent an interregnum, and 
to bring the State Government into operation under 
the new constitution Mr. McClelland was elected 
Governor, and in the fall of 1852 was re-elected for 
a term of two years, from Jan i, 1853. His admin- 
istration was regarded as wise, prudent and concilia- 
tory, and was as popular as could be expected at a 
time when party spirit ran high. There was really 
no opposition, and when he resigned, in March, 1853, 
the State Treasury was well filled, and the State 
otherwise prosperous. So widely and favorably had 
Mr. McClelland become known as a statesman that on 
the organization of the cabinet by President Pierce, in 
March, 1853, he was made Secretary of the Interior, in 
which capacity he served most creditably during four 
years of the Pierce administration. He thoroughly 
re-organized his department and reduced the expend- 
itures. He adopted a course with the Indians which 
relieved them from the impositions and annoyances 
of the traders, and produced harmony and civilization 
among them. During his administration there was 
neither complaint from tlie tribes nor corruption among 
agents, and he left the department in perfect order 
and system. In r867, Michigan again called a con- 
vention to revise the State constitution. Mr. McClel- 
land was a member and here again his long experi- 
ence made him conspicuous as a prudent adviser, a 
sagacious parliamentary leader. As a lawyer he was 
terse and pointed in argument, clear, candid and im- 
pressive in his addresses to the jury. His sincerity 
and earnestness, with which was occasionally mingled 
a pleasant humor, made him an able and effective 
advocate. In speaking before the people on political 
subjects he was especially forcil)le and happy. In 
1870 he made the tour of Europe, which, through his 
extensive person.al acquaintance with European dip- 
lomates, he was enabled to enjoy much more than 
most travelers 

Mr. McClelland married, in 1837, Miss Sarah 
'E. Sabin, of Williamstown, Mass. They have had 
six children, two of whom now survive. 



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PARSONS, Govcr- 
Michigan from March 
8, 1853 to Jan. 3, tSss, was 
born in the town of Hoosick, 
County of Rensselaer, and 
State of New York, on the 2 2d 
Tj^g day of July, 1817, and died June 
6, 1855, at the early age of 38" 
years. He was the son of John 
Parsons, born at Newbury port, 
Mass., Oct. 2, 1782, and who was the 
sonof Andrew Parsons, a Revolutionary 
soldier, who was the , i of Phineas 
Parsons, the son of Samuel Parsons, 
a descendant of \Valter Parsons, born 
in Ireland in 1290. 
Of this name and family, some one hundred and 
thirty years ago, Bishop Oilson remarked in his edi- 
tion of Camden's Britannia: "Tlie honorable family 
of Parsons have been advanced to the dignity of 
Viscounts and more lately Earls of Ross." 

The following are descendants of these families : 
Sir John Parsons, born 1 481, was Mayor of Hereford; 
Robert Parsons, born in 1546, lived near liridgewater, 
England. He was educated at Ballial College, Ox- 
ford, and w.is a noted writer and defender of the 
Romish faith. He establisiied an English College at 
Rome and another at Valladolia. Frances Parsons, 
lx)rn in 1556, was Vicar of Rothwell, in Notingliam; 
Bartholomew Parsons, born in 161 8, was another 
noted member of the family. In 1 634, Thomas Parsons 
was knighted by Charles I. Joseph and Benjamin, 
bntthers, were l)f)rn in Oreal I'orringlon, Ivigland, 




and accompanied their fatiier and others to New 
England about 1630. Samuel Parsons, born at Salis- 
bury, Mass., in 1707, graduated at Harvard College in 
1730, ordained at Rye, N. H., Nov. 3, 1736, married 
Mary Jones, daughter of Samuel Jones, of Uostor, 
Oct. 9, 1739, died Jan. 4, 1789, at the age of 82, in 
the 53rd year of his ministry. The grandfatherof Maiy 
Jones was Capt. John Adams, of Boston, grandson 
of Henry, of Braintree, who was among the first set- 
tlers of Massachusetts, and from whom a numerous 
race of the name are descended, including two Presi- 
dents of the United States. The Parsons have be- 
come very numerous and are found throughout New 
England, and many of the descedants are scattered 
in all parts of the United States, and especially in 
the Middle and Western States. Governor Andrew 
Parsons came to Michigan in 1835, at tlie age of 17 
years, and spent the first summer at Lower Ann 
Arbor, where for a few months he taught school which 
he was compelled to abandon from ill health 

He was one of the large number of men of sterling 
worth, who came from the East to Michigan when it 
was an infant State, or, even prior to its assuming 
the dignity of a State, and who, by their wisdom, 
enterprise and energy, have developed its wonderful 
natural resources, until to-day itraiYks with the proud- 
est States of the Union. These brave men came to 
Michigan with nothing to aid them in the conciuest 
of the wilderness save courageous hearts and strong 
and willing hands. They gloriously con<|uered, how- 
ever, and to them is due all honor for the labors 
so nobly performed, for the solid and sure foundation 
which they laid of a great Commonwealth. 



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ANDREW PARSONS 






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In the fall of 1835, he explored the Grand River 
Valley in a frail canoe, the whole lengtli of the river, 
from Jackson to Lake Michigan, and spent the following 
winter as clerk in a store at Prairie Creek, in Ionia, 
County, and in the spring went to Marshall, where he 
resided with his brother, the Hon. Luke H. Parsons, 
also now deceased, until fall, when he went to Shia- 
w'asseCount3-,then with Clinton County, andan almost 
unbroken wilderness and constituting one organized 
township. In 1837 tliis territory was organized into 
a county and, at the age of only 19 years, he (An- 
drew) was elected County Clerk. In 1840, he was 
elected Register of Deeds, re-elected in 1842, and 
also in 1844. In r846, he was elected to the State 
Senate, was appointed Prosecuting Attorney in 1848, 
and elected Regent of the University in 185 i, and 
Lieutenant Governor, and became acting Governor, 
in T853, elected again to the Legislature in 1854, and, 
overcome by debilitated health, hard labor and the 
responsibilities of his office and cares of his business, 
retired to his farm, where he died soon after. 

He was a fluent and persuasive speaker and well 
calculated to make friends of his ac(iuautances. He 
was always true to his trust, and the whole world 
could not persuade nor drive him to do what he con- 
ceived to be wrong. When Governor, a most power- 
ful railroad influence was brought lo bear upon him, 
to induce him to call an e.xtra session of the Legisla- 
ture. Meetings were held in all parts of the State 
for that purpose. In some sections the resolutions 
were of a laudatory nature, intending to make him do 
their bidding by resort to friendly and flattering words. 
In other jjlaces the resolutions were of a demanding 
nature, wliile in others they were threatening beyond 
measure. Fearing that all tiiese influences might 
fail to induce jiim to call the e.\tra session, a large 
simr of money was sent him, and liberal offers ten- 
dered him if he would gratify the railroad interest of 
the State and call the extra session, but, immovable, 
he returned the money and refused to receive 
any favois, whether from any party who would at- 
tempt to corrupt him l)y laudations, liberal offers, or 



by threats, and in a short letter to the people, after 
giving overwhelming reasons that no sensible man 
could dispute, showing the circumstances were not 
"extraordinary," he refused to call the extra session. 
This brought down the wrath of various ])arties upon 
his head, but they were soon forced to acknowledge 
the wisdom and the justice of his course. One of 
his greatest enemies said, after a long acquaintance : 
"tliough not always coinciding with his views I never 
doubted his honesty of purpose. He at all times 
sought to perform his duties in strict accordance, 
with the dictates of his conscience, and the beliests 
of his oath." The following eulogium from a iwlitcaloj)- 
ponent is just in its conception and creditable to its 
author: "Gov. Parsons was a politician of the Dem- 
ocratic school, a man of pure moral character, fixed 
and exemplary habits, and entirely blameless in every 
public and private relation of life. As a politician he 
was candid, frank and free from bitterness, as an ex- 
ecutive officer firm, constant and reliable." The 
highest commendations we can pay the deceased is 
to give his just record, — that of being an honest man. 
In the spring of 1S54, during the administration of 
Governor Parsons, the Republican party, at least 
as a State organization, was first formed in the United 
States " under the oaks " at Jackson, by anti-slavery 
men of both the old parties. Great excitement pre- 
vailed at this time, occasioned by the settling of 
Kansas, and the issue tliereby brought up, whether 
slavery should exist there. For the jjurposeof permit- 
ting slavery there, the " Missouri compromise " (which 
limited slavery to the south of 36^' 30) was re- 
repealed, under the leadership of Stephen ,\, Douglas. 
This was repealed by a bill admitting Kansas and 
Nebraska into the Union, as Territories, and those who 
were opposed to this repeal measure were in short 
called "anti-Nebraska" men. 'i"he epithets, "Ne- 
braska" and "anti-Nebraska," were temporally em- 
ployed to designate the slavery and anti-slavery 
parties, pending the desoliition of the old Democratic 
- and Whig parties and the organization of the new 
Democratic and Republican ])arties of the present. 



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GO VERNORS OF MICIIJGAN. 



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SLEY S. BINGHAM, 
overnor of Michigan from 

;fy '^55 ''^ '^59' ''"d United 
^aj States Senator, was born in 
Camillus, Onondaga County, 
N. v., Dec. 1 6, i8o8. His 
father was a farmer, and his own 
early life was consequently de- 
voted to agricultural pursuits, hut 
notwithstanding the disadvan- 
tages related to the acquisition 
of knowledge in the life of a farmer 
he managed to secure a good aca- 
demic education in his native State 
and studied law in the office of 
Gen. James R. Lawrence, now of 
Syracuse, N. Y. In the spring of 
I S33, he married an estimable lady 
] who had recently arrived from Scot- 
land, and obeying the impulse of a 
naturally enterprising disirasiiion, 
he emigrated to Michigan and 
purchased a new farm in company 
with his brother-in-law, Mr. Robert 
Worden, in Green Oak, Livingston County. Here, on 
the border of civilization, buried in the i)rimeval for- 
est, our late student commenced the arduous task of 
preparing a future home, clearing and fencing, put- 
ting up buildings, etc., at such a rale that the land 




chosen was soon reduced to a high stale of cultivation. 

Becoming deservedly prominent, Mr. Bingham was 
elected to the office of Justice of the Peace and Post- 
master under the Territorial government, and was the 
first Pro'iate Judge in the county. In the year 1836, 
when Michigan i-ecame a State, he was elected to the 
first Legislature. He was four times re-elected, and 
Speaker of the House of Re])resentatives three years. 
In 1846 lie was elected on the Democratic ticket, Rei)- 
resentative to Congress, and was the only practical 
farmer in that body. He was never forgetful of the 
interest of agriculture, and was in particular oijjiosed 
to tlie introduction of " Wood's Patent Cast Iron 
Plow " which he completely prevented. He was re- 
elected to Congress in 1848, during which time he 
strongly opposed the extension of slavery in the 
territory of the United States and was committed to 
and voted for tiie Wilmot Proviso. 

In 1854, at the first organization of the Republican 
party, in consequence of his record in Congress as a 
Free Soil Democrat, Mr. Bingham was nominated 
and elected Governor of the State, and re-elected in 
1856. Still faithful to the memory of his own former 
occupation, he did not forget the farmers during his 
administration, and among other profits of his zeal in 
their behalf, he became mainly instrumental in the 
establishment of the Agricultural College at Lansing. 

In 1859, Governor Bingham was elected Senator in 
Congress and took an active part in the stormy cam- 
paign in the election of Abraham Lincoln. He wit- 



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KINSLEY S. BINGHAM. 



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nessed the commencement of the civil war while a 
member of the United States Senate. After a com- 
paratively short life of remarkable promise and pub- 
lic activity he was attacked with appoplexy and died 
suddenly at his residence, in Oreen Oak, Oct. 5, 1861. 

The most noticable event in Governor Bingham s 
first term was the completion of the ship canal, at the 
Falls of St. Mary. In 1852, Angust 26, an act of 
Congress was approved, granting to the State of Mich- 
igan seven hundred and fifty thousand acres of land 
for the purpose of constructing a ship canal between 
Lakes Huron and Superior. In 1 85 3, the Legislature 
accepted the grant, and provided tor the appointment 
of commissioners to select the donated lands, and to 
arrange for building the canal. A company of enter- 
prising men was formed, and a contract was entered 
into by which it was arranged that the canal should 
be finished in two years, and the work was pushed 
rapidly forward. Every article of consumption, ma- 
chinery, working implements and materials, timber 
for the gates, stones for the locks, as well as men and 
supplies, had to be transported to the site of the canal 
from Detroit, Cleveland, and other lake ports. The 
rapids which had to be surmounted have a fall ^3f 
seventeen feet and are about one mile long. The 
length of the canal is less than one mile, its width one 
hundred feet, depth twelve feet and it has two locks 
of solid masonary. In May, 1855, the work was com- 
pleted, accepted by the commissioners, and formally 
delivered to the State authorities. 

The disbursements on account of the construction 
of the canal and selecting the lands amounted to one 
million of dollars ; while the lands which were as- 
signed to the company, and selected through the 
agency at the Sault, as well as certain lands in the 
Upper and Lower Peninsulas, filled to an acre the 
Government grant. The opening of the canal was 
an important event in the history of the improvement 
of the State. It was a valuable link in the chain of 
lake commerce, and particularly important to the 
interests of the Upper Peninsula. 

There were several educational, charitable and re- 
formatory institutions inaugurated and opened during 
Gov. Bingham's administrations. The Michigan Ag- 
ricultural College owes its establishment to a provision 
of the State Constitution of 1850. Article 13 says, 
" The Legislature shall, as soon as practicable, pro- 
vide for the establishment of an agricultural school." 
For the purpose of carying into practice this provision, 
legislation was commenced in 1855, and the act re- 
(juircd that the school should be within ten miles of 
Lansing, and that not more than ijlrj an acre should 
be paid for the farm and college grounds. The col- 
lege was opened to students in May, 1857, the first of 
existing argricultural colleges in the United States 
Until the spring of 1861, it was >mder the control 
of the State i^oard of Education; since that time it 
has been under the management of the State Board, 



of Agriculture, which was created for that purpose. 

In its essential features, of combining study and 
labor, and of uniting general and professional studies 
in its course, the college has remained virtually un- 
changed from the first. It has a steady growth in 
number of students, in means of illustration and 
efficiency of instruction. 

The Agricultural College is three miles east of 
Lansing, comprising several fine buildings; and there 
are also very beautiful, substantial residences for the 
professors. There are also an extensive, well-filled 
green-house, a very large and well-equipped chemical 
laboratory, one of the most scientific apiaries in the 
United States, a general museum, a meseum of me- 
chanical inventions, another of vegetable products, 
extensive barns, piggeries, etc., etc., in fine trim for 
the purposes designed. The farm consists of 676 
acres, of which about 300 are under cultivation in a 
systematic rotation of crops. 

Adrian College was established by the Wesleyan 
Methodists in 1859, now under the control of the 
Methodist Church. The grounds contain about 20 
acres. There are four buildings, capable of accom- 
modating about 225 students. Attendance in 1875 
was 179; total number of graduates for previous year, 
121 ; ten professors and teachers are employed. Ex- 
clusive of the endowment fund ($80,000), the assets 
of the institution, including grounds, buildings, furni- 
ture, apparatus, musical instruments, outlying lands, 
etc., amount to more than $137,000. 

Hillsdale College was established in 1S55 by the 
Free Baptists. The Michigan Central College, at 
Spring Arbor, was incorporated in 1845 It was kept 
in operation until it was merged into the present 
Hillsdale College. The site comprises 25 acres, 
beautifully situated on an eminence in the western 
part of tlie city of Hillsdale. The large and impos- 
ing building first erected was nearly destroyed by fire 
in 1874, and in its place five buildings of a more 
modern style have been erected. They are of brick, 
three stories with basement, arranged on three sides 
of a quadrangle. The size is, respectively, 80 by 80, 
48 by 7 2, 48 by 7 2, 80 by 60, 5 2 by 7 2, and they con- 
tain one-half more room than the original buildmg. 
The State Reform School. This was established 
at Lansing in 1855, in the northeastern ix)rtion of the 
city, as the House of Correction for Juvenile Of- 
fenders, having about it many of the features of a 
prison. In 1859 the name was changed to the State 
Reform School. The government and dicipline, have 
undergone many and radical changes, until all the 
prison features have been removed exce|)t those that 
remain in the walls of the original structure, and 
which remain only as monuments of instructive his- 
tory. No bolts, bars or guards are emi)loyed. The 
inmates are necessarily kept under the surveillance of 
officers, but the attempts at escape are much fewer 
than under the more rigid regime of former days. 






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J OSES VVISNER. Governor of 
H^Micliigan from 185910 1861, 
was born in Springport, Cayu- 
ga Co., N Y., June 3, 181 5. 
His early education was only 
what could be obtained at a 
common school. Agricultural labor 
and frugality of his parents gave 
him a jjhysical constitution of unus- 
ual strength and endurance, which 
was ever preserved by temperate hab- 
its. In 1837 he emigrated to Michi- 
^{^ gan and ])urchased a farm in Lapeer 
W County It was new land and he at 
once set to work to clear it and plant 
crops. He labored diligently at his 
task for two years, when he gave up 
the idea of bemg a farmer, and removed to I'ontiac, 
Oakland Co. Here he commenced the study of law 
in the office of his brother, George W. Wisner, and 
Rufus Hosmer. In 1841 he was admitted to the bar 
and established himself in his new vocation at the 
village of Lapeer. While there he was ajjppointed 
by Gov. Woodbridge Prosecuting Attorney for that 
county, in which capacity he acquitted himself well 
and gave promise of thai eminence he afterward at- 
tained in the profession. He remained at Lapeer but 
a short time, removing to Pontiac, where he became 
a member of a firm and entered fully \\[x>n the 
l)ractice. 

In iwlitics he was like his talented brother, a Whig 
of the Henry Clay stamp, but with a decided anti- 
slavery bias. His practice becoming extensive, he 



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took little part in politics until after the election of 
Mr. Pierce to the Presidency in 1852, when he took an 
active part against slavery. As a lawyer he was a 
man of great ability, but relied less uiion mere book 
learning than upon his native good sense. Liberal 
and courteous, was he yet devoted to the interest of 
his client, and no facts escaped his attention or his 
memory which bore uiwn the case. He was no friend 
of trickery or artifice in conducting a case As an ad- 
vocate he had few equals. When fully aroused by the 
merits of his subject his elocpience was at once grace- 
ful and powerful. His fancies supplied the most 
original, tlie most jxjinted illustrations, and his logic 
became a battling giant under whose heavy blows the 
adversary shrank and withered. Nature had be- 
stowed upon him rare qualities, and his powers as a 
ix)pular orator were of a high order. 

On the passage of the Kansas-Nebraska Act of 
1854, repealing the Missouri compromise and opening 
the Territories to slavery, he was among the foremost 
in Michigan to denounce the shamful scheme. He 
actively participated in organizing and consolidating 
the elements op|)Osed to it in that State, and was a 
member of the popular gathering at Jackson, in July, 
1854, which was the first formal Republican Conven- 
tion held in the United States. At this meeting the 
name " Republican " was adopted as a designation of 
the new party consisting of .Anti-slavery, Whigs, 
Liberty men, Free Soil Democrats and all others op- 
posed Id the extension of slavery and favorable to its 
expulsion from the Territories and the District of 
Columbia. At this convention Mr. W. was urged to 
accept the nomination for Attorney General of the 






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State, but declined. An entire State ticket was nom- 
inated and at the annual election in November was 
elected by an average majority of nearly 10,000. 
Mr. W. was enthusiastic in the cause and brought to 
its support all his personal influence and talents. In 
Iiis views he was bold and radical. He believed from 
the beginning that tlie ix)litical power of the slave- 
holders would have to be overthrown before ipiiet 
could be secured to the country. In the Presidential 
canvass of 1856 lie supiwrted the Fremont, or Re- 
publican, ticket. At the session of the Legislature of 
1857 he was a candidate for United States Senator, 
and as such received a very handsome support. 

In 1858, he was nominated for Governor of the 
State by the Republican convention that met at De- 
troit, and at the subsecpient November election was 
chosen by a very large majority. Before the day of 
the election he had addressed the people of almost 
every county and his majority was greater even than 
that of his popular predecessor, Hon. K. S. Bingham. 
He served as Governor two years, from Jan. i, 1859, 
to Jan. I, 1861. His first message to the Legislature 
was an able and statesman-like production, and was 
read with usual favor. It showed that he was awake 
to all the interests of the State and set forth an en- 
lightened State policy, that had its view of the rapid 
settlement of our uncultivated lands and the devel- 
opment of our immense agricultural and mineral re- 
sources. It was a dociunent that reflected the highest 
credit upon the author. 

His term having expired Jan. i, 1861, lie returned 
to his home in Pontiac, and to the practice of his 
profession. There were those in the State who 
counselled the sending of delegates to the peace con- 
ference at Washington, but Mr. VV. was opposed to all 
such temjxirizing expedients. His counsel was to 
send no delegate, but to prepare to fight. 

After Congress had met and passed the necessary 
legislation he resolved to take part in the war. In 
the spring and summer of 1862 he set to work to 
raise a regiment of infantry, chiefly in Oakland 
County, where he resided. His regiment, the 22d 
Michigan, was armed and equipped and ready to 
march in September, a regiment whose solid iiuali- 
ties were afterwards proven on many a bloody field. 
Col. Ws. commission bore the date of Sept. 8, 1862. 
Before parting with his family he made his will. His 
regiment was sent to Kentucky and (piartered at 




Camp Wallace. He had at the breaking out of the 
war turned his attention to military studies and be- 
came proficient in the ordinary rules and discipline. 
His entire attention was now devoted to his duties. 
His treatment of his men was kind, though liis disci- 
pline was rigid. He possessed in an eminent degree 
the spirit of command, and had he lived he would 
no doubt have distinguished himself as a good 
officer. He was impatient of delay and chafed at 
being kept in Kentucky where there was so little 
prospect of getting at the enemy. But life in camp, 
so different from the one he had been leading, and 
his incessant labors, coupled with that impatience 
which was so natural and so general among the vol- 
unteers in the early part of the war, soon made their 
influence felt upon his health. He was seized with 
typhoid fever and removed to a private house near 
Lexington. Every care which medical skill or the 
hand of friendship could bestow was rendered him. 
In the delirious wanderings of his mind he was dis- 
ciplining his men and urging them to be prepared for 
an encounter with the enemy, enlarging upon the jus- 
tice of their cause and the necessity of their crush- 
ing the Rebellion. But the source of his most poig- 
nant grief was the prospect of not being able to come 
to a hand-to-hand encounter with the "cliivalry." 
He was proud of his regimer.t, and felt that if it could 
find the enemy it would cover itself with glory, — a 
distinclioii it afterward obtained, but not until C"ol. W. 
was no more. The malady baflled all medical treat- 
ment, and on the 5th day of Jan., 1S63, he breathed 
his last. His remains were removed to Michigan and 
interred in the cemetery at Pontiac, where they rest 
l)y the side of the brave Gen. Richardson, who re- 
ceived his mortal wound at the battle of Antietam. 
Col. W. was no adventurer, although he was doubtless 
ambitious of military renown and would have striven 
for it with characteristic energy. He went to the war 
to defend and uphold the principles he had so much 
at heart. Few men were more familiar than he with 
the causes and the underlying principles that led to 
the contest. He left a wife, who was a daughter of 
Gen. C. C. Hascall, of Flint, and four children to 
mourn his loss. Toward them he ever sliowed the 
tenderest regard. Next to his duty tHeir love and 
welfare engrossed his thoughts. He was kind, gen- 
erous and l)rave, and like thousands of others he 
sleeps the sleep of the martyr for his country. 



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Gt> VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 






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USTIN liLAIR, C.overnoi- 
of Michigan from Jan. 2, 
1861, to Jan, 4, 1865, and 

kown as the War Governor, is 

^"'^ "-J- ,1 ? and illustration of the henifi- 
cent influence of republican in- 
^^ stitutions, having inherited neith- 
er fortune nor fame. He was born 
in a log cabin at Caroline, Tomp- 
kins Co., N. Y., Feb. 8, 181 8. 
His ancestors came from .Scot- 
land in the time of (ieorge I, and 
for many generations followed the 
pursuit of agriculture. His father, 
George Blair, settled in Tompkins 
County in 1809, and felled the trees and erected the 
first cabin in the county. The last 60 of the four- 
score years of his life were spent on that sjwt. He 
married Rhoda Beackman, who now sleeps with him 
in the soil of the old homestead. The first 17 years 
of Mr. Blair's life were spent tiiere, rendering his 
father what aid he could upon the farm. He then 
spent a year and a half in Cazcnovia Seminary ])re- 
paring for college; entered Hamilton College, in 
A>. Clinton, prosecuted his studies until tiie mldille of 
■^ the junior year, when, attracted i)y the fame of Dr. 
A Nott, he changed to Union College, from which lie 
"% graduated in the class of 1839. Upon leaving col- 
3& lege Mr. Blair read law two years in the office of Sweet 
j , & Davis, Oswego, N. Y., and was admitted to practice 
>v» in 1841, and the same year moved toMichigan, locat- 



ing in Jackson. During a temporary residence in 
Eaton Rapids, in 1842, he was elected Clerkof Eaton 
County. At the close of the official term he returned to 
Jackson, and as a Whig, zealously esjxjused the cause 
of Henry Clay in the campaign of 1844. He was chosen 
Representative to the Legislature in 1845, at which 
session, as a member of the Judiciary Committee, he 
rendered valuable service in the revision of the gen- 
eral statutes ; also made an able supix)rt in favor of 
abolishing the color distinction in relation to the elec- 
tive franchise, and at the same session was active in 
securing the alwlition of capital punishment. In 1848 
Mr. Blair refused longer to affiliate with the \\'hig 
party, because of its refusial to endorse in convention 
any anti-slavery sentiment. He joined the Free-soil 
movement, and was a delegate to their convention 
which nominated Van Buren for President that year. 
Upon the birth of the Republican party at Jackson, 
in 1854, by the coalition of the Wliig and Free-soil 
elements, Mr. Blair was in full sympathy with the 
movement, and acted as a member of the Committee 
on Platform. He was elected Prosecuting Attorney 
of Jackson County in 1852; was chosen State Senator 
two years later, taking his seat with tlie incoming Re- 
publican administration of 1855, and holding the 
position of parliamentary leader in the Senate. He 
was a delegate to the Mational Convention which 
nominated Abraham Lincoln in i860. Mr. Blair 
was elected Governor of Michigan in i860, and re- 
elected in 1862, faithfully and honorably discharging 
the arduous duties of the office during that most mo- 






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A USTIN BLAIR. 



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^ mentous and stormy period of the Nation's life. Gov. 
'^ Blair possessed a clear comprehension of the perilous 
situation from the inception of the Rebellion, and his 
inaugural address foreshadowed the prompt executive 
policy and the administrative ability which charac- 
terized his gubernatorial career. 

Never perhaps in the history of a nation has a 
brighter example been laid down, or a greater sacri- 
fice been made, than that which distinguished Mich- 
igan during the civil war. All, from the " War Gov- 
ernor," down to the poorest citizen of the State, were 
animated with a patriotic ardor at once raagnificiently 
sublime and wisely directed. 

Very early in 1861 the coming struggle cast its 
shadow over the Nation. Governor Blair, in his mes- 
sage to the Legislature in January of that year, dwelt 
very forcibly upon the sad prospects of civil war; and 
as forcibly pledged the State to support the principles 
a. of the Republic. After a review of the conditions 
'■^ of the State, he passed on to a consideration of the 
S relations between the free and slave States of the 
Republic, saying: " While we are citizens of the State 
of Michigan, and as such deeply devoted to her in- 
terests and honor, we have a still prouder title. We 
are also citizeas of the United States of America. By 
this title we are known among the nations of the earth. 
In remote quarters of the globe, where the names of 
the States are unknown, the flag of the great Republic, 
the banner of the stars and stripes, honor and protect 
her citizens. In whatever concerns the honor, the 
prosperity and the perpetuity of this great Govern- 
ment, we are deeply interested. The people of Mich- 
igan are loyal to that Government — faithful to its con- 
stitution and its laws. Under it they have had peace 
and prosperity; and under it they mean to abide to 
the end. Feeling a just jmde in the glorious history 
of the past, they will not renounce the equally glo- 
rious hopes of the future. But they will rally around 
the standards of tlie Nation and defend its integrity 
and its constitution, with fidelity." The final para- 
graph being : 
" I recommend you at an early day to malce mani- 



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fest to the gentlemen who represent this State in the 
two Houses of Congress, and to the country, that 
Michigan is loyal to the Union, the Constitution, and 
the laws and will defend them to the uttermost; and 
to proffer to the President of the United States, the 
whole military jxiwer of the State for that purjxDse. 
Oh, for the firm, steady hand of a Washington, or a 
Jackson, to guide the ship of State in this perilous 
storm ! Let us hope that we will find him on the 4th 
of March. Meantime, let us abide in the faith of our 
fathers — 'Liberty and Union, one and inseparable, 
now and forever. 

How this stirring appeal was responded to by the 
people of Michigan will be seen by the statement 
that the State furnished 88,111 men during the war. 
Money, men, clothing and food were freely and abun- 
dantly supplied by this State during all these years of 
darkness and blood shed. No State won a brighter 
record for her devotion to our country than the Pen- 
insula State, and to Gov. Blair, more than to any 
other individual is due the credit for its untiring zeal 
and labors in the Nation's behalf, and for the heroism 
manifested in its defense. 

Gov. Blair was elected Representative to the 
Forrieth Congress, and twice re-elected, to the Forty- 
first and Forty-second Congress, from the Third Dis- 
trict of Michigan. While a member of that body lie 
was a strong supporter of reconstrucuon measures, 
and sternly opposed every form of repudiation. His 
speech upon the national finances, delivered on the 
floor of the House March 21, 1868, was a clear and 
convincing argument. Since liis retirement from Con- 
gress, Mr. Blair has been busily occupied witli his e.\- 
tensive law practice. Mr. Blair married Sarah L. 
Ford, of Seneca County N. Y., in February, 1849. 
Their family consists of 4 sons — George H., a law (HS 
partner of A. J. Gould ; Charles A., a law jjartner with 
hir father, and Fred. J. and Austin T. Blair, at home. 
Governor Blair's religion is of the broad type, and 
centers in the "Golden Rule." In 1883, Gov. Blair 
was nominated for. Justice of the Supreme Court 
of the State by the Republican party, but was defeated 



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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 







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RXRY HOWLANDCRAPO, 

Ciovenior of Michigan from 
'^ 1865 to 1869, was 1)0111 May 
24, 1804, at Dartmoutli, Bris- 
tol Co., Mass., and died at 
Flint, Mich., July 22, 1869. 
He was the eldest son of Jesse 
and Plia-he (Howlaiul) Crapo. 
His fatiier was of French descent 
and was very poor, sustaining liis 
^family by the cultivation of a farni in 
Dartmouth township, which yielded 
I nothing beyond a mere livelihood. 
His early life was consecjuently one 
of toil and devoid of advantages for 
intellectual culture, but his desire for 
an education seemed to know no bounds. The in- 
cessant toil for a mere subsistence mion a compara- 
tively sterile farm, had no charm for him ; and, longing 
for greater usefulness and better things, he looked for 
ihem in an education. His struggles to secure this 
end necessitated sacrifices and hardships that would 
have discouraged any but the most courageous and 
[KTsevering. He became an ardent student and 
worker from his boyhood, though the means of cany- 
ing on his studies were exceedingly limited. He 
sorely felt the need of a dictionary, and, neither having 
money wherewith to purchase it, nor being able to 
procure one in his neighborhood, he set out to cominle 
one for himself. In order to acquire a knowledge of 
the English language, he copied into a book every 
word whose meaning he did not comprehend, and 
u|X)P meeting the same word again in the newspapers 



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and books, which came into his hands, from the 



context, would then record the definition. Whenever 
unable otherwise to obtain the signification of a word 
in which he had become interested he would walk 
from Dartmouth to New Bedford for that [lurpose 
alone, and after referring to the books at the library 
and satisfying himself thoroughly as to itsdeunition, 
would walk back, a distance of about seven miles, 
the same night. This was no unusual circumstance. 
Under such difficulties and in this manner he com- 
piled quite an extensive dictionary in manuscript 
which is believed to be still in existence. 

Ever in pursuit of knowledge, he obtained ]X)Sses- 
sion of a book upon surveying, and applying himself 
diligently to its study became familiar with this art, 
which he soon had an opportunity to practice. The 
services of a land surveyor were wanted, and he was 
called upon, but had no compass and no money with 
which to purchase one. A compass, however, he 
must and would have, and going to a blacksmith shoi) 
near at hand, \\\)oy\ the forge, with such tools as he 
could find in the shop, while tiie smith was at dinner, 
he constructed the compass and commenced life as a 
surveyor. Still continuing his studies, he fitted him- 
self for teaching, and took charge of tlie village school 
at Dartmouth. When, in the course of time and un- 
der the pressure of law, a high s( hool was to be 
opened, he passed a successful examination for its 
principalship and received the apixjintment. To do 
this was no small task. The law reipiired a rigid 
examination in various subjects, which necessitated 
days and nights of study, (^ne evening, after con- 
cluding his day's labor of teaching, he traveled on foot 
to New Bedford, some seven or eight miles, called 
upon the preceptor of Friend's Academy and passed 






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a severe examination. Receiving a certificate that 
lie was qualified, he walked back to his home the 
same night, highly elated in being possessed of the 
acciuirements and requirements of a master of the 
high school. 

In 1832, at the age of 28 years, he left his native 
town and went to reside at New Bedford, where he 
followed the occupation of land surveyor, and oc- 
casionally acted as an auctioneer. Soon after becom- 
ing a citizen of this place, he was elected Town Clerk, 
Treasurer, and Collector of taxes, which office he held 
until the municipal government was changed, — about 
fifteen years, — when, upon the inauguration of the city 
government, he was elected Treasurer and Collector 
of taxes, a position which he held two or three years. 
He was also Justice of the Peace for many years. 
He was elected Alderman of New Bedford ; was 
Chairman of Council Committee on Eclucation, and 
as such prepared a rejiort upon which was based the 
order for the establishment of the free Public Library 
of New Bedford. On its organization, Mr. Crapo was 
chosen a member of the Board of Trustees. This 
was the first free public library in Massachusetts, if 
not in the world. The Boston Free Librarj' was es- 
tablished, however, soon afterwards. While a resident 
in New Bedford, he was much interested in horticul- 
ture, and to obtain the land necessary for carr)'ing out 
his ideas he drained and reclaimed several acres of 
rocky and swampy land adjoining his garden. Here 
he started a nursery, which he filled with almost every 
description of fruit and ornamental trees, shrubs, 
flowers, etc. In this he was very successful and took 
great pride. He was a regular contributorto the New 
England Horticultural Journal, a position he filled 
as long as he lived in Massachusetts. As an indica- 
tion of the wide reputation he acquired in that field 
of labor, it may Ije mentioned that after his death an 
affecting eulogy to his memory was pronounced by the 
President of the National Horticultural Society at its 
meeting in Pliiladeliihia, in 1869. During his resi- 
dence in New Bedford, Mr. Crapo was also engaged 
in the whaling business. A fine barque built at Dart- 
mouth, of which he was part owner, was named- the 
"H. H. Crapo" in compliment to him. 

Mr. C. also took part in the State Militia, and for 
several years held a commission as Colonel of one of 
the regiments. He was President of the Bristol 
('ounty Mutual Fire Insurance Co., and Secretary of 
the Bedford (xjmmercial Insurance Company in New 
Bedford; and while an officer of the municipal gov- 
ernmcnthecompiled and published, between the years 
1836 and 1845, five numbers of the New Bedford 
Directory, the firs': work of the kind ever i)ul)lished 
there. 

Mr. C. removed to Michigan in 1856, having been 
induced to do so by investments made principally in 
pine lands, first in tS37 and subseciuently in 1856. 
He took up his residence in the city of Flint, and en- 




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gaged largely in the manufacture and sale of lumber 
at Flint, Fentonville, Holly and Detroit, becoming 
one of the largest and most successful business men 
of the State. He was mainly instrumental in the 
construction of the Flint & Holly R. R., and was 
President of that corporation until its consolidation 
with the Flint & Pere Marquette R. R. Company. 
He was elected Mayor of that city after he had been 
a resident of the place only five cr six years. In 
1862 he was elected State Senator. In the fall of 
1864 he received the nominati(Jn on the Republican 
ticket for Governor of the State, and was elected liy a 
large majority. He was re-elected in 1866, holding 
the office two terms, and retiring in January, 1869, 
having given the greatest satisfaction to all parties. 

^\'hile serving his last term he was attacked with a 
disease which terminated his life within one year 
afterwards. During much of this time he was an in- 
tense sufferer, yet often while in great pain gave his 
attention to public matters. A few weeks previous 
to his death a successful surgical operation was per- 
formed which seemed rapidly to restore him, but he 
overestimated his strength, and by too much exertion 
in business matters and State affairs suffered a relapse 
from which there was no rebound, and he died July 
n-, 1869- 

In the early part of his life, Gov. Crapo affiliated 
with the Whig party in politics, but became an active 
member of the Rei)ublican party after its organization. 
He was a member of the Christian (sometimes called 
the Disciples') Church, and took great interest in its 
welfare and prosperity. 

Mr. C. married, June 9, 1825, Mary \. .'^locum, 
of Dartmouth. His marriage took ])lace soon after 
he had attained his majority, and before his struggles 
with fortune had been rewarded with any great meas- 
ure of success. But his wife was a woman of great 
strength of character and possessed of courage, hope- 
fulness and devotion, (jualities which sustained and 
encouraged her husband in the various pursuits of 
his early years. For several years after his marriage 
he was engaged in teaching school, his wife living 
with her jiarents at the time, at whose home his two 
older children were born. Wliilc thus situated he 
was accustomed to walk home on Saturday to see 
his family, returning on Sundav in order to be ready 
for school Mon(Lay morning. .Vs the walk for a good 
part of the time was 20 miles each way, it is evident 
that at that period of his life no common obstacles 
deterred him from performing what he regarded 
as a duty. His wife was none the less consci- 
entious in her sphere, and with added responsibilities 
and increasing requirements she labored faithfully 
in the performance of all her duties. They liad 
ten children, one son and nine daughters. His son, 
Hon. Wm. W. Crapo, of New Bedford, is now an 
honored Representative to Congress from the First 
Congressional District of Massachusetts. 

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GO VKRNORS OF MICHIGAN. 








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mEI^HT F. BALDWIN. 



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ENRY P. BALDWIN, Gov- 
ernor of Michigan from Jan. 
4, 1869, to Jan. I, 1873, is a 
lineal descendant of Nathan- 
iel Baldwin, a Puritan, of Buck- 
nghanishire, England, who set- 
tled at Milford, Conn., in 1639. 
His father was John Baldwin, 
a graduate of Dartmouth Col- 
lege. He died at North Provi- 
dence, R. I., in 1826. His 
paternal grandfather was Rev. 
Moses Baldwin, a graduate of 
Princeton College, in 1757, and the 
first who received collegiate hon- 
ors at that ancient and honored institution. He died 
at Parma, Mass., in 181 3, where for more than 50 
years he had been pastor of the Presbyterian Church. 
On his mother's side tlovernor B. is descended from 
Robert Williams, also a Puritan, who settled in Rox- 
bury, Mass., about 1638. His mother was a daughter 
of Rev. Nehemiah Williams, a graduate of Harvard 
College, who died at Brimfield, Mass., in 1796, where 
lor 2 1 years he was pastor of the Congregationalist 
Church. The subject of this sketch was born at 
Coventry, R. I., Feb. 22, 1814. He received a New 
England common-school education until the age of 
12 years, when, both his parents having died, he be- 
came a clerk in a mercantile estal)lishment. He re- 
mained there, cm])loying his leisure hours in study, 
until 20 years of age. 

At this early period Mr. B. engaged in business on 
his own account. He made a visit to the West, in 
1S37, which resulted in his removal to Detroit in tlie 
spring of 1838. Here he established a mercantile 
house which has been successfully conducte4 until 
the present time. Although he successfully conducted 



a large business, he has ever taken a dcci) interest in 
all things affecting the prosperity of the city and 
State of his adoption. He was for several years a 
Director and President of the Detroit Young Men's 
Society, an institution with a large library designed 
for the benefit of young men and citizens generally. 
.\n Episcopalian in religious belief, he has been 
prominent in home matters connected with that de- 
nomination. The large and flourishing parish of St. 
John, Detroit, originated with Covernor Baldwin, who 
gave the lot on which the parish edifice stands, and 
also contributed the larger share of the cost of their 
erection. Governor B. was one of the foremost in 
the establishment of St. Luke's Hospital, and has 
always been a liberal contributor to moral and relig- 
ious enterprises whether connected with his own 
Church or not. There have been, in fact, but few 
[jublic and social improvements of Detroit during the 
past 40 years with which Governor B.'s name is not 
in some way connected. He was a director in the 
Michigan State Bank until the expiration of its char- 
ter, and has been President of the Second National 
Bank since its organization. 

In i860, Mr. Baklwin was elected to the State 
Senate, of Michigan ; during the years of 1861 -'2 he 
was made Chairman of the Finance Committee, a 
member of Committee on Banks and Incorporations, 
Chairman of the Select Joint t'ommittee of the two 
Houses for the investigation of the Treasury Depart- 
ment and the official acts of the Treasurer, and of 
the letting of the contract for the improvement of 
Sault St. Marie Ship Canal. He was first elected 
Governor in 1868 and was re-elected in 1870, serving 
from iS69to 1872, inclusive. It is no undeserved 
eulogy to say that Governor B.'s happy faculty of es- 
timating the necessary means to an end — the knowing 
of how much effort or attention to bestow u|X)n the 
thing in hand, has been the secret of liie uniform 



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success that has attended his efforts in all relations 
of life. The same industry and accuracy that dis- 
tinguished him prior to this term as Governor was 
manifest in his career as the chief magistrate of the 
State, and while his influence appears in all things 
with which he has had to do, it is more noticeable in 
the most prominent position to which he was called. 
With rare exceptions the important commendations 
of Governor B. received the sanction of the Legislat- 
ure. During his administration marked improve- 
ments were made in the charitable, penal and reforma- 
tory institutions of the State. The State Public School 
for dependent children was founded and a permanent 
commission for the supervision of the several State 
institutions. The initiatory steps toward building the 
Eastern Asylum for the Insane, the State House of 
Correction, and the establishment of the State Board 
of Health were recommended by Governor B. in his 
message of 1873. The new State Capitol also owes 
its origen to him. The appropriation for its erection 
was made upon his recommendation, and the contract 
for the entire work let under this administration. 
Governor B. also appointed the commissioners under 
whose faithful supervision the building was erected in 
a manner most satisfactory to the people of the State. 
He advised and earnestly urged at different times 
such amendments of the constitution as would jser- 
mit a more eiiuitable compensation to State officers 
and judges. The law of 1869, and prior also, permitting 
municipalities to vote aid toward the construc- 
tion of railroads was, in 1870, declared unconstitu- 
tional by the Supreme Court. Many of the munici- 
palities having in the meantime issued and sold their 
bonds in good failli. Governor B. felt that the honor 
and credit of the State were in jeopardy. His sense 
of justice impelled him to call an extra session of the 
Legislature to propose the submission to the people a 
constitutional amendment, authorizing the payment 
of such bonds as were already in tlie hands of hnm- 
fide holders. In his special message he says : "The 
credit of no State stands iiigher than that of Michigan, 
and the people can not afford, and I trust will not 
consent, to have her good name tarnished by the repu- 
diation of either legal or moral obligations." A spe- 
cial session was called in March, 1S72, principally for 
the division of the State into congressional districts. 
A number of other important suggestions were made, 
however, and as an evidence of the (Governor's la- 
borious and thoughtful care for the financial condition 




of the State, a series of tables was prepared and sub- 
mitted by him showing, in detail, estimates of receipts, 
expenditures and appropriations for the years 1872 to 
1878, inclusive. Memorable of Governor B.'s admin- 
istration were the devastating fires which swept over 
many portions of the Northwest in the fall of 187 i. 
A large part of the city of Chicago having been re- 
duced to ashes. Governor B. promptly issued a proc- 
lamation calling upon the people of Michigan for 
liberal aid in behalf of the afflicted city. Scarcely had 
this been issued when several counties in his State 
were laid waste by the same destroying element. 
.\ second call was made asking assistance for the suf- 
fering people of Michigan. The contributions for 
these objects were prompt and most liberal, more than 
$700,000 having been received in money and supplies 
for the relief of Michigan alone. So ample were 
these contributions during the short period of about 
3 months, that the Governor issued a proclamation 
expressing in behalf of the people of the State grate- 
ful acknowldgment, and announcing that further 
aid was unnecessary. 

Governor B. has traveled extensively in his own 
country and has also made several visits to Europe 
and other portions of the Old World. He was a ]jas- 
senger on the Steamer Arill, which was captured and 
bonded in the Carribean Sea, in December, 1862, by 
Capt. Semmes, and wrote a full and interesting ac- 
count of the transaction. The following estimate of 
Governor B. on his retirement from office, by a leading 
newspaper, is not overdrawn: "The retiring message 
of Governor B., will be read with interest. It is 
a characteristic document and possesses the lucid 
statement, strong, and clear practical sense, which 
have been.marked features of all preceding documents 
from the same source. Governor B. retired to private 
life after four years of unusually successful adminis- 
tration amid plaudits that are universal throughout the 
State. For many years eminent and capable men 
have filled the executive chair of this State, but in 
painstaking vigilance, in stern good sense, in genuine 
public spirit, in thorough integrity and in practical 
capacity, Henry P. Baldwin has shown himself to be 
the peer of any or all of them. The State has been un- 
usually prosperous during his two terms, and the State 
administration has fully kept pace with the needs of 
the times. Tiie retiring Governor has fully earned 
the public gratihide and confidence which he to-day 
ixjssesses to such remarkable degree." 






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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



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OHN JUDSON BAdLEY, 
Governor of Micliigan from 
icS73 to 1877, was born in 
Medina, Orleans Co., N. Y., 
^^vr^ k July 24, 1832. His father, John 
Bagley, was a native of New 
Hampshire, his mother, Mary M. 
Bagley, of Connecticut. He at- 
tended the district school of Lock- 
« port, N. Y., until he was eight years 
old, at which time his father moved 
to Constantine, Mich., and he at- 
tended the common schools of that 
village. His early experience was 
like that of many country boys whose 
parents removed from Eastern States 
to the newer portion of the AVest. 
His father being in very poor circiim- 
Ili^fl stances, Mr. B. was obliged to work 
as soon as he was able to do so. 
Leaving school when 13 years of age 
he entered a country store in Constan- 
tine as clerk. His father then re- 
moved toOwosso, Mich.,and he again 
engaged as clerk in a store. From 
early youth Mr. B. was extravagantly fond of reading 
and devoted every leisure moment to the perusal of 
such books, papers and periodicals as came within 
his reach. In 1847, he removed to Detroit, where he 
secured employment in a tobacco manufactorj' and 
remained in this position for alwut five years. 

In 1853, he began business for himself in the man- 
ufacturing of tobacco. His establishment has become 




one of the largest of the kind in the West. Mr. B. 
has also been greatly interested in other manufactur- 
ing enterprises, as well as in mining, banking and in- 
surance corjxjrations. He was President of the 
Detroit Safe Company for several years. He was one 
of the organizers of the Michigan Mutual Life Insur- 
ance Company of Detroit, and was its President from 
1867 to 1872. He was a director of the Amer- 
ican National Bank for many years, and a stock- 
holder and director in various other corporations. 
Mr. B. was a member of the Board of Education two 
years, and of tlie Detroit Common Council the same 
length of time. In 1865 he was appointed by Gover- 
nor Crapo one of the first commissioners of the 
Metropolitian ix)lice force of the city of Detroit, serv- 
ing six years. In November, 1872, he was elected 
Governor of Michigan, and two years later was re- 
elected to the same office, retiring in January, 1877. 
He was an active worker in the Republican party, and 
for many years was Chairman of tlie Republican 
State Central committee. 

(iovernor Bagley was quite liberal in his religious 
views and was an attendant of the Unitarian Church. 
He aimed to be able to hear and consider any new 
thouuhl.from whatever source itmay come, but was not 
bound by any religious creed or formula. He held 
in respect all religious opinions, believing that no one 
can be injured l)y a firm adherence to a faith or de- 
nomination. He was married at Dubu(iue, Iowa, Jan. 
16, 1855, to Frances E. Newberry, daughter of Rev. 
Samuel Newborr)', a pioneer missionary of Michigan, 
who took an active part in the early educational mat- 
ters of the State and in the establishment i.^{ its ex- 
cellent system of education. It was |)rincipally 



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f through his exertions that the State University was 
founded. Mr. B.'s family consists of seven children. 
^ As Governor his administration was charac- 
f terized by several imix)rtant features, chief among 
>» which were his efforts to improve and make popular 
"■ "^ the educational agencies of the State by increasing 
the faculty of the University for more thorough in- 
struction in technical studieSjby strengthening the hold 
of the Agricultural College upon the public good will 
and making the general change which has manifested 
itself in many scattered primary districts. Among 
others were an almost complete revolution in the 
management of the penal and charitable institutions 
of the State; the passage of the liquor-tax law, taking 
the place of the dead letter of prohibition; the estab- 
lishing of the system of dealing with juvenile offend- 
ers through county agents, which has proved of great 
good in turning the young back from crime and plac- 
ing the State in the attitude of a moral agent ; in se- 
curing for the militia the first time in the history of 
Michigan a systematized organization upon a service- 
y^ able footing. It was upon the suggestion of Gov. B. 
, — r in the earlier part of his administration that the law 
,<^J creating the State Board of Health, and also the law 
^ creating a fish commission in the inland waters of the 
S^ State, were passed, both of which have proved of great 
^ benefit to the State. The successful representation 
) of Michigan at the Centennial Exhibition is also an 
honorable part of the record of Gov. B.'s adminis- 
tration. 

As Governor, he felt that he represented the State 
— not in a narrow, egotistical way, but in the same 
sense that a faithful, trusted, confidential agent rep- 
resents his employer, and as the Executive of the 
State he was her " attorney in fact." And his intelli- 
gent, thoughtful care will long continue the pride of 
the people he so much loved. He was ambitious — 
ambitious for place and power, as every noble mind 
is ambitious, because these give opportunity. How- 
ever strong the mind and powerful tlie will, if there 
be no ambition, life is a failure. He was not blind to 
the fact tliat the more we have the more is required 
of us. He accepted it in its fullest meaning. He 
j had great hopes for his State and his country. He had 
'*.' his ideas of what they should be. \\'ith a heart as 
•y broad as humanity itself; with an intelligent, able and 
^ cultured brain, the will and the power to do, he 
['-' asked his fellow citizen to give him the opportunity to 
_^ labor for them. Self entered not into the calculation. 

^:^-i ^,^e^^... ^^^^ — -^<^m 



JOHN J. BAGLEY. 



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His whole life was a battle for others ; and he entered 
the conflict eagerly and hopefully. 

His State papers were models of compact, busi- 
ness-like statements, bold, original, and brimful of 
practical suggestions, and his administrations will long 
be considered as among the ablest in this or any 
other State. 

His noble, generous nature made his innumerable 
benefactions a source of continuous pleasure. Liter- 
ally, to him it was " more blessed to give than to 
receive." 

His greatest enjoyment was in witnessing the com- 
fort and happiness of others. Not a tithe of his char- 
ities were known to his most intimate friends, or even 
to his family. Many a needy one has been the recipi- 
ent of aid at an opportune moment, who never knew 
the hand that gave. 

At one time a friend had witnessed his ready re- 
sponse to some charitable request, and said to him : 
"Governor, you give away a large sum of money ; about 
how much does your charities amount to in a year?" 
He turned at once and said : " I do not know, sir; I 
do not allow myself to know. I hope I gave more 
this year than I did last, and hope I shall give more 
next year than I have this." This exjiresscd liis idea 
of charity, that the giving should at all times be free 
and spontaneous. 

During his leasure hours from early life, and espe- 
cially during the last few years, he devoted itiuch time 
to becoming acquainted with the best authors. Biog- 
raphy was his delight; the last he read was the "Life 
and Woik of John Adams," in ten volumes. 

In all questions of business or public affairs he 
seemed to have the power of getting at the kernel of 
the nut in the least possible time. In reading he 
would spend scarcely more time witii a volume than 
most persons would devote to a cliapter. After what 
seemed a cursory glance, he would have all of value 
the book contained. Rarely do we see a business 
man so familiar with the best English authors. He 
was a generous and intelligent patron of the arts, and 
his elegant home was a study and a pleasure 
to his many friends, who always found there a 
hearty welcome. At Christmas time he would spend 
days doing the work of Santa Claus. Every Christmas 
eve he gathered his children about him and, taking 
the youngest on his lap, told some Christmas story, 
closing the entertaiiTnient with "The Night Before 
Christmas," or Dickens's "Christmas Carol." 



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GO VERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



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HARLES M. CROSWELL, 
Governor of Michigan from 
Jan. 3, 1877 to Jan. i, 1881, 
was born at Newburg, Orange 
County, N. Y., Oct. 31, 1825. 
He is the only son of John and 
Sallie (Hicks) Croswell. His 
father, who was of Scotch-Irish 
extraction, was a jiaper-maker, 
and carried on business in New 
York Chy. His ancestors on 
his mothers side were of Knicker- 
bocker descent. The Croswell 
family may be found connected 
with prominent events, in New York 
and Connecticut, in the early exis- 
tence of the Republic. Harry Cros- 
■^ well, during the administration of 
P] President Jefferson, published a pa- 
'* per called the Balance, and was 
V^J'jW prosecuted for libeling the President 
V^W? under the obnoxious Sedition Law. 
^W He was defended by the celebrated 
' Alexander Hamilton, and the decis- 
ion of the case establised the important ruling that 
the truth might be shown in cases of libel, .\nother 
member of the family was lidwin Croswell, the fam- 
ous editor of the Albany Argus ; also. Rev. William 
'^ Croswell, noted as a divine and poet. 
I When Charles M. Croswell was seven years of age, 
..•% his father was accidentally drowned in the Hudson 
}p River, at Newburg ; and, within three months preced- 
^ ing that event, his mother and only sister had died, — 
! • thus leaving him the sole surviving member of the 
T" family, without fortune or means. Ujxjn the death 







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of his father he went to live with an uncle, who, in 
1837, emigrated with him to Adrain, Michigan. .\t 
si.xtcen years of age, he commenced to learn the car- 
penter's trade, and worked at it very diligently for 
four years, maintaining himself, and devoting his spare 
time to reading and tlie acciuiremenl of knowledge. 
In 1S46, he began the study of law, and was ap- 
pointed Deput) Clerk of Lenawee County. The du- 
ties of tliis office he performed four years, when he 
was elected Register of Deeds, and was re-elected 
in 1852. In 1854, he took part in the first movements 
for the formation of the Republican party, and was a 
member and Secretary of the convetion held at Jack- 
son in that year, which put in the field the first Re- 
publican State ticket in Michigan. In 1855, he 
fomied a law partnership with the present Chief-Jus- 
tice Cooley, which continued until the removal of 
Judge Cooley to Ann Arbor. 

In 1862, Mr. Croswell was appointed City Attorney 
of -Adrian. He was also elected Mayor of the city 
in the spring of the same year; and in the fall was 
chosen to rei>resent Lenawee County in tlie State 
Senate. He was re-elected to the Senate in 1864, 
and again in 1866, during each term filling the ix)si- 
tions above mentioned. Among various reiXDrts made 
by him, one adverse to the re-establishment of the 
death penalty, and another against a proposition to 
pay the salaries of State officers and judges in coin, 
whicli then commanded a very large ])remiinn, may 
be mentioned. He also drafted the act ratifying the 
Thirteenth Amendment to the Federal Constitution, 
for the abolishment of slavery, it being the first 
amendment to the instrument ratified by Michigan. 
In 1863, from his seat in the State Senate, he de- 
livered an elalx)rate speech in favor of the Proclama- 



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CHARLES M. CRO SWELL. 



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tion of Emancipation issued by President Lincoln, 

and of his general policy in the prosecution of the 

>|«war. This, at the request of his Republican associ- 

I ates, was afterwards published. In 1S67, he was 

- -^elected a member of the Constitutional Convention, 

and chosen its presiding officer. This convention 

was composed of an able body of men ; and though, 

in the general distrust of constitutional changes 

which for some years had been taking possession of 

^the people, their labors were not accepted by the pop- 

^ular vote, it was always conceded that the constitu- 

' tion they proposed had been prepared with great care 

and skill. 

In 1868, Mr. Croswell was chosen an Elector on 
the Republican Presidential ticket; in 1872, was 
elected a Representative to the State Legislature 
from Lenawee County, and was chosen -Speaker of 
ij'the House of Representatives. At the close of the 
session of that body his abilities as a parliamentarian, 
^and the fairness of his rulings were freely and forni- 
=aally acknowledged by his associates ; and he was pre- 
.'^sented with a superb collection of their jwrtraits 
shandsomely framed. He was, also, for several years, 
) Secretary of the State Board for the general supervis- 
ion of the charitable and. penal institutions of Michi- 
gan ; in which position, his propositions for the amel- 
ioration of the condition of the unfortunate, and the 
reformation of the criminal classes, signalize the be- 
nevolence of his nature, and the practical character 
of his mind. 

'-^ In 1876, the general voice of the Republicans of 

the State indicted Mr. Croswell as their clioice for 

Governor; and, at the State Convention of the i)arty 

in August of the same year, he was put in nomination 

by acclamation, without the formality of a ballot. At 

X^ the election in November following, he was chosen to 

t the high position for which he had been nominated, 

..*,, by a very large majority over all opposing candidates. 

■y His inaugural message was received with general 

^ favor; and his career as Governor was marked with 

*' the same i|nalities of head and heart that have ever 

7" distinguished him, both as a citizen and statesman. 




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Governor Groswell has always prepared his ad- 
dresses with care ; and, as his diction is terse, clear, 
and strong, without excess of ornament, and his de- 
liver)- impressive, he is a popular speaker; and many 
of his speeches have attracted favorable comment in 
the public prints, and have a permanent value. He 
has always manifested a deep interest in educational 
matters, and was foryears a member and Secretary of 
the Board of Education of Adrain. At the formal 
opening of the Central School building in that city, 
on the 24th day of April, 1869, he gave, in a public 
address, an " Historical Sketch of the Adrian Public 
Schools." 

In his private life. Governor Croswell has been as 
exemplary as in his public career he has been suc- 
cessful and useful. In February, 1852, he was mar- 
ried to a daughter of Morton Eddy, Lucy M. Eddy, 
a lady of many amiable and sunny ([ualities. She 
suddenly died, March 19, 186S, leaving two daugh- 
ters and a son. Governor Croswell is not a member 
of any religious body, but generally attends the Pres- 
byterian Church. He pursues the [irofession of law, 
but of late has been occupied mainly in the care of his 
own interests, and the quiet duties of advice in 
business difficulties, for whicli jiis unfailing pru- 
dence and sound judgment eminently fit liim. Gov- 
ernor Croswell is truly i)0[)ular, not only with those of 
like political faith with himself, but witli those who 
differ from him in this regard. 

During Gov. Croswell's administration the public 
debt was greatly reduced ; a policy adopted requiring 
the State institutions to keep within the limit of ap- 
propriations; laws enacted to provide more effectually 
for the punishment of c orruption and bribrery in elec- 
tions; the State House of Correction at Ionia and the 
Eastern Asylum for the Insane at Pontiac wereoi)ened, 
and the new capital at Lansing was completed and 
occupied. 'Die first act of his second term was to jire- 
side al the dedication of this building Tlie great riot 
at Jackson occured during his administration, and it 
was only bv his jiromptiiess that great distruction of 
both life and property was prevented at that time. 



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GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN. 



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\| D A V I D H . J E ROM E, Gover- 

'.., ir of from Jan. i, 1881, to 
>ll l^Mrry'il J^'"- '' 1883, was born at De- 

ife^ M r t'^"' ^''^1^- ^°^-.'7, 1829. 

His parents emigrated to 
Michigan from Trumansburg, 
Tompkins Co., N. Y., in 1828, 
locating at Detroit. His father 
died March 30, 1831, leaving 
nine children. He had been 
twice married, and four of the 
children living at tlie lime of his 
death were grown up sons, the off- 
spring of his first union. Of the 
five children by his second marriage, David H. was 
the youngest. Shortly after Mr. Jerome's death, his 
widow moved back to New York and settled in 
Onondaga County near Syracuse, where they remained 
^ until the fall of 1834, the four sons by the first wife 
^!^ continuing their residence in Michigan. In the fall 
\oi 1834, Mrs. Jerome came once more to Michigan, 
locating on a farm in St. Clair County. Here the 
Covernor formed those habits of industry and ster- 
ling integrity that have been so characteristic of tlie 
man in the active duties of life. He was sent to the 
district school, and in the ac(iuisition of the funda- 
>mental branches of learning he displayed a precocity 
and an application which won for him tlie admiration 
• jof his teachers, and always placed him at the head 

* of his classes. In the meantime lie did chores on 
^•Mhe farm, and was always ready with a cheerful heart 

• and willing hand to assist his widowed mother. Tlie 
^heavy labor of the farm was carried on by his two 



older brothers, Timothy and George, and when 13 
years of age David received his mother's permission to 
attend school at the St. Clair Academy. While attend- 
ing there he lived with Marcus H. Miles, now de- 
ceased, doing chores for his board, and the following 
winter performed the same service for James Ogden, 
also deceased. The next summer Mrs. Jerome 
moved into the village of St. Clair, for the piirixjseof 
continuing her son in school. While attending said 
academy one of his associate students was Sena- 
tor Thomas W. Palmer, of Detroit, a rival candidate 
before the gubernatorial convention in 1880. He 
completed his education in the fall of his i6th year, 
and the following winter assisted his brother Timothy 
in hauling logs in the pine woods. The next summer 
he rafted logs down the St. Clair River to Algonac. 

In 1847, M. H. Miles being Clerk in St. ClairCoun- 
ty, and Volney A. Ripley Register of Deeds. David 
H. Jerome was appointed Deputy to each, remaining 
as such during 1848-49, and receiving much jiraise 
from his cmi)loyers and the people in general for the 
ability displayed in the discharge of his duties. He 
spent his summer vacation at clerical work on board 
the lake vessels. 

In 1849-50, he abandoned olTice work, and for the 
proper development of his physical system spent 
several months hauling logs. In the spring of 1850, 
his brother "Tiff" and himself chartered the ste.amer 
"Chautauqua," and "Young Dave" i)ecame her mas- 
ter. A portion of the season the boat was engaged 
in the passenger and freight traffic between Port 
Huron and Detroit, but during the latter part was 
used as a tow boat. At that time there was a serious 
obstruction to navigation, known as the "St. Clair 
Flats," between Lakes Huron and Erie, over which 



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BA VI£> H. JEROME. 



^ vessels could carry only about 10,000 bushels of grain. 

'h Mr. Jerome conceived the idea of towing vessels 

.-% from one lake to the other, and put his plan into 

f operation. Through the influence of practical men, — 

■'y among them the subject of this sketch, — Congress 

removed the obstruction above referred to, and now 

vessels can pass them laden with 60,000 or <So,ooo 

bushels of grain. 

During the season, the two brothers succeeded 
in making a neat little sum of money by the sum- 
mer's work, but subsequently lost it all on a contract 
to raise the "Gen. Scott," a ves-iel that had sunk in 
Lake St. Clair. David H. came out free from debt, 
but possessed of hardly a dollar of capital. In the 
spring of 185 i, he was clerk and acting master of the 
steamers "Franklin Moore" and "Ruby," plying be- 
tween Detroit and Port Huron and (ioderich. The 
following year he was clerk of the propeller "Prince- 
-N ton," running between Detroit and Buffalo. 

In January, 1853, Mr. Jerome went to California, 
A^ by way of the Isthmus, and enjoyed extraordinary 
=i success in selling goods in a new place of his selec- 
.M tion, among the mountains near Marysville He re- 
3 mained there during the summer, and located the 
^ Live Yankee Tunnel Mine, which has since yielded 



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millions to its owners, and is still a paying investment. 



He planned and put a tunnel 600 feet into the mine, 
but when the water supply began to fail with the dry 
season, sold out his interest. He left in the fall of 
1853, and in December sailed from San Francisco for 
New York, arriving at his home in St. Clair County, 
about a year after his departure. During his absence 
his brother "Tiff" had located at Saginaw, and in 
1854 Mr. Jerome joined him in his lumber operations 
in the valley. In 1855 the brothers bought Black- 
mer & Eaton's hardware and general supply stores, 
at Saginaw, and David H. assumed the management 
of the business. From 1855 to 1873 he was also ex- 
tensively engaged in lumbering operations. 

Soon after locating at Saginaw he was nominated 
for Alderman against Stewart B. Williams, a rising 

1 young man, of strong Democratic principles. Tlic 
ward was largely Democratic, but Mr. Jerome was 
■;»* elected by a handsome majority. When the Kepub- 
.p. iican party was born at Jackson, Mich., David H. 
J^ Jerome was, though not a delegate to the convention, 
s) one of its "charter members.' In 1862, he was com- 
missioned by Gov. Austin Blair to raise one of the 



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six regiments apportioned to the State of Michigan. 
Mr. Jerome immediately went to work and held 
meetings at various points. The zeal and enthusiasm 
displayed by this advocate of the Union awakened a 
feeling of ])atriotic interest in the breasts of many 
brave men, and in a short space of time the 23d, 
Regiment of Michigan Volunteer Infantry was placed 
in the field, and subsequently gained for itself a Iiril- 
liant record. 

In the fall of 1862, Mr. Jerome was nominated by 
the Republican party for State Senator from the 26th 
district, Appleton Stevens, of Bay City, being his op- 
ponent. The contest was very exciting, and resulted 
in the triumphant election of Mr. Jerome. He was 
twice renominated and elected both times by in- 
creased majorities, defeating George Lord, of Bay 
City, and Dr. Cheseman, of (iratiot County. On tak- 
ing his seat in the Senate, he was appointed Chair- 
man of the Committee on State Affairs, and was ac- 
tive in raising means and troops to carry on the war. 
He held the same position during his three terms of 
service, and introduced the bill creating the Soldiers' 
Home at Harper Hospital, Detroit. 

He was selected by Gov. Crapo as a military aid, 
and in 1865 was appointed a member of the State 
Military Board, and served as its President for eight 
consecutive years. In 1873, he was ajipoinced by 
Gov. Bagley a member of the convention to prepare 
a new State Constitution, and was Chairman of the 
Committee on Finance. 

In 1875, Mr. Jerome was apix)inted a member of 
the Board of Indian Commissioners. In IS76 he was 
Chairman of a commission to visit Chief Joseph, the 
Nez Perce Indian, to arrange an amicable settlement 
of all existing difficulties. The commission went to 
Portland, Oregon, thence to the Blue Hills, in Idaho, 
a distance of 600 miles up the Columbia River. 

At the Republican State Convention, convened at 
Jackson in August, 1880, Mr. Jerome was placed in 
the field for nomination, and on the 5 th day of the 
month received the highest honor the convention 
could confer on any one. His opponent was Freder- 
ick M. HoUoway, of Hillsdale County, who was sup- 
jwrted by the Democratic and Greenback parties. 
The State was thoroughly canvassed by both parties, 
and when the polls were closed on the evening of 
election day, it was found that David H. Jerome liatl 
been selected by the voters of tlie Wolverine State to 
occujjy the highest jiosition within their gift. 



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GOVERNORS OF MICHIGAN 



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JOSIAH W. HEG 







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OSIAH W. BEGOLE, the 
present (1883), (iovernor of 
^^Michigan was born in Living- 
ston, County, N. Y., Jan. 20, 
1815. His ancestors were of 
French descent, and settled at 
an earl)' period in the State of 
Maiyland. Hisgrandfather,Capt. 

I Bolles, of that State, was an offi- 
cer in the American army during 

II the war of the Revolution. About 
the beginning of the present cent- 
ury both his grandparents, having 
become dissatisfied with the insti- 
tution of slavery, although slave- 
holders themselves, emigrated to 
Livingston County, N. Y., then 
a new country, taking with them a 
number of their former slaves, who 
volunteered to accompany them. 
His father was an officer in the 
.\merican army, and served during 
the war of 1S12. 

Mr. V>. received his early education in a log school- 
house, and subsequently attended the Temple Hill 
Academy, at Geneseo, N. Y. Being tlie eldest of a 
family of ten children, whose parents were in moder- 
ate though comfortable circumstances, he was early 
taught habits of industr)', and when 21 years of age, 
being aniijitious to bettor his condition in life, he re- 
solved to seek his fortune in tiie far West, as it was 



then called. \\\ August, 1836, he left the parental 
roof to seek a home in tlie Territor) of Michigan 
then an almost unbroken wilderness. Ho settled in 
(lonesee County, and aided with his own hands in 
building some of the early residences in what is now 
known as the city of Flint. There were but four or 
five houses where this flourishing city now stands 
when he selected it as his home. 

In the spring of 1839 he married Miss Harriet .\. 
Miles. The marriage proved a most fortunate one, 
and to the faithful wife of his youth, who lives to en- 
joy with him the comforts of an honestly earned com- 
petence, Mr. Begole ascribes largely his success in 
life. Immediately after his marriage he commenced 
work on an unimproved farm, where, by his perse- 
verance and energy, he soon established a good home, 
and at the end of eighteen years was the owner of a 
well improved farm of five hundred acres. 

Mr. P.egole being an anti-slavery man, became a 
member of the Republican party at its organization. 
He served his townsmen in various offices, and was_ 
in 1S56, elected County Treasurer, which office he 
held for eight years. 

.\t the breaking out of the Rebellion he did not 
carry a musket to the front, but his many friends will 
bear witness that he took an active part in recruiting 
and furnishing supplies for the army, and in looking 
after the interests of soldiers' families at home. The 
death of his eldest son near .\tlanta, (ia., by .1 Confed- 
rate bullet, in 1864, was the greatest sorrow of his life. 
When a few years later he was a member in Congress 



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Gov. Begole voted and worked for the soldiers' 
bounty equalization bill, an act doing justice to the 
soldier who bore the burden and heat of the day, and 
who should fare equally with him who came in at the 
eleventh hour. That bill was defeated in the House 
on account of the large appropriation that would be 
required to pay the same. 

In 1870, Gov. Begole was nominated by acclama- 
tion for the office of State Senator, and elected by a 
large majority. In that body he served on the Com- 
mittees of Finance and Railroads, and was Chairman 
of the Committee on the Institute for the Deaf and 
Dumb and Blind. He took a liberal and public- 
spirited view of the importance of a new capitol 
building worthy of the State, and was an active mem- 
ber of the Committee that drafted the bill for the 
same He was a delegate to the National Republi- 
can Convention held at Philadelphia in 1872, and 
was the chosen member of that delegation to go to 
Washington and inform Gen. Grant and Senator 
Wilson of their nominations. It was while at that 
convention that, by the express wish of his many 
friends, he was induced to offer himself a can- 
didate for the nomination of member to the 43d Con- 
gress, in which he was successful, after competing for 
the nomination with several of the most worthy, able 
and experienced men in the Si.\th Congressional Dis- 
trict, and was elected by a very large majority. In 
Congress, he was a member of the Committee on 
Agricultural and Public Expenditures. Being one of 
the 17 farmers in that Congress, he took an active 
part in the Committee of Agriculture, and was ap- 
pointed by that coinmittee to draft the most impor- 
tant report made by that committee, and upon the 
only subject recommended by the President in his 
message, which he did and the report was printed in 
records of Congress ; he took an efficient though an 
unobtrusive part in all its proceedings. 

He voted for the currency bill, remonetization of 
silver, and other financial measures, many of which, 
though defeated then, have since become the settled 
IxDlicy of the country. Owing to the position which 
Mr. Begole occupied on these questions, he became a 
"Greenbacker." 

In the Gubernatorial election of 1882, Mr. Begole 
was the candidate of both the Greenback and Dem- 
ocratic parties, and was elected by a vote of 154,269, 
the Republican candidate, Hon. David H. Jerome, 



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receiving 149,697 votes. Mr. Begole, in entering 
upon his duties as Governor, has manifested a spirit 
that has already won him many friends, and bids fair 
to make his administration both successful and pop- 
ular. 

The very best indications of what a man is, is what 
his own townsmen think of him. We give the fol- 
lowing extract from the Flint Globe, the leading Re- 
publican paper m Gov. Begole's own county, and it, 
too, written during the heat of a political campaign, 
which certainly is a flattering testimonial of his ster- 
ling worth : 

" So far, however, as Mr. Begole, the head of the 
ticket, is concerned, there is nothing detrimental to 
his character that can be alleged against him. He 
has sometimes changed his mind in politics, but for 
sincerity of his beliefs and the earnestness of his pur- 
pose nobody who knows him entertains a doubt. He 
is incapable of bearing malice, even against his bit- 
terest political enemies. He has a warm, generous 
nature, and a larger, kinder heart does not beat in 
the bosom of any man in Michigan. He is not much 
given to making speeches, but deeds are more signif- 
icant of a man's character than words There are 
many scores of men in all parts of the State where 
Mr. Begole is acquainted, who have had practical 
demonstrations of these facts, and who are liable to 
step outside of party lines to show that they do not 
forget his kindness, and who, no doubt, wish that he 
was a leader in what would not necessarily prove a 
forlorn hope. But the Republican party in Michigan 
is too strong to be beaten by a combination of Demo- 
crats and Greenbackers, even if it is marshaled by so 
good a man as Mr. Begole." 

This sketch would be imperfect without referring 
to the action of Mr. B. at the time of the great calamity 
that in 1881 overtook the people of Northeastern 
Michigan, in a few hours desolating whole counties 
by fire and destroying the results and accumulations 
of such hard work as only falls to the lot of pioneers. 
While the Port Huron and Detroit committees were 
quarrelmg over the distribution of funds, Mr. Begole 
wrote to an agent in the "jburnt district " a letter, from 
which we make an extract of but a single sentence : 
"Until the differences between the two committees 
are adjusted and you receive your regular supplies 
from them, draw. on me. Let no man suffer while I 
have money." This displays his true character. 




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^~ '^ ON. CEYLON C. FULLER, 

ludgc of the 27lh Judicial 
fe Circuit of Micliigan, was 
'v born at Chardon, Geauga 
Co., O., June 25, 1832. 
■S' Aside from his official eni- 
"' p inence, his connection with 
Cv/oegO;,o the history of Big Rapids and Mecos- 
^^i^ ta County places him pre-eminent 
( .-^^^'^ among the citizens of both. More- 
i^7jo^ over, his stainless record, botiiin pub- 
(D(SlQ ''*^ ^^^ '" P''V'it"^ ''fe, his allegiance 
ci^^ffo to the t)bligations of his manhood, his 
solicitous interests in whatever could 
permanently affect the section where 
he has established his home and 
founded all that must be dearest to him in life, justly 
entitle him to a respect commensurate with the jxisi- 
tion he occupies. 

It is a striking feature of our American institutions 
that what one man accomplishes reflects a luster on 
the career of others who serve their generation in other 
capacities. So it chances that a man may be reviewed 
in all his relations without detracting from the worth 
of other men, or reflecting uiK)n their achievements, 
no less meritorious because less prominent in the same 
avenue. Representative men arc tlie bulwarks of our 




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local as well as national structure, and in according f^ 
to Judge Fuller the first place in the present work, ^ 
its publishers but harmonize with the sentiment of the />[ 
community which he so honors and which so hon- ^ 
ors him. 

He comes of sturdy yeoman ancestry in both hues 
of descent. He is the type of the element which 
underlies the true greatness of the British people ; no 
atrophy of aristocracy enfeebles, no taint of sujiersti- 
tion or ignorance i)oisons the stock of his origin, and 
in him are combined the best traits of his jirogenitors, 
fostered under our institutions and developed under 
the privileges of our country's dower to the humblest 
of her sons — American citizenship. 

Judge I'uller is the second son of Edson and Ce- 
lira (Canfield) Fuller. The father was born at Caze- 
novia, N. Y., in 1809, and died at Des Moines, la., 
April 4, 1879. His ancestors were among the early 
English emigrants to this country, bringing here a 
name illustrious because unblemished, and which has 
been handed down to successive generations untarn- 
ished. The record of Edson Fuller is inseparable 
from that of Big Rapids and Mecosta County, whither 
he brought his f;imily in 1859, when the now thriving 
and beautiful I'Virest City showed only a nucleus of 
three houses and one small saw-mill. 1 le grew to 
youth in his native Slate, and in the dawn of his J 



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earliest manhood went to Ohio. He was married 
there and remained until 1845. In that year he came 
to Grand Kapids, Mich., then but the hope and 
promise of its present splendid estate. The journey 
was accomplished in the manner common to that 
period, in a prairie schooner, drawn by an ox team, 
the days passing in slow but sure progress toward the 
point of destination, the nights in the restful solitude 
of the camp. Ten years of untiring energy and 
activity at Grand Rapids brought substantial reward, 
and in 1855 Mr. Fuller transferred his interests to 
Mishawaka, Ind., where, in 1857, the accumulations 
of years were swept away in the financial convulsion 
which wrecked the hopes and the resources of the 
business element of this land. From its foundations 
was the structure of fortune once more to be reared, 
and Mr. Fuller came to Big Rapids to begin again in 
a field that seemed to promise a reasonable degree 
of success. He opened the first store in the county. 
A description of the miscellaneous character of 
the merchandise he offered for sale would be as 
interesting as any otlier possible detail of the pio- 
neer history of Big Rapids. The stock was drawn from 
Grand Rapids over roads which the record declares 
" neither tongue nor pen can describe." The store 
was located at the corner of Elm .'Street and Michigan 
Avenue. 

At the close of his commercial affairs, Mr. Fuller 
moved to a farm in the township of Green, where his 
family resided until 1877. In that year they returned 
to Big Rapids. In April, 1879, while visiting his eld- 
est son at Des Moins, Mr. Fuller died, ripe in years, 
leaving a wife and five children, who, individually, 
without exception, have sustained his name among 
men and glorified his memor)' in tlieir lives of honor 
and usefulness. 

The record of Celira (Canfield) Fuller is one that 
verifies the law of natural heritage and in the careers 
of her four sons and surviving daughter, her womanly 
worth and super-eminent intellectual qualities are 
perpetuated. Her earliest recorded ancestors were 
Huguenots, a fact which largely accounts for much 
of her jjersonal annals. Her family name had its 
origin in the events which characterized the com- 
mingled liistoiy of JMigland and I'rance in the 14th 
century. A Huguenot family of Normandy, named 
Dephilo, received from the British crown a grant of 
land lyin^ contiguous to tlie river Cam in England. 
The bestowal was for meri'orious services, and such 



was the appreciation of the honor bestowed with it 
that the event was made memorable by abnegation of 
the old family cognomen, and the compounding of a 
new one which should perpetuate the memory of the 
act of the English Government to the remotest gen- 
eration. Cam and Dephilo became Camphield, and 
the orthography remained unchanged until the death 
of Thomas Camphield, in the i6th century, when 
the name was spelled Camfield, remaining thus until 
1720, when it became Canfield. Matthew Camfield 
came from England to New Haven, Ct., in 1639. 
When that province made haste to secure the favor 
of the British Government in the early days of the 
restored monarchy, the charter which the "scholarly 
young Winslow. the best and truest man" in all her 
borders, carried to King Charles, bore the name ot 
"Matthew Camfield" as one of the petitioners for a 
royal patent. Winthrop's tact and sagacity secured 
for the colony "the most liberal and ample" charter 
ever granted by an English monarch, and upon the 
people of Connecticut was conferred power to govern 
themselves and this without qualification or restric- 
tion. Under the provisions of this charter "Gold, Sher- 
man and C'amfield" were appointed judges and vested 
with power to hold court at Fairfield, opening April 
r, 1669. Mr. Camfield afterward went with part of 
his family to Newark, N. J., where he died and where 
bis name is perpetuated by numerous descendants. 
The distinction of his name and jxjsition is also 
marked by the fact that his son Samuel (ist) was a 
member of the General Assembly of Connecticut in 
1669. Samuel Camfield (2d) was born at Norwalk, 
Ct., in 1672, and ma.ried Abigail Austin, of Stamford, 
Ct., Aug. I, 1709. Samuel Camfield (3d) was born 
June 4, 17 10, at New Marlborough, Mass. His estate 
is yet in the possession of his descendants. Thomas 
Canfield, son of tlie last named, was born at New 
Marlborough, and married a lady named Burr. Oliver 
Canfield, son of 'I'homas, married Sally Sherman in 
1782, and of this marriage was born at Tyringham' 
Mass., July 7, 1810, Celira, the luother of Judge 
Fuller. 

Her father died when she was in infancy, and her 
mother remarried and went to Chardon, Geauga Co., 
O., where she grew to wonuuiliood. She married 
Edson Fuller, Feb. 4, 1830. Her home in Oliio was 
with that of the pioneer element, and she had but little 
technical education,- as she had the advantage of but 
ten weeks of si liool in her life. But she was ever a 



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sUident The profession of medicine afforded deei) 
interest to her alert mental organization and within 
her scope she ijursued its practice both in Indiana 
and at Big Rapids, being signally successful in her 
efforts to alleviate suffering and baffle disease. She 
was ever prominent in educational, moral and relii;ious 
movements. In 1850, '51 and '52 she was in charge 
of the primary department of the union school 
at Grand Rapids, Mich. She organized the first 
Sunday-school at Big Rapids, whose sessions were 
held in the old red school-house. In moral avenues 
her influence was sensibly felt among the pioneers 
of the village and vicinity and e.xlended through the 
later years of her life, when Big Rapids had become 
a city incorjKirate, and her iX)pulalion had increased 
to thousands. 

In 1 87 3-4 she experienced a severe attack of ery- 
sipelas and vacillated for weeks between life antl 
death. On her recovery she reviewed her situation 
while suffering under her terrible affliction, express 
ing her views in metrical language with vivid power 
and beauty. It is as follows : 

■■ Heavy, and licavii'i- <\\U ]\ff'< liMidcn ;;ii'\\. 
I'litil al la>l my weary t'lit n't'ii^eil 
To Ix'ar iiic, aiiil I laiil iiii' down in pain. 
So near tlic biiiik of the dark mysrlc tide 
That, as the surgiiii;; waves ruslied madly by, 
Tlii'y dashed their iev spray full in my taee; 
-Vnd my swollen lealiues, soon so loathsome jjicw 
Thai e\cn the eye of hivo nin^t turn away. 
Karth"- liyhl wcnl ont.and niidniuhl darkness rei-fiied 
While lii|iMd lire seemed eonr>ini;- IliidUiihiny vein>. 
A dealh-like ehillneo loi'lnred all my hones." 
Kile and ice. contending t'oitlie victory, 
Filled in\ whole IVanie w ith mortal ajjoiiy. 
I prayed tor patience to einhire, and soon 
1 thought 1 heard hi-yond the roaiing thxid 
A voice say. "■< 'oiiie and enter into rest." 
A momentary fear eanie over me. 
And liiinhlinicly I askid, Is this the way? 
This awl'nl door of tort me must 1 ])ass," 
To reacli my home upon the other sliore? 
I had for years felt snre that I conid meet 
The last jcreat Knemy, with trustinj; faitli 

In Iliin, wh t the tyrant of the race. 

And all his hosts, in his own dark domain. 
He seemed a oaptivi". 

All the i)o\veis of IIill 

Reveled in mad carnival, nnlil the hour 

Aiipointed for the vict'ry. TImmi hehohl ! 
The ;;ales of adamant, the bolted iloors 
Of J )eath"s dread |)|-isoii opr'ii, and a kini; ! 
.\ con(|ncMor! (Jloi-iously iiiinn|ihanl 
0"ei"Tln> vaminishi'd hosis of death and hell, 
The < hrisliairs I.oid. the chosen Son of (io<l, 
Tomes forth in maji-sly from IIk' claik tomb, 
Welcomi'd by all the retinue of Heaven. 
With livin;; lailh in his victorious power, 
I wonld serenely hid my friends adieu, 
.\iid h'ave my pr<'cious children in liiscare: 




And while I clasped their loviiij; hands In mini' 

I'd bid them meet me in my father"* hoii-e: 

Hut to jro out in such sharp aj;ony. 

That all my words were hrokeii into groans 

< 'ausi'd heart and llesh for one- brief hour lo fail. 

TIk'II I reineinbered how tliis niijihty piinci', 

Thon;;h now by an^ids crow lied, once piayi-d alone. 

In such deep sorrow that >;reat I'limson drops 

I'i'll on the iiarden sod. His t'rieiids aslei'p! 

Three tiiiK's that pleadini;- V(dce went up lo heaven 

"Ifil he |)ossible, let 1 his cup pass," 

Then meekly said, "Thy w ill. not mine, be iloiie." 

All fear w as i;oni>, ami my y:lad heart set np 

The full res|ioiise. "Thy will, not mine, be done." 

I'ailh trium|)hed, .iiid my soni was tilled w ilh peace. 

The deep, dark Hood that tilliMl me withsmli ilreail 

\\a- i|niel now. and -eemecl -o narrow, too, 

'I'hat I ( Id .-ilniosi reach the hands of those 

Who beckoned to nii' from the other shore. 

While w ail in;^. Ihu- w illiiij; to cross the >irc-am. 

A r.iy of earthly llj;ht came to my eyes 

Faint as the stailiuht at the moniiii'j dawn. 

Hilt still enonuli to -how what seemecl to inc- 

In the nncerlain liu;lit. a i>-uar(l of men 

Standing- beside my bed. I heard the names 

Of baby lioys. who lonj;'. lon^' years a,ud 

Had lain iijion my breast, and heard these men 

(live answer to these names : anil ihen I knew 

They were my hoys, now weariiij;- manhooirs crow n. 

A whispei- breathed on the electric cord 

Keached the far west where dwelt my eldest son. 

And he. loo. stood be~iile his In'olhers here. 

All hand in hand, ^iianliiii;- their mother"s life; 

.Villi y;irls. — well, call them women if yon w ill. 

Who w alk life's toil-ome journey w lib mv bii\ -. 

Were Ihere with loviii;;- hearts. Vailhfiil and true. 

When the tierce fever linriied. soil hands were laid 

rpon my forehead: tinijers. soft and cool 

.\s rose leaves spriiikleil with the dew of .(ime. 

Were on my throbbing- temples e;ently pressed, 

.\nd lo my weary senses broiii;hl relief: 

-\nd one whose earliest life was dniwii frum mine. 

Who-e veins were tilled with the same purple tide 

That w amis my own. stayed by nu! during days 

Of lint^eriiii;, painful, convalescence. 

And by her walc'hfiil care, cheered the dark way 

Thioii'ih which my feeble and iinrestfnl feet 

Mii-I walk a little while. — Cod knows how loni;. 

He al-ii knows that with a jrratefnl heart 

I bless His holy name for the lich gilt. 

The priceless treasure of my chililren's love. 

And so I lake .inaiii the burden of my lile. 
With sironyer fa ilh in Him who knows n'ly heai-| 
Faith thai can Iriisl, in darkness as in light, 
Failh that can claim the ])roniises He made 
To hi- disciples. 

.\nd w hen ihe thick darkness 

(lalliei- roimd my way, I will re inber 

Thai He said to all Ihi' liea\y laden. 

"< onie imto me and 1 will give yon rest." 

Her religious ideas were in keeping with the situ" 
plicity and majesty of the Center of the New Testa- 
ment, and she fashioned them into articles for the 
press, which were fraught with her own ardor and 
strength. After the death of her husband she re- 
sided with her children. In November, i88j, she 
went to Des Moines to pass the lemainder of her 



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life, and during its closing months her intellectual ac- 
tivity seemed to culminate. She commenced the 
preparation of a series of lay sermons for the Newaygo 
TrihuiK, the first of which reached its publishers 
July 9, 1883, and appeared July 25, in the same 
issue which contained the notice of her death. That 
event occurred July 1 2, three days after her communi- 
cation reached its destination. Her five surviving 
children watched the closing hours of her life and 
placed her in her pale sleep by the husband at whose 
side she walked in wifely dignity, in maternal beauty, 
in Christian consistency, for nearly half a century. 
In her children her earthly record yet lives; her sons 
are all in honorable walks of life, and her daughter, 
Mrs. Elma L. Hutchinson, of Des Moines, is a physi- 
cian in regular practice and standing, representing the 
one idiosyncrasy of the mother, as the sons typify the 
race from which she sprung in sterling merit, honor- 
able record and inflexible courage. Corydon E. 
Fuller, eldest son, resides at Des Moines, la., and has 
held his present responsible incumbency of Treas- 
urer of the Iowa Loan & Trust Company 12 years. 
a William D. Fuller, resident at Newaygo, editor and 
f^^ proprietor of the Newaygo Tribune, is State Swamp 
t^ Land Commissioner and Chairman of the Greenback 
State Committee. Orrin T. Fuller, resident at 
Des Moines, la., is the Interest Clerk in the office of 
the Iowa Loan is: Trust Company. Ellen J. M. 
Fuller died at Grand Rapids in 1850, aged sixteen. 
In her memory, parents, brothers and sister kept 
youth alive, and the oldest and youngest await the 
restoration of the household band in its entirety in 
the realms of perpetual morning. 

Judge Fuller was in his thirteenth year when his 
parents went to Grand Rapids, and he attended the 
union school there until he was 18 years old, when 
he was sent to Hiram College, where James A. Gar- 
field was then a student. Between the two boys of 
18 and r9 years, a warm regard ensued which never 
abated. They were room-mates at Hiram, and when 
the chief honor in the Nation's gift was laid at the feet 
of him whose tragic fate and heroic endurance chal- 
lenged the awe and admiration of the world, Judge 
Fuller hastened to offer his congratulations, and, true 
to the instincts which molded his matchless man- 
»i? hood, General Garfield found time, in the midst of 
('(») the haste and clamor of the opening campaign, to 
^ write a letter to his boyhood's friend, characteristic 



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in its kindly and grateful remembrance of him. 

Judge Fuller left Hiram and returned to Grand 
Rapids. He established himself in mercantile inter- 
ests with Daniel McConnell, A. G. Smith and Wm. 
H. McConnell, under the firm style of C. C. Fuller 
& Co. This connection was of brief duration. Judge 
Fuller selling out his claim. In the fall of 1856 he 
went to McGregor, la., organized a company and em- 
barked in the business of tanning leather, operating 
with the Daniels patent process. Of this concern 
Judge Fuller was treasurer and manager, but he 
closed his relations with it not long after its establish- 
ment and purchased a half interest in the North 
Iowa Times, a sheet of rank Democratic tendencies ; 
but, notwithstanding the variance between the prin- 
ciples of its proprietors, the journal was conducted 
with marked harmony and success. In 1858 he re- 
turned to Grand Rapids and in the winter of 1858-9 
once more cast his hopes upon the tide of com- 
mercial life, forming a partnership with O. R. 
Wilmarth. In the fall of 1859 he decided in 
a change in his purposes, and sold his busi- 
ness interests to enter upon his preparation fur the 
profession of law. He read under the supervision of 
Messrs. Ashley & Miller, of Grand Rapids, and in 
June, i860, was admitted to the bar. 

In May, i860, he established his home at Big 
Rapids, where his personal experience forms a link 
in the pioneer history of the place, which contained 
then five houses, scattered among the trees of the 
forest. Judge Fuller bought a tract of land contain- 
ing four lots lying (now) on the corner of Linden 
Street and Michigan Avenue, and covered with tim- 
ber. With his own hands he cleared the land and 
laid the foundation walls of his residence, the first 
stone work laid in mortar in the village, said mortar 
being made from the first lime burned in the county, 
and which was bought from the producer, John 
Snyder, of Green Tp. He assisted personally in the 
erection of the building until its completion. 

Judge Fuller's i)ublic life commenced in the fall of 
the same year. He was elected Court Commissioner 
and held the office until 1868. He was also ap- 
pointed Postmaster, in which capacity he acted un- 
til his removal in 1866, which was effected by Andrew 
Johnson for political pur|KDses. In the fall of 1862, 
he was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta 
County and officiated two years. He was elected 
Judge of Probate in 1864 and acted in that capacity 



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four years. In 1868 he was elected to the State 
Legislature, and was a member of the Committees on 
Railroads and Engrossing and Enrolling. He intro- 
duced several impoitant local bills, also a bill to pro- 
vide for registration of electors in new townships. 

While the county was yet new, Judge Fuller 
bought 240 acres of land in the south [)art of the 
Fourth Ward of the city of Big Rapids, 40 acres of 
which was platted as Fuller's Addition. He is still 
the owner of three acres, l)esides a number of city lots 
and a splendid residence. In 1873, associated with 
L. H. Green, he built the Opera block. The mone- 
tary crisis and shrinkage of values of that year over- 
whelmed the business interests of Big Rapids, tlie 
individual loss of Judge Fuller being about $40,000. 
Judge Fuller is a Republican of no uncertain ten- 
dency, but his character and record have preserved 
his ix)pularity with all classes regardless of party is- 
sues. His [wsition before the people is evinced by 
the fact of his being successively elected to the best 
official positions. He was elected to his present po- 
sition as Judge of the Twenty-seventh Judicial Circuit 
^ in 1882, running against (ieorge Luton, of Newaygo, 
^ and receiving a majority of 65 1 votes. He is the first 
= incumbent of the position after the formation of the 
\J Circuit by the Legislature of Michigan. 

Judge Fuller was married at Davenport, Iowa, 
J Nov. 9, 1858, to Frank A., daughter of John Mor- 
rison, an early settler of that city. Slie was born 
Aug. 31, 1838, at Galliix)lis, Ohio. Of this marriage 
were born, at Big Rapids, seven children, six sons and 
a daughter. Louis M. was born April 24, 1S61, and 
is telegraph operator and ticket agent in the Big 
Rapids office of the G. R. & I. R. R. Herbeit C 
is a telegraph operator, and was born Jan. 24, 1S63. 
Percy H. was born Feb. 17, 1866, and died Aug. 12 
1868; John E. was born Jan. 2, 1868; Ben H., Feb! 
27, 1870; Frank M., Jan. 3, 1872; Daisy A., born 
Nov. 12, 1872. For the life given a life was taken, 
the mother passing to the spirit world Nov. i 2, 1872. 
The lonely little one soon sought tlie maternal pres- 
'^ ence, winging her flight to heaven Aug. 4, 1873. 
1 Judge Fuller was a second time married, at Yi)si- 
'Ij; lanti, Mich., Jan. 5, 1876, to .Sarah E., daughter of 
y Isaac H. and Eliza E. Voorhies. She was born at 
^ Trumansburg, 'romi)kins Co., N. Y., Aug. 2, 1849. 
^i) Two sons, Charles E., born .April 26, 1877, and Leslie 
V. L., .\prii 14, 1879, have been born of this marriage. 







eorge Risbridger, farmer, sec 1, Deerfield 
Tp., P. O. .Altona, was born in England 
May 19, 1823. His parents, Isaac and 

■^).\nn (Ridley) Risbridger, were natives of Eng- 

''' land and lived and died in their native country. 
Mr. Risbridger had his contest to make in 
the world single-handed and alone, and his early life 
in his native land was passed as a farmer. He came 
to America in 1850 when 27 years of age, reaching 
New York in the montli of May. He went thence 
to Portage Co , Ohio, and was there engaged durirg 
three years in the manufacture of potash and peail- 
ash. He ne.xt came to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., re- 
moving a year later to Barry County. There he 
bought 80 acres of unimproved land, built a house 
and cleared 70 acres, setting out an orchard of 150 
trees. .After a residence of 15 years he sold his j)lace 
and bouglit 200 acres of well improved land in Bed- 
ford, Calhoun County, where he resided 13 years. 
Again disposing of his place, he came to Mecosta 
County and liought 40 acres of partially improved 
land, where he has since resided. 

Mr. Risbridger was married March 2, iS5o,in Ei-.g- 
land, to Sabina, daughter of George and Hannah. 
Eager, also natives of England. She was born Dec 
30, 1832, and died in Deerfield, July 12, 1883, leav- 
ing seven of ten children born of her marriage to Mr. 
Risbridger. Following is a record of their births: 
(reorge I , Dec. 30, 1854; Hannah M.,Oct. 24, 1857; 
Byron P., Aug. 29, 1859; Ida O., Dec. 4, 1863; 
Francis H., Oct. 23, 1865; Charles J., Dec. 2, 1867 ; 
Mary S., Feb. 2, 1869. Fanny, born March 19, 1851, 
died Sept. 4, 1853; Henry, born Nov. 23, 1852, died 
Sept. 10, 1853; Wm. W., born .Aug. i, 1861, died 
Oct. 27, 1863. 

Mr. Risbridger has been actively interested in edu- 
cational matters for many years. He is a voracious 
reader; conversant with the affairs of the day and, 
mindful of all the circumstances which surrounded 
and baffled his ambitions in his native land, has ever 
been ready to lend his aitl and inlluence to all re- 
formatory measures which promised to correct poi)u- 
lar evils and improve social grades. In politics he 
acts independently ; is a prohibitionist in principle 
and believes in the education of the masses as.a safe- 



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guard of the best interests of tlie future. He early 
identified himself with the Grange movement, and 
himself and wife, who co-operated with him in his 
views and efforts, were charter members of Bedford 
Grange, No. 65, P of H., located in Calhoun County. 
They were also charter members of Pomona Grange, 
P. of H., in Calhoun County, and Mr. R. is still active 
in its interests. He was one of the founders of a co- 
operative store at Battle Creek and is one of its stock- 
holders. Both himself and wife were zealous mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church, in which he has been a 
Class-leader eight years. 




yron H. Boyd, farmer, sec. 



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Deer- 



^ field 'Pp., was born in .\llegheny Co., Pa., 
'/fv April 28, 1835. He is a third child of 

s'i^ViK' Jo'i''' ''"''d Caroline (Bathah) Boyd, both na- 
tives of New York. His father was a lumber- 
i"^ man and farmer, and ir, 1849 went to Tioga Co., 
Penn., where he followed the same pursuits. He 
died in .\ndover, .\llegheny Co.; the mother died 
July 13, 1855, in Pennsylvania. 

Mr Boyd was 14 years of age when he went to the 
Keystone State with his parents, and with whom he 
remained until he was 22 years old. His first labor 
on his own account was as a day hand in a saw-mill, 
and again at Williamsport in the same capacity. In 
1865 he was engaged in reconstructing bridges in the 
town which were washed out by the flood of that year. 
•In 1866 became to Deerfield and bought 80 acres of 
land on sec. 33, where he proceeded to clear the forest 
preparatory to establishing a home. He obtained the 
land for S3. 00 per acre, the best timber being re- 
served. Mr. Boyd has added to his original tract by 
purchase until he now ow'ns 160 acres on tlie same 
section, 80 acres (about 37 of whi< h is swam]) land) 
on sec. 29 and 240 on sec. 22. Tlie swami) land is 
well stocked with hemlock, cedar and black ash 
timber. 

Mr. Boyd was married July 13, 1855, to Hannah 
A. Dickens, daughter of Alva and Lucy Minerva 
(Campbell) Dickens, born Dec. 29, 1836, inTioga Co., 
Penn. The father of Mrs. Boyd was born in Rhode 
Island, the mother in Pennsylvania. The former 



died in April, 1863 ; the latter May 18, 1883. Seven 
of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Boyd are living: 
James C, Robert P., .^ddie V., Fred C, Alma. M., 
Emma J. and Francis H. Anna Belle is deceased. 
Mr. Boyd is active in the interests of the Republi- 
can party and was a member of the State Repulilican 
Convention in i88r. He has held all the important 
township offices. In religion he is a liberalise 



P Andrew Breakley, farmer, on sec. 11, Hin- 
\, ton Tp., P. O., Altona, was torn at Roches- 
^ ^ ^ ter, N. Y., Nov. 23, 1S44. His parents, 
%W Andrew and Catharine (C'rass) Breakley, were 
1|?^ natives respectively of Ireland and Canada 
j and removed to New York prior to their mar- 
riage, which look place in that ciiy. Three years 
after, Andrew Breakley, Sr., moved wilji his family to 
the city of Rochester, N. Y., where he was employed 
by the contractors of the Erie Canal as a stone 
mason. Mr. Breakley, Sr., was employed in his native 
country in peddling dry goods and linens and early 
in his life was a companion of A. T. Stewart. Him- 
self and wife died at Rochester. 

Until he was 16 years of age, the suliject of this 
sketch attended the public schools of Rochester. 
He began to prepare for the business of aboat-calker 
and was so employed three years. The work was so 
severe and the manager so e-\acting that the proprie- 
tor himself remarked that 'that fellow would not stay 
a week; ' but he persisted and managed to accomplish 
his business to ihe entire satisfaction of the parties 
interested. In 1861 he went to Canada on a visit* 
but concluded to remain there and was in the em- 
ploy of his brother-in-law for nearly four years. He 
visited the city of New York and his old home at 
Rochester, and in the summer of 1866 came to Me- 
costa, Midi., and bought 40 acres of unimproved land 
in Hinton Tp) where he built a log house and began 
his career as a pioneer. Later on he added 40 acres 
to his original purchase and now owns a fine farm 
of 80 acres, with 50 acres under first-class improve- 
ments. He also owns 40 acres in Millbrook Tp. 
Mr, Breakley has been Constable of Hinton Tp. 



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for nine years, School Inspector two years, Highway 
Commissioner two years, Town Treasurer two years, 
and in the spring of 18S0 was elected Justice of the 
Peace, and Supervisor in the siningof 1S.S5, of whic h 
iwsitions he is the present incumbent. He has lieen 
School Director six years, and is identified with tlic 
issues and interests of the Democratic party; him- 
self and wife were formerly communicants of the 
English Church. 

Mr. IJreakley was married in Canada, July 19, 
1864, to Matilda, fourth daughter of James N. and 
Catherine (Flannagan) Decker. The father was a 
native of the State of New York, the mother of 
Canada, antl are now residents of Hinton 'I'p. Mr. and 
Mrs. Breakley liave hiid six ciiikhen — James (i, born 
Nov. 28, 1867 ; Andrew N , July 15, 1872 ; Edward 
and Edwin (twins), July 15, 1874; Nellie, Jan. 5. 
1880. Ella was born Aug. 9, 1869, and itiedOrt. 1 i, 
1870. 







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John E. Kirvan, farmer, sec. 34, Morton T] 




^^^i'- ''• *^' ^y'vester, was born in Gray Co., 
fiSVi^^ Province of ()ntario. Can., Aug. 3, 1862. 
He is a son of Elias and Jane .\nn (IJrcakcy) 
Kirvan. His paternal grandfather was a [)ioneer 
of the Dominion, and settled 80 miles from the 
nearest point of sup|ilies, having to travel that 
distance in an Indian canoe for necessaries for the 
family use. The father of Mr. Kirvan was one of 
II children, five hoys and si.\ girls. He came to 
Michigan in 1870, bought 160 acres of land and en- 
gaged in the duties of farming. He sold 80 acres 
and cleared 60 acres of the remainder. He died 
Feb. 18, 1879, all his res[)onsibilities devolving on the 
son. Since the father's death the latter has built a 
new house and put all the buildings on the place in 
thorough repair. The farm lies three miles from 
Sylvester, ^vhich, when the family came here, was the 
nearest [xjint of neighbors and civilization. The 
mother is still living in firm healtii and with unim- 
paired intellectual powers. 

Mr. Kirvan is still a young man, but the energy and 
good judgment he displays in the management of his 



affairs promises extended success in the avenues he 
has alreaily made |)rosperous. 

He was married IKc. 24, 1882, to Minnie Adams, 
of Hinton Tp. Her father is a man of good stand- 
ing, and has served his people in several official ca- 
pacities. 



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Jll^^lpohn O'Ncil, fanner on seciion 35, Deer- 
■^|(^^[|. field Tp., was born in Ireland, June 10, 
^'S?' 1828. His parents, Patrick and Jane 
'ii? (Cjanier) O'Ncil, were natives of WicklowCo., 
'h^ Ireland, and emigrated to Canada, where they 
i are still living, in advanced age. 
Mr. O'Neil was 18 years of age when he accom- 
panied his parents to Canada. He was a resident 
of ilie Dominion about 15 years and came to Shia- 
wassee Co., Mich., buying 40 acres of land, which he 
afterwards sold, and after a year's labor as a farm 
hand he again Ijought another (arm, of which he dis- 
ixjsed and came to Mecosta Co., and bought So acres 
of unimproved land in Deerfield Tp., wherehe now re- 
sides ; he has 50 acres under the [ilow. Mr. O'Neil 
is independent in political action and, with his family 
belongs to the I'atholic Church. 

He was married in 1851 to Mary, daugh'er of 
James and Mary Martin. They have had nine chil- 
ren, five of whom are now living: Patriik, James, 
Jolm, Michael and Jane; those ileceaseil were Mary, 
William, Margaret and .Vnibrose. 






— BR- avid Quigley is a farmer in sec. 4, Deer- 
^ field Tp; P. O. Morley. His parents, 
,^^^4" Ceorge and Jane ()uigley, were natives le- 
pectively of New York and Wales. They 
j^ Were married in the Dominion of Canada and re- 
moved thence to Newaygo Co., Mich., in 1854. 
After a brief residence there they came to Mecosta 
Co., and located on sec. 4 of Deerfield Tp. They 
were the first white settlers of town 13 north, of range 



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^ 9 west, now Deerfield, and there took up their resi- 

tdence in 1859. James Quigley, brother of David, 
was born in 1859, and was tlie first wliite 
f child wliose birth occurred in Deerfield. George 
Quigley was acting Justice of tlie Peace and 
performed the first marriage ceremony in the town- 
shi[) in December, 1862 The contracting parties 
were Isaac Sedore and Elizabeth Smith. Mr. Quigley 
afterwards ivent to Montcalm County, where he now 
lives. 

David Quigley was born in Canada, Feb. 22, 1850, 
and came to Michigan with his parents when four 
years of age. His early life was passed amid the 
pioneer scenes of this section of the Peninsular State. 
He has spent all his life on a farm. At the age of 23 
he bought, in Deerfield I'p., 58 acres of land, with 
some improvements, but took possession in 1876 and 
was there resident until 1S83, when he rented a farm 
containing 60 acres. 

He was married in Montcalm Co., in the winter of 
1875, to Laviiia, daughter of Robert and Jane Pi.xley. 
They have two cliildren: Bertie, born July 31,1877, 

S and Karl R., Seiit. 18, 1882. The imrentsof Mrs. 

«>v' Quigley were both born in New York. Mr. Quigley 

1= is a Republican; himself and wife are members of 

O the Methodist Church. 










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pohn G. Martz, Jr., president of the Big 
Rapids Manufacturing Comiiany, was born 
at Newville, Adams Co., Ind., June 26, 
1848. His father was a native of Baden, Ger- 
many, and his mother, Mary (Sauer) Mart/., 
was born in Switzerland. They accompanied 
their parents from the "fatherland" to .\merica 
and settled with a German colony in Adams County, 
at a date so early that the primeval forests, with their 
concomitants of wild game, were in their original 
state. 

Mr. Martz is one of a family of eleven children, 
ten of whom yet survive; the l)rothers and sisters 
are Annie, Benjamin, David, Christian, Mary, Daniel, 
Katie E., Susan and Sarah. Edward G is deceased. 




John G is second child and eldest son. When about 
three years of age his father removed with his family 
to Fairfield Center, DeKalb Co., Ind., and purchased 
a farm containing about 600 acres of land, in an un- 
cultivated state, and in heavy timber. It has been 
converted into one of the finest ])laces in tliat section 
of country. 

Mr. Martz obtained his elementary education at 
the common schools of DeKalb County, and at tlie 
age of 14 was sent for a year of study to the graded 
school of Fort \Vayne. .\fter a year at home he 
went back to Fort Wayne and became a clerk in a 
grocery and provision store, where he remained a 
twelve-month and returned to the farm. In 1870 he 
came to Big Rapids and entered the establisliment of 
Thos. D. Stimson as clerk, and the following summer 
assisted his brother-in-law, F. E. .Mirens, (since de- 
teased) in erecting th» Big kai)ids Furniture build- 
ing. In 1872 a y.tock com[)any was organized, under 
the title and style of the Big Rapids Furniture 
Manufacturing Company, which purchased the fac- 
tory. The 'Mme year Mr. Martz bought a lot on 
Micliigan Avenue and aided in putting up a building, 
which was rented to A. Levi. The latter opened a 
gentleman's furnishing store, and three days later the 
structure was blown down by tlie wind, entailing a 
loss of $1,000. It was immediately reconstructed 
and has since been occupied by its primal lessee, Mr. 
Levi. 

In 1873 Mr. Martz commenced business as a retail 
furniture dealer on Michigan Avenue, where he oper- 
ated until the fall of 1874, when he bouglit his pres- 
ent place of business. At the same time he formed 
a co-partnership with H M. .'\verill and added up- 
holstering. Soon after he became sole owner by pur- 
chase and later sold his entire stock. He made a 
considerable investment in the stock of the Big Rap- 
ids Furniture Manufacturing Company, and in the 
spring of 1876 oiiened a liakery, which is the leading 
institution of the kind in tlie cily. In 1880, Mr. 
Martz became a Director of the Furniture C'ompany, 
was elected N'ice President in 1882, and in the spring 
of 1882 was cliosen to his present position as tliiel 
official. He is also a Director of the Big Rapids 
National Bank. Prosperity has attended every busi- 
ness venture of Mr. Mnrtz. The various periods of 
stringency in general financial affairs have aflfected 
him to some degree, but by shrewd tact and careful 



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management tlirougli times of peril, lie has been 
enabled to conduct his affairs safely. 

He was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., May lo, 
1S76, to Mary Faling; she died in October, 187.S. 
Mr. -Martz was again married, at .Vubiirn, Ind., Sept. 
I, 1 880, to Elizabeth Mader. Their two sons are 
named J. ^V., Theodore, and John .\ithiir. 




eneral Stephen Bronson, Mayor of Big 

Rapids, (1883) is the son of Stephen and 

>JiJImj^"'k Polly (I'age) Bronson, and was born in 

?M9^ Broome Co., N. Y., Aug. 3, 1817. He was an 

ambitious, active boy, eager to join in the 

I world's pursuits, and seek advancement througl-. 
his own efforts. He was reared as a farmer's son 
and gave some attention to carpentry. At the age 
of si.xteen he was sent to the Oxford Academy, near 
his home, and after two years study went to Mon- 
trose, Susipiehannah Co., I'enn., and taught a term of 
school, and the following winter was similarly engaged 
at home. In 1840 the family removed to Du Page 
Co., 111., (Naperville), where both father and son 
bought farms, that of the latter including 150 
acres of land. The next ten years he passed in the 
varied pursuits of farming, teaching and working as 
a builder. He sold his farm and went to Chicago, 
engaging in mercantile affairs, banking and real es- 
tate for a period of twelve years and was rewarded 
for his efforts by a satisfactory degree of profit. 

He next went to St. Paul, Minn., where he was in- 
terested in the lumber trade. At the end of a year 
he sold his mill there and in 1859, in company witii 
several others, he crossed the i)lains of Colorado and 
took up a mining claim at (now) Central City; he also 
staked a claim in the "Ciregory" and sold two weeks 
later for $10,000. He then went to Oolden City, 
where he engaged one summer in lumbering He 
returned to Illinois for the winter and went back to 
Denver in the spring with Jose[)h Cliadwick. They 
erected a large store building during the summer, and 
returned to Illinois in the fall. The following s|)ring 
they sold their store located at Denver and also some 







mining claims, when the) took a Hnalleave of 
Colorado. 

In the fall of i8()i,\vlien llie tide of war and dis- 
union swept the country, Mr. Hrorson enlisted as a 
private in Company C, 12th Illinois Cavalry, serving 
in that capacity until Feb. 28, 1862, when he was 
commissioned Captain and went into active service 
at the front. He was promoted to the rank of 
Major, holding his post vuitil the rnusteringout of the 
regiment in the winter of 1863. He at once pro- 
ceeded to raise another company and was elected 
Captain of Company F, 141st Illinois Volunteer In- 
fantry. The regiment rendezvoused at Elgin, 111., and 
Captain Bronson wasapi)ointed Colonel by Cov. Yates. 
-Vfter a service of 100 days he returned to Chicago 
and was nuirtered out. He proceeded to organize the 
153rd 111. Vol. Inf., and was soon after apjiointed Bre- 
vet Brigadier General by President Lincoln. His ap- 
jjoinlment was confirmed by the Senate and he was 
assigned to the command of the First Brigade of 
the Division of Western Tennessee, with head-quar- 
ters at Mem[)his, and was in active service until the 
close of the war. He was mustered out Oct. i, 1S65, 
at Springfield, 111., after about four and a half years 
of service. He was in action at Harper's Ferrv, 
Antietam, Gettysburg, Chancelloisville, Dumfries 
and a large number of other engagements. During 
tliis period of service he received five commissions. 

On leaving the United States service he was the re 
cii)ient of many flattering proofs of appreciation from 
the Department and his fellow officers. General 
C)glesby, of Illinois, made a personal appeal to the 
President for a lucrative and resiwnsible [losition for 
meritorious service, but General Bronson made no 
personal exertion to secure any place at the hands of 
the already overburdened and struggling Government. 

.'\fter the war closed he went to 'i'exas and bought 
a large herd of beef cattle, which were driven to the 
Chicago market and it proved a profitable venture. In 
the spring of 1867 he came to Big Rapids, and, in 
partnership with Sumner Stickney, established exten- 
sive business interests, including trade in lumber and 
real estate and banking operations. 'I'heir invest- 
ments were profitable and their affairs in promising 
condition when the financial disturbance of 1873 
overwhelmed them and their prujierty sunk lo a 
mininiinn value. About the same time their saw- 



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^ 10 begin at the foundation once more. His early ex- 
A) perience as a carpenter became his best working 

3» capital, and with the assistance of a boy lie rebuilt 
T the mill of Bronson & Stickney, and they proceeded 
with their lumber business. About one and a half 
years after they lost their dam by a "wash out," sold 
their site and built where they are now operating, 
putting in steam power. 

(len, lironson, in addition to his other public rela- 
tions, has been active in political life. In Colorado, 
in 1859, he was elected Representative from Golden 
City District, and officiated as Speaker of tlie House 
during a part of the session. In 1868 he was elected 
Treasurer of Mecosta County, and held the post two 
years He has been .Supervisor several years and 
Chairman of the Board ; has been a member of the 
.School Board 1 2 years, member of the Common 
Council four years, and, at the municipal election of 

, -\ Big Rapids in the spring of 1882, failed as candidate 
for its cliief office by only three votes. In tlie fall 

yC of that year his name was usedby the Fusion element 

^ as candidate for Congress. The District was Repub- 
lican by 5,000 votes, and Gen. Bronson was defeated 
by only about 2,600 in the general count ; lie car- 
ried the ciiy by a majority of 46 votes. In the 
s;)ring of 1883, lie was elected Mayor of Big Rapids 
on the Union ticket by a majority of 45 votes, run- 
ning against M. P. Gale, e.x-Representative. 

Gen. Bronson was married at Napcrville, DuPage 
Co., Ill , Nov. 7, 1 84 1, to Amelia Barker. Of their 
eight children but four survive, following are their 
names: Amasa (dec); Charles 1)., of Big Rapids, 
(deik for A. S. Hobart); Sarah (dec); Lucy(Mrs. H. M. 
Hobart, of Big Rapids); Stephen (dec); Allie (wife 
of A. A. S. Hobart) ; Carrie (wife of Frank Beard, 
merchant at Morley) ; Jessie (dec) During the ab- 
sence of General Bronson in Colorado his family re- 
sided in Wheaton, III., with tlie exception of his son 
Charles, who spent two and a half years wilii his 
father at Denver. Mrs. Bronson died Sej)!. 5, 1S64, 
while her husband was in llie Union army. He con- 
tracted marriage a second time at Wheaton, 111., Feb. 
14, 1867, with I\.ate M. Brown, a native of Vermont, 
born Nov. 23, 1830. Their children are Mollie, Kate 
and Harry. The last died March 25, 1878. 

It is but just to General P>ronson to add that in the 
community of which he is a member his cliaracter is 
thoroughly api)reciated. He is conscientious and 



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discerning in his opinions, trusted by all parties and 
believes with all his might in the strengtli and 
supremacy of the Government he so zealously de- 
fended in the time of her peril. Big Rapids is hon- 
ored by iiis splendid military career, and his connec- 
tion with the politics of the city has been of the 
same type. His first candidacy for Mayor, notwith- 
standing his defeat, was one of the most marked 
triumphs on the records of local elections, his nom- 
ination taking place in special caucus Saturday night 
preceding Monday's election. 

The testimonials above referred to comprise a let- 
ter, signed by several individuals of acknowledged 
position, addressed to Governor Yates, and the letter 
of Richard J. Oglesby, the War Governor of Illinois, 
and now on file in the Department at Washington, 
D. C; also a private letter from Governor Oglesby 
accompanying his Commission as Brigadier General, 
United States Volunteers by Brevet. The latter in 
closing says: "It is a suitable recognition of your 
valuable services in the late war against Treason and 
Rebellion and in favor of Liberty and Union. " The 
recommendations in the letters referred to were based 
on the desire of General Bronson to remain connected 
with the military service of the United States and 
urged his claims on the grounds of his meritorious 
conduct in Ijehalf of the integrity of the Union. 



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£enry M. Clark, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield 

p., P. O. Morley, was born in "York" 

gjl^r-'''* State, June 13, 1843. His parents, Henry 

^ M. and Susan A. (Wilcox) Clark, were liorn in 

the Empire State .ind removed thence to Mont- 

I calm Co., Mich., in 185. (. The father died June 

13, 1861; the mother is living in Greenville, 

Mich. 

Mr. Claik grew to manhood on his father's farm 
and at 18 went to work for his uncle, where he spent 
one year. iVt 19 years of age, inspired liy the enthu- 
siasm to which the entire North was aroused by the 
outbreak of the .Southern Rebellion, he enlisted in 
the One Hundred Thirty-sixth Reg. N .Y. Vol. Inf, for 
three years, receiving honorable discharge June 13, 
i86'5, at Washington, D. C. His war record exhibits 









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the deathless names of Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville and Gettysl)iiri^. His regiment was transferred 
to the Army of the C'lnuberland where Mr. Clark was 
under fire at Ixwkout Mountain and Missionary 
Kidge, and was in the historic " Marcli to the Sea " 
witii Sherman. Throughout tlie e.xtent of his service 
Mr. Clark was constantly on duty, excejiting lo days, 
when he was on "sick leave " with ague. 

On being mustered out lie came to Montcalm 
C'ounty, and, in company with his brother, bought the 
old family homestead, containing 120 acres of land. 
About the year 1 868 he sold out to his brother and 
bought another farm in the same county, where he 
stayed three years. On selling the last named prop- 
erty he went to Greenville and until 1879 was inter- 
ested in the lumber trade. In that year he came to 
Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of unimproved 
land, and now has 16 acres under the |)low. Mr. 
Clark is a Democrat. 

He was married in Greenville, Mich., May i, 1868, 
to Letitia, daughter of James and Rhoda (Reynolds) 
Swarihout. Mrs Clark was born in the State of New 
York Aug. 27, 1843. Mr. Clark's family includes 
three ciiildren, born as follows : H. M., July 6, 1 875 ; 
George, June 11, 1878, and Maud, May 27, 1880. 
Two children have gone to the land of the unknown: 
Frank was born March 23, 1S70, and died Aug. 27, 
1870; Lewis, born March 9, 1872, died Aug. 25, 1872. 




phomas Jjazell, Police Magistrate of Hig 
Rapitls, anil resident of that city since i860, 
was born Dec 30, 1821, in the village of 
Cliff, Kent Co, Englanil. His [tarents were 
Thomas and l.ydia (Drake) F.a/ell, the latter a 
lineal descendant of Sir I'Vancis Drake, .\d. 
miral of the British Navy in the reign of (^ueen 
Elizabeth. The family history on the mother's 
side is peculiarly significant and valuable, from the 
connec'ion of Admiral Drake with the earliest his- 
tory of this continent. He was the first Hiilish ex- 
plorer of the Eastern Pacific, and beitowed the first 
English nanie. New Albion, on the western coasts of 
North and -Siuth .America. This was about the year 
1578; and the ambitious and successful navigation of 




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the high seas a few years later touching the Atlantic 
seaboard, while returning from his career in the West, 
ruined the initiatory colonization scheme of Sir Walter 
Raleigh, by 'carrying the disheartened and desjxjnding 
colonists back to England. This act retarded the 
settlement of this continent for more than a (piarter 
of a century, and it is imixjssible to estimate the ex- 
tent of the changes made thereby on the Colonial 
period of the history of the United States. 

Mr. Lazell's father was a mason and builder by 
profession, and supervised the training of his son in 
the details of the craft, until the latter was sixteen 
years old, when he was sent to Gravesend to acquire 
the ipialificalions of an architect. After two years 
he became assistant architect of the House of 
Lords (Parliament buildings) and served in that 
capacity about one year, when he connected himself 
witli the English navy. During the contest waged 
by the British Government with China, Mr. Lazell 
went out with the Nankin expedition in 1842 and ^' 
tarried in the Celestial kingdom until 1844, when he 
was transferred to the scpiadron of the Mediterranean, 
where he was on duty nearly four years, first being 
engaged in the suppression of the rebellion in I'ortu- 
gal, at Lisbon, in the year of 1847, afterwards being 
detailed for coast service on the west of Africa ; and 
here Mr. Lazell underwent the unicjue experience of a 
genuine shipwreck. At the expiratio'i of ten months / , 
he proceeded to the C'ape of tJood Hoi)e, where the 
flotilla was stationed about five years, and on the out- 
break of the C'affre war he went to the coast of South- 
eastern .'\frica. 

In 1853 Mr. Lazell retraced his way to England, 
left the naval service and at once set out for .America. 
In June of the same year he found himself in Grand 
Rapids, where he remained until fall, going thence to 
Chicago, where he made but a brief stay and came to 
Grand Haven. Here he fomid ample scope for the 
pursuit of his vocation, and he operated as a builder 
until i860. In that year he decided upon Big Rap- 
ids as his final tlestination, and he proceeded hither, 7'ni 
Ionia, walking from that point to Big Rapids. He f^ 
was among the pioneer mechanics of this city, and 
on his arrival built the house he still occupies on 
Michigan .Avenue. In thesjiringof 1S65 he erected 
a steam saw-mill north of State Street, the first 
steam power in tiie county, and impiuted a planing 
machine from Massachusetts. He sold this property ^/ 



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^ and built a store on Michigan Avenue, and embarked 

'^ in the grocery and [)iovision trade. 

^ Mr. Lazell, in addition to his other business ven- 
T tures, lias operated in real estate to some extent, and 

(•j. is now in possession of 30 acres of land in tlie third 
ward of Ilig Rapids, and several small tracts of land 
in various parts of tlie county. He was apixiinted 
Postmaster during the administration of President 
(Irant, for a period of si.x years, and in April, 1882, 
was elected Police Magistrate, a f>ost to which he 
was re-elected in 1883. He is deservedly popular 
for the able and impartial method in which he dis- 
charges the duties of his incumbency. 

Mr. Lazell was married in London, England, 
Marcli 19, 1853, to Mary Ann Styles, a native of 
Chatham, Kent Co. Site joined her husband in 
this county in 1862. Their son and only child, 
Harvey G. Lazell, mail agent on the G. R. iV. I. R. R., 
was born at Grand Haven, and was tlie first male 
child baptized in the Presbyterian Church in that 
city; lie married Emma McNutt, and they have one 
child, George. 



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fohn Q. A. Clark, farmer, resident on sec. 25, 
Morton 'Pp., was born March 5, 1829, in 
Allegany Co , N. V. He is the son of Elijah 
and Sabra (Philips) Clark. At the age of 13 
he left the paternal roof to enter upon his work 
in life. He found employment on farms, which 
he pursued in the laboring seasons and "worked for 
his board" while securing the benefits of several 
terms of winter school. On reaching manhood he 
learned the trade of carpenter, at which he worked 
diligently i 2 years. 

Mr. Clark came to Michigan and settled in 'Pus- 
cola County, where lie entered a claim of 160 acres 
of Government land, and there he lived and pros- 
pered fairly until the memorable fall of 1 87 i, when 
that section of the Lower Peninsula of .Michigan was 
devastated by fire, following so closely upon that of 
Chicago, that both are inseparably connected in the 
memories of men. 'I'he devouring llames swept 
away everything in and about the place, and as soon 



as practicable Mr. Clark removed himself from all 
associations with that period of horror and loss. He 
came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of tim- 
bered land. The situation of his farm is* fine ; it is 
level and lies somewhat higher than the adjacent 
country, and is proportionately dry and tillable. He 
has 15 acres cleared and under cultivation. 

Mr. Clark was married .Sept. 4, 1862, to Betsy 
Moore. Mr. and Mrs. Clark have two children, the 
elder a daughter, Florella M., now wife of John E. 
Bristol, and living at Lake View. The younger, 
Homer, a boy of 13, resides vvith his parents. 




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.. , .^i_ ^ endall I. Pike, retired farmer, residing 
>j[(r^|:j at Morley, was born in Concord, N. Y., 
,ri ^^^^'5 -^pri' 3t 1817. His parents, James and 
fiV^ Sarah (Hay) Pike, were natives of New Hamp- 
jN sliire and settled in Erie County, N. Y. The 
I father left his wife and children in Concord and 
^ pushed forward to Michigan, then known as 
' way out ^Vest." He located in Fcntonville, Oak- 
land Co., built a grist-mill and was influential in or- 
ganizing and building u[) the town. He contracted 
yellow fev'jr, from which he died. His wife was an 
invalid from lameness 15 years. The family remained 
in the State of New York, where the niotherdied. 

Mr. Pike, of this sketch, was apiirenticed at the 
age of 12 years to spend the remainder of his mi- 
nority in learning the trade of cloth manufacturer, 
which he pursued as a journeyman three years after 
he became of age, and then went to Canada, follow- 
ing his business about 20 years at Pickering, Ontario 
Co., where he built a woolen mill and had a prosper- 
ous trade. He was also engaged some years in the 
manufacture of bells at London, Can., in which he 
also met with success. Finally he encountered dis- 
aster in his transactions and his fine estate was swept 
away. 

In the fall of 1855 he came to Michigan and 

rented a farm in Ionia County, which he managed 

, five years, and tlien bought 80 acres of unimproved 

land in sec. 28 of the Townshi[) of Deerfield, Me- 



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costa Co. He cleared it and erected buildings, put- 
ting the i)lace in first-class rank among the farms of the 
county. He lost his barn by fire in the fall of 1880. 
He has now placed ihe farm in charge of a tenant 
and is passing the sunset time of life in retirement. 

Mr. Pike was married to Mary, daughter of Asher 
and Susan (Stotts) Wilson, a native of Pickering, 
Ontario Co., Can. They have had seven children, — 
James H., Sophia, Sarah S., Charles H., Lina and 
.\nna E.; Margaret is deceased. The children are 
all married with one exception. The family are mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church. Mr. Pike is an ardent 
supporter of the principles of the Republican party. 




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p^amuel S. Chipman, farmer on sec. 25, Deer- 
W field Tp., was born in denesee Co., N. Y., 
iM.S'^ July 21, 1814. His [larents, Fitch^ and 
^ /jifC Sarah (Spafibid) Chi[nnan, were natives of 
'^— '*^ Vermont. His father was a farmer and re- 
sided in Cenesee Co. until 1836, when he came 
y to Michigan and rem.Tiiied in I,i\ingston Co. until 
1844. He tlu-n went back to the State of New York 
and in 1S54 again located in Livingston Co., Mich., 
where he resided mitilhis death, Jan. 15, 1864. 'l"he 
mother died in Unadilln, Livingston Co., Dec. 26 

'S59 

Mr. Chipman obtained a good education at the 
public school and at Wyoming Academy, remaining 
with his father until his twenty-second year, when he 
began farming on his own account in Livingston Co. 
He operated there about 20 years and in 1853 went 
to California, where he remained one year, and he 
returned to his farm. In 1S54 he located in Everett, 
Newaygo Co.; March 14, 1S60, he came to Mecosta 
County, and settled on the river near where Mor- 
ky now stands, removing a year and a half later to 

$ the farm where he now resides, consisting of 240 
,| acres, 125 of which is finely improved. He was 

"Y* elected Supervisor of Deerfield Tp. in i86r, serving 

fnine successive years; later he was again elected and 
held the position three years; has also officiated as 
'I'reasurer two years. Politically he adheres to the 
principles promulgated by the Republican party. 

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Mr. Chipman was married Feb. 28, 1836, to Aha 

H. Sutherland. Slie was born in Columbia Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 5, 1816, and died July 15, 1856, leaving 
four children, — Henry C, Lemuel F., .\nn Eliza and 
Francis J. The second marriage of Mr. Chipman 
occurred May 28, 1864, to Mary Eckert, a native of 
Cermany, and born April 2, 1844. Three children of 
this union are living and three are deceased ; the lat- 
ter were named Maud, May and Eddie. 'I'he former 
are Frank L., Samuel S. and Oscar M. 



PE. Gruber, M. D., [jhysician and surgeon 
at Altona, was born in Clarion Co., 
Penn., Jan. 25, 1844. He is a son of Peter 



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and Lydia (Mohney) Cruber, both natives of 
^IP" Pennsylvania, where the niotlier died March 7, 
"'^ 1853. The fallier came to Miciiigan in the fall 
of 1866 and located in Isabella County, engaging in ^ 
mercantile business and farming, and where he is yet y!"; 
resident. ^ 

Dr. Cruber was a pufjil at tiie common schools 
until lie was 15 years of age, when he entered Rim- 
ersburg .Academy, Clarion Co., Penn. He was there 
one year and then entered (Made Run .'\cadeniy, 
Armstrong Co., Penn., and studied two and one-half 
years. 

When he was between the ages of iS and 19 the 
war broke out, and, yielding to the patriotic influences 
which swayed the entire North, he enlisted in Com- 
pany B, 4th Pennsylvania Cavalry, and remained in 
the service one year. After his enrollment he was 
detailed from the regiment and sent West under 
General Custer as a scout. On the expiration of his 
period of enlistment he was honorably discharged 
and went home, where he remained two years and 
then set out on a somewhat extended tour of travel 
going through Michigan, Illinois, Indiana, Tennessee 
and .\rkansas. At Little Rock he entered the ser- 
vice of the Government as a scout, and was stationed 
at Fort Arbuckle, Indian Territory. He had head- 
([uarters there for about one year, when he left the 
emi)loy of the United States, and came North 
through Kansas, Missouri and Iowa to Michigan, j 
where he was a i)artner with his fither in meicaniile >, ., 

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business, located at Salt River, Isabella Co. This re- 
lation existed about three years and closed by sale. 

Dr. Gruber then went to Clare, Clare Co., Mich., 
and continued to prosecute his medical studies, 
which he had done as opportunity offered for a long 
period. On the ist of July, 1874, he went to Es- 
tella, Gratiot Co , and began the practice of his 
profession with his brother-in-law, Dr. F. S. Marvin. 
He operated there until the following April. At that 
date he carried out a long settled plan to make a per- 
manent location, which he did by fixing upon .\ltona 
as a field for future operations, and there began 
his career as a local practitioner, June i, 1875. In 
1880 he went to Chicago and entered the Rush 
Medical College and attended lectures with the 
class of '80 and '81. In October of that year he 
went to Fort Wayne, Ind., and there attended the 
Medical College, receiving his diploma, March 2, 
1882. Dr. Gruber has an enviable reputation as a 
practitioner, and enjoys the confidence of a large cir- 
cle of patrons and friends. His skill and attention to 
business has secured for him a satisfactory and in- 
creasing practice, and his devotion to his duties is 
such that he is sure to rise in his profession. 

Dr. Gruber was married at Salt River, Isabella Co., 
Mich., June 2, 1870, to Sarah M., only daughter of 
David K. and Elizabeth (Fordyce) Frey. Their four 
children were born as follows: Edgar E., Jan. 26, 
1872; Lillian M., June 24, 1875; Gertrude, March 
22, 1878, and John F., Dec. 25, 1880. Dr. Gruber 
has held the office of Town Clerk two years. He 
was Postmaster under (Srant, Hayi's and Garfield, 
and resigned the post in the fall of 18S2. He was 
Democratic candidate for the office of Probate Judge 
in 1875, but was defeated by a small majority. 

In connection with his practice, Dr. Gruber owns 
and manages a drug store. 




F. C. Wilson, of the firm of Ratson I't 

Wilson, marble dealers, Big Rapids, was 

^lMp«^ l)orn in Sullivan Co., Mo., Aug. 27, 1855. 

^W^ He is thes on of ftenjamin and Mary (Manley) 

Wilson. His parents came to Michigan in the 

year 1861 and settled at Grand Rapids, where 

they remained till 1S66, when they went to Ionia. At 



this place his father engaged in the marble business. 

At 15 he went into the shop and there continued 
under his father's instructions until 18 years of age. 
The senior Wilson then disposed of his business in- 
terests and the son went to work for N. H. Batson in 
Ionia, Mich., where he operated as a journeyman 
until the spring of 1879. At that date he came to 
Big Rapids and opened marble works in company 
with Wm. Batson. They fixed their business at -its 
present stand Jan. i, 1883, and their stock includes 
all varieties of foreign and American marble and gran- 
ite. One of the special lines of the firm is the gran- 
ite from South Ryegate, Vt. They have the monop- 
oly of their business in this city and compete with 
dealers at Grand Rapids, Adrian, Muskegon, Reed 
City and other places. Their stock is usually worth 
about $4,000, and they sell about $8,000 value of 
marble and granite yearly. The finest monuments 
in the city cemetery make a fair exhibit of the style 
and character of their work. Mr. Wilson is the local 
manager of the business interests of the house, Mr. 
Batson representing the firm on the road. 

Mr. Wilson was married at Big Rapids, Nov. 3, 
1881, to Alice M., daughter of Robert and Nancy 
Bate. She was born at Hudson, Mich., July 30, T855. 



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■ • fTFT)- lias S. Heed, farmer on sec. 7, ^^ina Tp., 

i Gt' ' ^'^^ horn in Oxford Co., Ban., Nov. 24, 

;V rr ■■« 1828. His father, Israel Reed, was born 

'^^ in Massachusetts, and his mother, Fanny (Lane) 

^ Reed, was a native of New Jersey. The 

[ parents both died within the same week at 

their home in Canada, aged 68 and 54 years, 

respectively. They had 13 children, five of whom 

yet live. 

Mr. Reed remained with his parents until their 
death, and spent another year on the old homestead 
going to school a year, after whicli he apprenticed 
himself to a Mr. Smith, a harness-maker, at St. Cath- 
erines, where he ac<iuired tlie details of his business. 
He went to Grand Ra|)ids in 1845, and there worked 
six months, going thence to Cjiicago, and three 
months later enlisted in the Second Illinois \'ol. Inf., 
and, in 1846, went to Mexico, where he remained un- 






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til July 4, 1849, returning at the close of tlie war to 
Ciiicago. After a l)ricf stay lie proceeded to Elk 
Horn, and Nov. 3, 1849, he enlisted in tlie regular 
army of the United States, going to Newport (Ken- 
tucky) Barracks, and there stayed until April 5, 1850, 
when he was transferred to Jefferson Barracks and 
thence to Leavenworth, Kan., setting out four weeks 
later across the plains to Sante Fe, New Mexico. 
His next removal was to Adonana, a post on the 
Rio Grande, where he joined the Third Reg., United 
States Army. He served in this five years, and 
then ran a Government train six months, after which 
he returned to Canada and took possession of the 
farm left him by his father's will. 

After farming two years he let the place and went 
to Stratford, where he entered u|)on the management 
of the Northwestern Hotel, and embarked in the 
livery business, keeping 22 horses. He had also a 
carriage shop, employing eight wagon-makers and a 
blacksmith. His business flourished about three 
years, when he found his misplaced confidence had 
destroyed his resources, and in r85g he sold out 
his interests and came to Michigan, and was em- 
ployed several years in tlie lumber woods. In rSyg 
he purchased 83 acres of land, where he now resides. 
The family attend the M. K. Church. Mr. Reed is 
independent in jx)litical views. 

He was married .\pril ri, 1856, to Elizabeth M., 
daughter of Thomas and Catharine Gaffney, natives 
of West Main, Ireland. The parents came to New 
York and thence to Canada, where the daughter was 
Ijorn, May 7, r837, and was married when she was 
19 years old. .\Ir. and Mrs. Reed have had eight 
children — Mary J., born K\W\\ rr, 1857; Kitty C, 
Aug. rr, t859;Geo. W., May 7, 1861 ; Johnny, Feb. 
29, r863; Addie, June 30, r86s ; Elizabeth, Oct. i, 
r867; Wm. J., Nov. rr, 1869. .\ son was born and 
died in r872. 




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anford B. Wood, liveryman at Big R.ipids, 
'' was born in Greenfield, Saratoga Co., N. 
^"•*''* Y., Feb. 12, t822, two and one-half miles 
5 r from Saratoga Springs. His parents, Benj. K. 
'^ and Phoebe (Hanford) \\'ood, removed to Hills- 
dale Co., Mich., when the son was r4 years of 
age. He spent his early youth on the farm of his 




father, and at 18 bought a team and set out in life to 
make his way alone. He engaged in breaking land 
and was thus occupied two years. 

He then purchased 60 acres of land in l,it<:hfield 
Tp., Hillsdale Co., and proceeded to establish a 
home. In t862 he moved into Litchfield to take 
charge of the business of a deceased brother, and in '63 
opened a livery stable, which he transferred in 1870 
to Big Rapids, and soon after exchanged his property 
for a sash, door and shingle mill, and associated with 
Simeon Pomeroy in business. The latter took charge 
of the mill which went into operation in April, 187 i, 
and blew up in October following. It was put in full 
repair and Mr. Wood gave the business his personal 
attention until the total destruction of tiie property 
by fire, which occurred in June, 1877 : loss, $t3,ooo, 
and no insurance. 

In rS78 Mr. Wood again embarked in the livery 
business, starting with four horses and no carriages. 
His trade has been successful and is now established 
on a permanent basis, with 22 hoi'ses, carriages and 
all the eiiuii)nients of a fii'st-class establishment. 
.Mr. Wood owns his stables and two lots. 

He was married at Mayville, Chautau(iua Co., N. 
Y., Feb 4, r844, to Jane, daughter of Elijah Moore. 
She was born in Tompkins Co., N. Y., .\pril 29, r82r. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wood have had three children, of whom 
two are living. Phebe, eldest daughter, is the wife of 
Harvey B. Eggleston, a farmer in Litchfield, Hillsdale 
Co., Mich.; Lucy, youngest child, married Charles B. 
Ix)vejoy, a book-keeper at Big Rapids. Marcellus, 
second child and only son, was killed by the kick of 
a horse when in his sixteenth year. 



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lijah Cole, farmer on sec. 23, Hinton Ti>., 

was born in New York, Feb. t8, r832. He 

is son of George and Catherine (Westbrook) 

Cole. The parents were both natives of New 

York, where the mother died. The father came 

to Morley, Mich., in r877. 

Mr. Cole passed his early life under the pater- 
nal roof, and until r 6 was sent to school. He entered 
the employ of his uncle and was engaged two years 
in lumbering; going thence to Pennsylvania, he was 



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there engaged in the same occupation ten years. Two 
years thereafter he was variously occu])ied, and in 
July, 1862, he enlisted in the 107th N. Y. Vol. Inf., 
serving three years lacking 16 days. .\t the battle of 
Antietam he was shot through the ankle. Eleven 
months after he was transferred to the Veteran Corps, 
there remaining until he received honorable discharge. 
In August, 1865, he came to Michigan and joined his 
family in Hinton Tp. .Shortly after he went to Isa- 
bella County, and bought 249 acres of land and 
honiesteaded 80 acres, making a farm of 329 acres. 
He built a log house, and cleared 20 acres of land 
and resided there until 1875, when he exchanged his 
property for a farm in Mecosta County, containing 80 
acres of partly improved land, the place being known 
as the David Moulton Farm. This he sold in 1880 
and purchased 40 acres of land styled the George 
Campbell Farm, now in his possession and to which 
he has added 80 acres. 

Our suiiject is a Republican in political belief and 
action, and is a niemljer of tjie Prohiljition element. 
He has held the office of Justice of the Peace, Town- 
ship Treasurer. Highway Commissioner and was 
Constable while resident in Isabella County. 

He was married in Chemung Co., N. Y., Feb. 2, 
1857, to Betsey, daughter of David and Sally (Ben- 
nett) Moulton. The father of Mrs. Cole died in 
Mecosta County, and the mother lives with her chil- 
dren. Mr. and Mrs. Cole have nine children, born as 
follows : Laura J., July 24, 1858; Alvina C, Jan. 18, 
1861 ; Elijah B., Oct 30, 1862; James H. T., Feb. 
16, 1867; George E. E., June 12, 1869; Annie M., 
Feb. 13, 1S71 ; Hattie B., Dec. 9, 1875 ; Mabel M., 
Aug. 14, 1877; Ernest F, April 27, 1879. The 
family circle is intact, and long may it be before a 
single earthly tie is sundered. 




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i!&yron B. Williamson, farmer on sec. 

§28, Deerfield Tp., P. O. MorL-y, was born 
in St. Joseph Co., Mich., Sept. 15, 1874. 
5f&f^ Britton Williamston, his father, was a native 
'^ of Massachusetts and died in St. Joseph 
Coiuity; Mary (Smith) \\'illiamson, his mother, 
was born in Michigan, where she died. They were 
pioneers of St. Josei)h C^ounty. 




Mr. Williamson lived in the county where he was 
born 28 years, and in the spring of 1875 became 
the possessor by i)urchase of 80 acres of wild land 
in Deerfield Tp. He has made fair progress in the 
process of reclamation, and has a good farm house 
and 55 acres of land in tillage. Responsive to his 
country's call for aid, he enlisted in the war of the 
Rebellion, enrolling in the Eleventh Mich. Inf , and 
served about two years, receiving honorable discharge 
at the end of the war He is a zealous Republican. 
The family are attendants at the M. E. Church. 

Mr. Williamson was married at Coldwater, Mich., 
March 9, 1870, to Amanda, daughter of David and 
Huldah (Wells) Hazzard, born in St. Joseph County, 
June 18, 185 I. One child died in infancy. Estella 
was born Jan. 24, 187 i. 



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• -5^1 '{' °hn E. Morton, farmer on sec. 36, Morton 
^i^,L Tp., was born in Nova Scotia, Nov. 5, 1S20. 

rf^ He is son of Holmes and Christian (Web- 
ster) Morton. 
¥ Mr. Morton is,/(V .?<■, the leading citizen of the 
,"' township of Morton. His interest in and unflag- 
ging efforts for its founding, growth and progress, are 
recognized and perpetuated by the fact of its bearing 
his name. He came to Mecosta County in 1869, and 
in 1 87 1 bought 160 acres of land in what is now Mor- 
ton Tp., then attached to Wheatland for judical pur- 
poses and local management Observing the rapid 
strides of civilization in adjoining townships and m 
the County, and the benefits accruing to the com- 
munities therein, he felt impelled to put forth all 
possible effort to secure for his own township the ad- 
vantages of organization and local government. He 
framed and circulated a petition, securing the re- 
quired number of names thereunto, and sent the 
same to the Board of Supervisors in the fall of 1876, 
suggesting that the township be named Hayes, in 
honor of the Presidential candidate then before the 
people. The Democratic voice in the lioard defeated 
the proposition, but, in recognition of the services of 
Mr. Morton, the township received his name, wliich 
certainly was very appro|iriate and just. 



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'I'he first township meeting was held in the River 
School-lioiise, district Xo. 3, and the following officers 
■'-^ were elected: J. K. Morton, Supervisor, Enoch 
I Hartlett, Clerk, and Isaac Welister, Commissioner of 
(^ Highways. 

Mr. Morton was Supervisor of Wheatland one 
year previous to this. He is, and has been for eight 
years, Justice of the I'eace. He belongs to the Order 
of Masonry. 

Mr. Morton was reared to tlie calling whicli ho lias 
made the pursuit of his life. He was an inmate of 
the paternal home until August, 1843, when he went 
to St. Francis, N. S., to engage in lumbering and 
agriculture. Five years later he moved to Aroostook 
Co., Me., and rented a farm, and also mill property, 
and operated in lumber, chiefly manufacturing short 
siding, shingles, etc. The mill was of double utility, 
and tlie business in milting products — flo\ir feed, etc., 
' ) — was considerable. 



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After a period of 19 years he came, in October, 
1867, to Newaygo Co., Mich., settling in Mecosta 
a County in 1.S69, and commenced operating extenr 
^ sively in lumbering, buying pine and putting logs 
a into the East Branch of the Muskegon River, making 
SV his sales there. He was thus engaged four years, 
'> and in 187 i bought his farm of 160 acres on sec. 36. 
^ ) He has 35 acres cleared, with good house, barn and 
orchard, besides numerous minor improvements. The 
premises include 1 20 acres, he having disposed of 
40 acres. 

He was married in Aroostook Co., Maine, to Eli/.a- 
beth, daughter of John and Sopliia Uaker, born at 
Bakerbrook, N. B. Her I'ather was an old settl<*r in 
the province and the stream was named for him. Of 
eight children born to Mr. and Mrs. Morton six are 
living: Amanda, wife of Charles I'laid, farmer in Mor- 
ton Tp.; Holmes (deceased); Christina (wife of 
Enoch Hrumley, a farmer near Areola, Mo.); Alice 
•(Mrs. Charles Heald, of Hinton Tp., and died in 
March, 1883); John E.; Clara (wife of Alfred Young, 
hardware merchant at .Salt River, Is.ibetla Co.); 
Adaline and Susannah. 

The l)est jwssible tribute to offer to a man's cliar- 
-y acter is to name his services to the age and generation 
'N to which he belongs. In the lapse of years Mr. 
^ Morton's influence will never diminish; the good he 
^- has acconii)iished is stable, and his efforts have 



^ 



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been exerted for the benefit of the future of Morton 
Tp., of which lie will ever be a part. 



v,«jeae/©^-^— ^J^^^^^g§l— -^.swrajrav 



^,^on. Michael Brown, of Big Rapids, has 

been connected with the judiciary of Me- 

^^ costa County since the year 1S6S, and has 



V^ 




a long and honorable record in the munici- 
pal history of Big Rapids, and as attorney for 
the business concerns of whose legal intersts he 
is guardian and manager. 
His parents, Ira and .Sophia (I'.low) Brown, were of 
Dutch e.xtraclion. He was born in Indian deck 
Tp., Pulaski Co., Ind., April 20, 1841. He was 
reared on a farm, and attended winter terms of 
school until 16 years of age, when he was sent to the 
college at Franklin, Ind , and subsequently to that at 
Crawfordsville, Ind. (The latter institution, in 1876, 
conferred upon him the degree of Master of Arts.) 

One month after he attained his majority he en- 
listed at Indianaix)lis in Co. B, 2d Ind. Cav., Capt., 
John B. Edwards. He was in the Union service 
three years, and was under fire at Stone River, Chick- 
amauga. Mission Ridge, Siege of Knoxville, Mossy 
C'reek, Dandridge, and May 9, 1864, was taken pris- 
oner at Dalton, Ga., and confined at Andersonville in 
the stockade prison, whose unmitigated atrocities he 
suffered five months. He weighed 90 pounds when 
transferred to the prison-pens of l''loience, where 
(and at Charleston) he spent four more dreary months 
under rebel surveillance. He was mustered out 
at the expiration of his term of enlistment at Nash- 
ville, Tcnn. 

In 1866 he came to Michigan, and in October 
entered the Law Deiiartment of the L'niversity at 
Ann .Vrbor, where he was graduated in .March, 1868. 
He settled at Big Raiiids in September of the same 
year and commenced practice as an attorney, estab- 
lishing his desk in the office of John F. Brown iV Co., 
lumber dealers. In the spring of 1869 he was elected 
C'ounty Sui>erintendent of Schools, serving one term. 
In 1873 he was elected Mayor of the city of Big 
Rapids, holding iiis incumbency one year. 'I"he Com- 
mon Council of the city apjiointed him to revise the 
municii>al charter, which he did in 1S75, and on the^ 

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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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submission of the instrument to the State Legislature 
it was passed without change. 

The Hon. A. H. Giddings, Judge of the Fourteenth 
Judicial Circuit, died Dec. 10, i<S76, and ten days 
later, Gov. Bagley appointed Mr. Brown to fill the 
remainder of the term. At the regular fall election 
of 1878 Judge Brown was elected to the same office 
without dissent. He resigned the post Jan. 3, 1881, 
and is now attorney for the B. R. lioom Company, 
and has been the local legal adviser of the G. R. & 
I. Railroad Company since the completion of their 

road. 

Judge Brown was married Aug. 3, 1870, to Mary A., 
daughter of Levi J. and Mary (Lyman) Osbourn. 
She was born in Speedsville, Tompkins Co., N. Y. 
in 1852. Of five children born to them, Maud S. and 
Herbert L are deceased ; the remainder are Carrie, 
Lillian H. and an unnamed infant. 

Judge Brown is a member of the order of Masonry 
and Knights Templar. He owns his residence and 
four city lots therewith, besides several lots in other 
((uarters of the city. We give his portrait in this Album. 



=E>- 



Jf^gi^has. H. Ludington, farmer, sec. 3-1, Deer- 
^fficld Tp., I'. ( )., Morley, w;is born in Dryden, 



^ 






1 



^^ Tompkins Co., N. Y., Aug. 31, 1845 His 



father, Stephen Ludington, died in his native 
*ll? State in 186 1. Emily (Stalhoon) Ludington, 
his mother, died in 1849, when her son was 
placed in charge of his grandparents, remaining in 
their care for si,\ months, after which he was "bound 
out " to serve his minority. At the age of 17 he 
came to Allegan, Allegan Co., Mich., and engaged 
four years as a lumberman. 

At the age of 2 1 he came to Mecosta County and 
bought 40 acres of land, built a log house, cut 
down the forest and im[)roved his land for the pur- 
pose of tillage. Five years later he added as much 
more to his estate, and now has 70 acres in a fine 
state of cultivation. Mr. Ludington is a Republican 
in politics, and lias been .Assessor of his scliool dis- 
trict eight years. 

Our subject was married Nov. 20, 1866, lo Chiva 



E., eldest daughter of Horace and Clarissa Hill, nee 
Smith, natives of New York and Rhode Island, re- 
spectively, who went at an early date to 'Jioga Co , 
Penn., where they were farmers and passed the re- 
mainder of tlieir lives; the father died June 14, 1848, 
the mother, May 17, '80. Mrs. Ludington was born 
Oct. 27, 1843, and taught school four years previous 
to her marriage in her native county. The only 
child, Sarah E., was born Dec. 22, '67. The [jarents 
belong to the M. E. Church. Mr. Ludington is 
Siewavd of tlie society at Morley. 




;B. Hummer, farmer, sec. 25, Morton Tp. (P. 
ir.'" O., Mecosta), was born in New York, July ^. 

[O, 1844. He is a son of (leorge and Eliz- '^ JJ 
abeth (Swezey) Hummer, then resident m Che- "^ 
nning Co., N. Y., near Elmira. The family ^ 
circumstances were such that Mr. Hummer re- r= 
ceived but a limited education. When he "^ 
was but 17 years of age he enlisted at Elmira in Co. ^a 
B, F"irst Reg. N. Y. Cavalry, which was atttached to y^ 
the connnand of Gen. Phil Slieridan. Mr. Hummer •< ^ 
was in action in 26 engagements, the last being at (^ ) 
Cedar Creek. The father was also a soldier for the 
Union and was in the service one year, belonging to 
Co. D, 107th Reg. N. Y. Vol. inf He was in two 
battles, South Mountain and Antielam ; lie now re- 
sides on a farm adjoining his sou's and is c rectinga 
new frame house. 

In 1874 Mr Hummer left the state of his nativity, 
came to Michigan and purchased 80 acres of un- 
broken forest, made a small clearing and establislied 
his home. He now has 20 acres under the plow. 
Mr. Hummer recently sold a part of his place with 
the intention of buying to belter advantage. He is 
at present sexton of Greenwood cemetery, which lies 
adjoining his farm on the northwest; has been 
School Director four years, but recently resigned. 

He was married Dec. 2, 187 i, to Lydia, daughter 
of Isaac and Mary Wood, of Bradford Co., Penn. 
They have had but one child — Owen, who died 
with diphtheria when eight years old. The pangs of 
their loss are still as keen as in its first freshness, and 
the memory of their only son will ever be cherished 



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in the home made bright by his short life, and which 
is rendered more dear because he was for a brief 
period its light and joy. 




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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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jg athan Osborn, farmer, sec.36, 1 )eerfield Ti)., 
P. (). Rustford, is a son of Stephen and 
Rachel (Ramsey) Osborn, natives and resi- 
dents of New York. 
Mr. Osborn was born Pec. 19, 1844, in the 
State of his ancestors, and remained iip.der tiic guid- 
ance of his father until about 17 years old, when hu 
enlisted as a Union soldier in Co. 15, 35th N. V. Vol. 
Infantry. After serving a period of 18 montlis he 
received his discharge for disability. During this 
time he was in action at the battle of Rappahannock 
Station, Va. On his recovery he re-enlisted in tlie 
179th N. Y. Reg. Vol. Inf , Co. H, and served until 
the end of the contest. He was under fire at Peters- 
burg, Va., where he was captured by the rebels and 
for three months endured the oft recited horrors of 
the prison pens of the South. He was confined at 
Libby and at Danville, Va. On being taken ill he 
was sent to .Vnnapolis under parole and one montli 
later was exchanged and rejoined his regiment, then 
stationed in front of Petersburg. Previous to the 
surrender of Lee's army he was in action in several 
important battles, .\fler the "Grand Review" at 
Washington he returned to Ivlmira, .N. Y., wiih his 
regiment and was mustered out June 21, 1865. 

He came to Miciiigan in tiie fall of that year and 
Iwught 80 acres of land in Montcalm County, which 
he sold, and in 1869 [)urchased 80 a<;res in Mecosta 
County, under partial improveuieiUs. In 1874 he 
sold 40 acres, went to Texas and "took uii" 160 
acres of land, and remained thereon three years, when 
he made sale of ii, and was occupied in lumijering 
two years. He returned to Mecosta County in the 
fall of 1879 and settled wliere he now resides. 

He was married in this county to Nancy A., daugh- 
ter of Alanson and ICsther A. (Hedges) Rickar. Her 
parents came to Mecosta County from the I"-mpire 
State in the winter of 1865, and in the sjjringof h88i 
moved to llieir [)rescnt location in Missaukee County- 




Mrs. Osborn was born in New York, Sept. 10, 1846. 
The five children born of this marriage are Ethelyn 
born Oct. 13, 1866; Floyd, .Aug. 10, 1870; Laura, 
Feb. 2, 1874; Jessie M., .April 17, 1878; Kal|)h, Sept. 
26, 1882. 

Mr. Osborn has been Justice of the Peace three 
years, and in iK)litics is independent in thought and 
action. 



► V -.<^^^S34.>.._J. 




I 



athias Kassner, deceased, was a native 
of (iermaiiy, born .Aug. 22, 1822. Ilis 
J !- [jarents were also natives of (iermany and 
fe'*^"\ there passed their lives. 
'1* Mr. Kassner came to America in 1S47 and 
located in Canada, where he resided 15 years. 
In 1862 he came hither with his family and, under 
the Homestead Act, made a claim of 160 acres of 
land, of which he cleared 30 acres. He died May 10, 
1878. 

Mrs. Magdalene (Neuswangei) Kassner, the wife 
of tlie subject of this sketcli, was born in (ier- 
many, Dec. I, 1817. Three of the six children 
of this marriage yet survive : Veronica, born F'eb. 25, 
1850; Amanda, Feb. 25, 1852, and John E., June 20, 
i860. The deceysetl are Christian, David and 
Benjamin. The family still reside on tlie farm. 



.-gfa^OTOT*"- 



\WMM^ lijah F. Dewey, attorney al law and Justice 

r?'fe^^L' "^ ''^"^ Peace, Big Rapids, was born at 
r3'-'i^^ Ovid, .Seneca Co., N. Y., May 1,1837. 

^^ His father was a millwright and cari)enler. 

X Mr. Dewey wasbvoughi upon a farm anil at- 
I tended the common schools until he was 19 
years of age, when he became a student at Miami 
University, Oxford, Ohio, his un< le being a Professor 
at that institution. Here he pursued a full literary 
and classical course of study, graihiating in June, 1 860. 
His first engagement was as Assistant Principal 






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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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of the High School at Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich. 
Uixjn the expiration of this engagement he went to 
Chicago as reporter on the Times. A year after, in 
company with A. C. Wheeler, he started a literary 
paper in Chicago, — -The Spirit of the West, — which he 
ran a few months, and subsequently accepted an en- 
gagement in the office of the Provost Marshal at 
Pontiac, Mich., meanwhile studying law with his 
brother. Judge J. S. Dewey. He was admitted to the 
bar in 1866 and engaged in practice. 

He came to Big Rapids in the winter of 1868 and 
at once entered upon the practice of his profession. 
He served as Circuit Court Commissioner in 1870- 
'71. During the year 1870 he was Recorder at Big 
Rapids. He was first elected Justice of the Peace 
in 1869, and has occupied the position most of the 
time since. His business as attorney and magistrate 
is successful and steady. He also operates to some 
extent in real estate. 

Mr. Dewey was married at Pontiac in December, 
1867, to .Sarah L , daughter of the late Hon. Rufus 
and Sarah (Chamberlain) Hosmer. Her father was 
a prominent politician, and was for some years the 
editor of the old Detroit Advertiser, and was afier- 
ward editor and one of the proprietors of the Lan- 
sing /i?t////V/Vrt//. In 186 1 he was appointed by Presi- 
dent Lincoln Consul General to Frankfort-on-the- 
Main, (lermany, and died while making preparations 
to assume the duties of the api)ointment. Mrs. 
Dewey was born in Pontiac, Mich. The family in- 
cludes four children — Harry S., Josejihitje H., Mary 
L. and Ruius H. 



-«= 



I dward R. Quigley, farmer, sec. 2, Deer- 
field Tp., P. O., .-Vltona, is a son of George 
and Jane Quigley, the former a native of 
the latter of Wales. They were 
married in Canada, where their son was born 
^ Dec. 19, 1845. When he was seven years of 
age his parents came to Newaygo Co., Mich., after- 
ward settling in Mecosta County, where they were 
the first white settlers of the township of Dccrfield. 
(See sketch of David Quigley.) 




Mr. Quigley passed the years of his early life in 
acquiring an education, and as assistant on his 
father's farm. At 17 he engaged in lumbering, and 
pursued that branch of business until 1881, when he 
began to devote his attention exclusively to farming. 
In 1876 he bought 56 acres of forest land, built a 
house, and now has 25 acres under cultivation. Mr. 
Quigley is an adherent to the Democratic political 
tenets, and is zealous in the interests of the party. 

He was married in Muskegon County, Sept. 3, 
1863, to Fannie Barnliart. Her parents settled in 
Mecosta County in the ye;^r 1862. She died, leav- 
ing one child. Waller, lorn July 4, 1864. Har- 
riet, daugliter of Benjamin and Betsey (Monroe) Whit- 
man, became the wife of Mr. Quigley Nov. 22, i868. 
One child was born of this marriage, Oriel, whose 
birth occurred Oct. 15, 1869, and death Jan. 22, 1S82. 
The father and mother of Mrs. Quigley were natives 
of the State of New York. 





B'eavitt S. Griswold, M. D., pliysician and 
surgeon at Big Rai)ids (office in Roof block 
Michigan avenue), was born Jan. 3, 1853 
111 Trumbull Co., Ohio. His parents were 
Jesse and Helen (McWilliams) (Jriswold, the 
father following the double occupation of farmer 
and stone mason. 
Dr. Griswold was reared on a farm until he was 
17 years old, meanwhile obtaining his elementary 
education. He attended the union school at Green- 
ville five years, and began the study of medicine 
with Dr. Mulhern, of Greenville, going thence to the 
Detroit Medical College, where he was graduated in 
the spring of 1879. He had the benefit of several 
months' practice as an assistant in Harper's and St. 
Mary's Hospitals in Detroit, and first established his 
business at Sand Lake, Kent Co., Mich., but decided 
to make a transfer to Hig Rapids, which he did in 
October, 1 88 1 . He has a good practice in the city 
and adjacent country, both in medicine and surgery, 
and is steadily rising in his profession. 

Dr. Griswold was married at Vassar, Tuscola Co., 
Mich., June r2, 1879, to Matlie A., daughter of John 
Liston. She was born at Bowling Green, Wood Co , 










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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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Ohio. Their two children, Carl A. and Roe Oscar' 
infant, were born in Big Rapids. 

Dr. Griswold is a member of the Union Medical 
Society of Northern Michigan, of which, in 1882, he 
was Secretary, also belongs to the State Medical 
Society. He owns his residence at 223 West Pine 
Street. 



^ 




^^^l^arnabas Bacon, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield 
(£ Tp., P. O., Rustford, is a son of lienjamin 
and Polly (Hone) Bacon, the father a 
native of New England and the mother born 
in the State of New Vork : both are deceased. 
Mr. Bacon was born in the State of New York, 
Feb. 14, 1S17. He spent the first 30 years of his life 
in the Empire State, in Canada and Michigan. His 
residence was fixed in Canada until the spring of 
iSyi.when he came to Deerfield and bought 40 
acres of forest land. He has improved 20 acres and 
has added 70 acres since by purchase. 

He was married in 1848 to Mary, daughter of John 
and Jane (Moul) Leach, natives of Canada. The 
names of Mr. and Mrs. B's 12 children, all living, are 
as follows: Mary J., Cad, Reuben, Annie, Margaret, 
Timothy, David M., Eleanor, Barney, Henry, William 
and Emerald. 

Mr. Bacon is independent in politics. 




^ames O'Neil, farmer on sec. 35, Deerfield 
C Tp., P. O. Morley, is the son of John and 
Mary (Martin) O'Neil, natives of Ireland, 
and now resident in Mecosta Co., Mich. 

Mr. O'Neil was born in Camden Tp., Canada, 
July 30, 1855. When he was 15 he came to 
Shiawassee Co. with his parents and lived until the 
fall of 1873, which time they removed to Mecosta Co. 
Mr. O'Neil bought 40 acres of wild land and began 
the life of a pioneer, building a primitive log house 
and proceeding to clear up the forest. In 1877 he 
bought another "40" and in 1882 added 40 acres 

— -^^'-:f^ — — K^nti 







more to his possessions. He has one of these tracts 
under cultivation and is erecting a fine frame house. 

He was married Oct 12, 1873, at Owosso, Shia- 
wassee Co., to Marietta, daughter of Michael and Julia 
(Leveck) McKeen. They have had five children, l>orn 
as follows: James B.,Sept. 14, 1879; Mary E., .\pril 
31, 1S81 ; John S., Oct. 5, 1882; Julia, born Nov. 29, 
1875, died May 7, 1881; Ambrose, born June 5, 1877, 
died May 8, 1881. These children died of diph- 
theria, after eight days' illness. 

Mr. O'Neil acts with the Democratic party and is 
an adherent of the Catholic Church. 



• v^^% ■ 



.vr3Ti ; harles Ostrander, miller, resident a- 

f' Rusiford, Deerfield Tp., was born in the 

county of Elgin, Province of Ontario, 

Sl^ Oct. 15, 1838. He is the son of Andrew and 

pj^ Sarah (Buchner) Ostrander, who removed to 

j Bayham, Ont., in 1822. The ancestral descent 
of Mr. Ostrander is German, his progenitors having 
come to America at the close of the last century. 

He received a common-school education and was 
under his father's supervision until he was 21 years 
of age, when lie spent a year in the employ of John 
McDonald, his first effort for himself, for which he re- 
ceived eleven dollars a month. He next worked a 
farm on shares for I'^benezer Buchner, remaining one 
year, when he and his brother Simeon took their 
father's farm to work on shares and carried it on two 
years. .\t the end of that time his Either gave each 
a deed of one-half (75 acres) of the place. Mr. Os- 
trander bought 50 acres adjoining. In 1874 he dis- 
posed of his farm and located at Rustford, where he 
now resides. 

He bought and \>\\\. in operation the grist-mill at that 
place and entered into i)artnership with Ebenezer 
Buchner, whose interest he purchased in 1880. He 
now carries on the grist and saw mill and is engaged 
in the manufacture of shingles. In politics, Mr. Os- 
trander is a Republican, and is now serving his sec- 
ond term as Townshii) Treasurer. His home was 
burned on the 2 2d of October, 1880, and he at once 
erected his present substantial residence. 



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He was married Jan. 13, i86i,to Margaret A. Mil- 
ler, born in Canada, June 13, 1843. Their children 
were born in the following order : Alvonetta, Dec. 2, 
1861; Carrie, Dec. 7, 1863; Sarah M., Aug. i, 187 i. 
Mrs. Ostrander died March 29, 1874. Mr. Ostrander 
was a second time married, Aug. 8, 1877, to Mary, 
daughter of David and Martlia (Glass) Dalzell. She 
was born in Columbiana Co., Ohio, Aug. 4, 1841. 
Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania, but re- 
moved to Lake Co , Mich , where they now reside. 
Mr. and Mrs. Ostrander iiave two children: Henry 
D., born Jan. 3, 1879, and Lewis R., May 6, 1883. 



ft%^^ 



■"^fc atrick McKeon, farmer, sec. 27, Deerfield 

fc Ti)., was born in Canada, April 22, iS6r. 

Iiqy.i^ He is a son of Michael and Julia (Leveck) 




■)k 



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McKeon, the former a native of Ireland and 



the latter born in Canada. The father died in 
Shiawassee Co., Mich., in February, 1882 ; the 
mother resides with her son. 

The parents located in Shiawassee County, in 187 i. 
Our subject accompanied them and continued to re- 
side there twelve years. In '73 lie bought 40 acres of 
land in this county in a partly improved state. He is 
a believer in the faith of the Catholic Church, and in 
iwlitics endorses the principles of the National party. 



•%»•'*?< -1 " c ii* «; i ;.o I - >iT.i^ 



'olomon r. Frye, Postmaster at Altona, 
was born in Pennsylvania, July 22, 1844. 
IK'^ His i)arents, David K. and Elizabetli (For- 
dyce) Frye, were born in the Keystone State 
and died in West Virginia when the son was 
1 4 years of age. 
F'rom that time he had his own way to make in the 
world. He found a home with his uncle, Archibald 
Fordyce, the two years succeeding his parents' death. 
He was then 16 years old, and enlisted at Phila- 
delphia, enrolling in the regiment under Col. Haker. 
He was finally assigned to the 71st Pennsylvania 





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Volunteers, and remained in the service 14 months, 
receiving honorable discharge for physical disability, 
the result of excessive exposure. He saw active 
service at Little Bethel, Munson Hill, Ball's Bluff 
and Malvern Hill. He was captured at Ball's Bluff, 
and the severe marching and hardships following his 
capture were the cause of his imi)aired health. He 
was without food for four days and three nights, and 
then only received the small quantity of four ounces 
of bread. The expeiiences of Mr. Frye at Libby prison 
are those whose liorrors are renewed every time they 
are repeated, and never lose their dread character. 
The strong man who weighed 176 jwunds on being 
incarcerated, on his e.xchange four months later 
weighed but 60 ix)unds. Uix)n his being sent to Wash- 
ington he received a furlough and returned to Harris- 
burg, where, by special order of Gov. Curtin, he 
acted as recruiting officer. In March, 1862, he re- 
turned to his regiment, but soon after was seized with 
the small-iiox, and sent to the small-pox hospital, 
near F'ortress Monroe; but not long after he was or- 
dered to Albany, N. Y., for treatment. Two months 
later he rejoined his regiment in time to partici- 
pate in the battle of Malvern Hill. In a month he 
was discharged at Harrisori's Landing and returned 
to his native State. He was so enfeebled that he 
could not labor for two years. 

On regaining his health in a measure he was em- 
ployed as watchman on the Ohio River for a year, and 
was afterward in the service of the Pennsylvania 
Railroad Co., where he worked for two years. He 
came to St. Louis, Mich., and was first engaged in 
rafting to Bay City, and then was in the employ of 
different parties, locating lands in Northern Michigan. 

In 1S77 he returned to Pennsylvania and taught 
primary schools two years. He came back to the 
Peninsular State and located in Clare County. There 
he was occupied four years as superintendent of a 
shingle-mill. He formed a partnershiii with K. M. 
Shunnvay, in mercantile business at F'arwell, Clare 
Co., selling out two years later, soon after coming 
to Hinton Tp., Mecosta Co., and engaging in the (^ 
drug business with Dr. J. E. Gruber, of Altona. 
This relation was dissolved in May, 1882. He re- 
ceived his appointment as Postmaster Oct. 31, 1882, 
under President Arthur. 

Mr. Frye was married in Isabella Co.. Mich., 
March 3, 1867, to Lucy, daughter of David, and 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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2^ Sarah Leonard. Her parents were natives of Penn- 

'Iv sylvania and spent their entire lives there. Of this 

■'^^* marriage four children have been horn — Edward I!. 

T and Edwin (twins), l)orn June 5, 187S; Arcliibald 

(^ F., July 3, 1877, and Edith .M., .\iig. 13, 1882. 

Mr. P'rye is a Republican, and has been Town- 
ship Clerk three terms, and is a member of the Re- 
publican County Committee. He and iiis family at- 
tend the United Hrethren Cliurcli, of wliich Mr. Frye 
is a member. 



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eorge F. Haist, farmer, sec. 8, Deerfield 
Tp., was born Jur.e I 2, \^^.\, in Canada. 
He is a son of John and Christine (Sten- 
gel) Haist, natives of Germany, who came to 
Canada in '31. Mr. Haist, senior, came witii 
his family to Newaygo County, Mich., in '53, 
and after a residence there of seven years removed 
to this county and pre-empted 80 acres of land. 
This i)roperty he deeded in '73 to his son, retaining 
a life leasi for himself and wife. 

The subject of this sketch has spent his life llius 
far with his parents, making the paternal interests liis 
own and has proved himself a faithful and devoted 
son. He is a Republican and has been elected 
several times as Constable ; he is at present Scliool 
.Vssessor. He was married in Morlcy, July 4, '78, to 
Kate, daughter of Isaac and ('atherine (Cole) Os- 
born. Tliey have one child — Nelson I'lederick, born 
Jan. 31, "Si. 





■^■^- harles D. Carpenter, merchant, Hig Rap- 
f ids, was born in Lawrenceville, St. Law- 
iar'^ rence Co., N. Y., Sept. 7, 1856. He is the 
1^ son of John T. and Emily (lilish) Carpenter. 
h His father was a physician of prominence and 
gave his son a good education, sending him to 
Ihe common school until 12 years of age and to the 
Academy at Lawrenceville until he was 18 years old. 
;\t that age Mr. Carpenter came to Big Rapids and 



engaged with the mercantile firm of Phelps i.*v: Parker 
as clerk. He acted in tiiis capacity 18 mor.ths, when 
he bought the interest of Mr. Phelps and the house 
became Parker it Carpenter. Mr. Parker died May 
7, 1882, ai.d his widow soon after sold her husband's 
share of the business to the remaining partner and 
his brother, Frank B. Caipenter, M. 1). They oper- 
ated together one year and May 26, 1883, Mr. Car- 
penter of this sketch, became sole proprietor of the 
establishment by purchase. He carries an average 
stock of about $20,000 value in dry goods, carpets, 
sewing-machines, etc., and transacts annually an 
amount of business aggregating $70,000. 

-Mr. Carpenter was married at Evart, Newaygo Co., 
Oct. 19, 18S1, to Nettie E., daughter of Howard and 
Jeannette \Viltse. She was born at Evart, .May 14, 
1857, and her parents were among the earliest set- 
tlers of Newaygo County. Her father came to Me- 
costa County in :86o and died at Hig Rapids in 1S65. 
Her mother (lied in 1857. The father of Mr. Car- 
penter died ;\pril 30, 1869; his mother is yet living, 
at Lawrenceville. Mrs. Carpenter was a teacher at 
Big Rapids si.\ years. 




gjl'^^enry Seaton, farmer on sec. 17, Hinton 

" Tp., P. O., .Mtona, was born in Guelph, 

i-ix-'"* Canada, April 7, 1S43. His parents, John 

Av and l^ii/.abeth (Smith) Seaton, were natives of 

iMigland, who came to .\merica in 1838. The 



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mother died in November, 1877, and the father i'( 

is still living, in Canada. 
Mr. Seaton remained an inmate of iiis lather's 
house until he was 24 years of age, when he 
rented tlie paternal farm for a period of two years. 
Li the summer of 1866 he came to Mecosta County 
and bought a half mterest in the saw-mill owned by ^ 
his brother, W. N. Seaton and Hartley Davis, succeed- f 
ing to the claim of the latter. The Seaton brothers j. 
managed the mill together six years, and sold out to 
\Vm. Egbert. Mr. Seaton and his brother were jf 
again associated in farm interests, whicii they carried ''^ 
on nearly four years, when ihey dissolved, and Mr. ~J 
Seaton established himself on the 80 acres which has >. 




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since been his homestead. He is a Republican. 
Mr. Sjalon was married in Canada, June 6, 1867, 
to Agnes, daughter of Richard Kenning. Her 
parents were natives of Ireland, and she was born in 
Hamilton, Canada, Nov. 12, 1846. .She died Dec. 
26, 1879, leaving four of six children of whom she 
was the mother. They were born as follows : Ida 
M. E,, June 6, 1869; Hervey J., April 16, 1872; 
Albert N., Oct. 23, 1875 ; Gracic A , Jan. 11. 1S77. 
.Vsa and Lillian died in infancv. 



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h|pri^^|^llis Davis, farmer, sec. 6 of Deerfield Tp., 
^^^g was born in Ireland, Aug. 27, '27. He is a 
son of William and Mary (Laverty) Davis, 
also born in the Emerald Isle, and came to 
America in '51. They located in this county 
and continued to reside there until their death. 
Our subject was an inhaldtant of his native land 
until he attained his majority, when he came to the 
United States and settled in Mecosta Tj)., this 
county, continuing to reside here nearly ten years, 
when he took up 240 acres of uncleared forest under 
the State law. He commenced oiieralions after the 
most approved pioneer plan, built a log house and 
went vigorously to work clearing away the timber to 
make room for the plow and other appurtenances of 
civilization. The 140 acres of cultivated land which 
his labors have laid bare to the sun and other influ- 
ences that cpiicken them to a marvelous life show the 
character of their owner. The log house disappeared 
in the summer of 1882 and a neat frame structure 
succeeded it at an expenditure of $1,000. Mr. Davis 
is a Democrat in political views. He resides with 
his two sisters and with them belongs to the I'resby- 
terian Church. 



« ^'^^jj'- obort Telfer, engineer of the City Water 
>Vorks, I'lig Rapids, was born in Hamilton, 
^. I-anarkshire, Scotland, Feb. 21, 1844. He 
is the son of Cavin and Janet Telfer, and 
J)*^ learned the trade of tanner and cmrier in his 
^ native town. At the age of 18 he left home 
and went to Glasgow and worked there at his 
trade until July 26, 18O5, or until after twenty-one. 



On that day he started for the United States and 
17 days later was in the city of Detroit at work. 
Wiien he reached Detroit he had one English shill- 
ing in his possession, but he had pluck and energy, 
and the day following his arrival there had secured 
a paying situation. After four years of self-denying, 
frugal labor in Detroit, he united his savings with the 
small capital of his brother Gavin, and established a 
tannery at Chesaning, .Saginaw Co., Mich., and after 
operating it with gratifying success two years, their 
building, fixtures, etc., were destroyed by fire, involv- 
ing a loss of $6,000, with no insurance. He still held 
a considerable amount of stock, which he brought to 
I5ig Rapids to avail himself of the facilities at the 
tannery of Duncan McClellan. 

In 1875 he entered into an engagement as assistant 
engineer of the City Water Works, taking full charge 
two years later, and holding the position continuously 
ever since. 

In the sunnner of 1881 he built the block now 
owned by L. S, I'resburg, on Michigan ave., a brick 
building erected at a cost of upwards of |;6, 000. He 
built the Telfer Hlock, on the corner of Michigan 
ave. and Pine st., in the summer of 1883. It is a 
two-story structure of brick, 40 x 60 feet, one store of 
which he stocked with boots and shoes, and con- 
fided to the management of his brotlier, John Telfer. 
He also owns a residence and lot on Pine street and 
Warren ave. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity. 

He was niarrii.d Dec. 30, 1869, to Mary C, 
daughter of W'illiaui and Kliza Burleigh. She was 
born in Macomb Co., Micii. Mr. and Mrs. Telfer 
have had two children, one of whom, Gavin, is now 
living; Eliza, only daughter, died July 22, 1872. 



3SS 




H'lfred Pierce, farmer, sec. i, llinton Tp , 
jj( was born Dec. 31, 1841, in St. Lawrence 
^="'0 Co., N. V. His parents, David and Polly 
Wsf (l^ay) Pierce, were also natives of St. Law- 
rence County. He started out alone in the 
warfare of life at the age of 15 years. His 
parents liad previously removed to Walworth Co., 
Wis., and in the springof 1856 he came to Michigan 
with the family of Win. Egbert (now deceased) and 



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^ located in Berrien Co., Mich., remaining with them 
t§) until 21 years of age, engaged in fanning and specu- 
^S* lating. In the si)ring of 1S63, he went to Minnesota 
I and bought a farm, which he managed for five years, 
(hj and meanwhile was one year engaged in conducting 
a hotel at Rochester, Minn. He sold the farm and 
came to Mecosta County, where he bought 80 acres 
of wild land, in Morton Tp., which he sold in the 
fall of 1 88 1. In the spring of 1880 he bought 80 
acres of forest land in Hinton Tp., where he now re- 
sides, with 20 acres under cultivation. In politics 
Mr. Pierce is a Republican ; has held the office of 
Justice of the Peace four years, and was Highway 
Commissioner three years in Morton Tp. 

.Mr. Pierce was married in Berrien Co., Midi., Nov. 
26, 1863, to Mary E., daughter of Israel B. and Han- 
nah Sackett, natives of Michigan. Mrs. Pierce was 
born in Berrien Co., Dec. 25, 1840. Her fatlier died 
_ \ when she was ten years old, 'and she was thrown 
upon her own resources for support. Of ten children 
born to .Mr. and .Mrs. Pierce, eight survive, four of 
them being twins; Charles A. was born Nov. to, 
1864; Fred L., Aug. 16, 1866; Walter, Dec. i6j 
1868; Frank, Oct. 14, 1869; Etta, July 18, 1872; 
Harry, May 14, 1877 ; Nathan, Aug. 13, 1879, and 
Alfred, Nov. 15, 1882; Annie, born July 18, 1872, 
died Dec. 26, 1880; Gertrude, horn July 17, 1874, and 
died Dec. 30, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Pierce are both 
members of the order of Good Templars, and are ac- 
tive and prominent members of the M. E. Church, 
with which they united at an early day. Mr. Pierce 
is an earnest advocate of the temperance cause, and 
is prominent in all the reforms of the day. 



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f Irich Stiffen, farmer, sec. 35, Deerfield Tp., 

is a son of Michael and Elizabeth (I'isclilcr) 

Stiffen. They were natives of .Switzerland 

^ and came to America in 1853, locating in 

,:^ Wayne Co., Ohio, where they passed the er- 

■^ mainder of their lives. 

Mr. Stiffen was born Dec. 25, 1843, in Switz- 
erland. He was 10 years old when his parents emi- 
grated to the United States, and he worked as a farm 
assistant nearly 20 years. He came to Michigan in 
1867 and has been the ownerof various tracts of land 
at various times, and now owns 80 in Deerfield Tp., 



which is his homestead, with 20 acres in cultivation. 
Mr. Stiffen is a Democrat in political sentiment and 
belomrs to the Mennonite Church. 



-«^!||j|i^»*- 




m. N. Seaton, merchant. .Mtona, was lx)rn 
in Canada, Sept. 28, 1S39. He is a son of 
Joiin and Elizabeth (Smith) Seaton, na- 
\\ lives of England, who came to America in 
1838 and located in ('anada, where the father 
is still resident. The mother died in Novem- 
ber, 1877. 

Mr. Seaton remained in the liome of his parents 
until the age of 25, and in the winter of 1864 came 
to Mecosta County and bought 120 acres of unim- 
proved land in Hinton Tp., on which a part of the 
village of Altona is located. U'ithin three years 
(64-'65-'66) he cleared 40 acres of his farm. In 
1S68, associated with liently Davis and Harrison J. 
Brown, he built the Altona dam, and in tlie same 
year he and Mr. Davis erected the first saw-mill. 
Fifteen months after, William and Henry Seaton pur- 
chased the interest of Mr. Davis, and continued to 
operate the mill four years, selling out to Wm. Eg- 
bert, who, some time after, disix)sed of the property 
to H. J. Brown. 

Mr. Seaton, after closing his mill interests, turned 
his attention to farming and rearing stock. He owns 
180 acres of land, 100 of which is under a good 
state of cultivation and improved by a fine set of 
buildings. He rented his place in March, 1S83, and 
purcliased a residence in .Mtona. In December, 
1882, he formed a partnership with R. L. Willett for 
the purpose of engaging in the sale of general mer- 
chandise, which was edected Jan. r, 1883, and is 
now being carried on with satisfactory results. 

Mr. Seaton was married in Canada, to Char- 
lotte, daughter of Benj. Budjen. Her parents were 
natives of England, and about 1848 came to Amer- 
ica and settled in Canada. One child, Charlotte 
L. E., was born of mis marriage, Feb. 27, 1869. 
The mother died March 28, 1869. Mr. Seaton was 
again married Dec. 4, 1879, to Mary J., daughter of 
George and Jane Quigley, born Jan. 4, 1855. The 
parents of Mrs. Seaton reside in Montcalm County; 
the father is a native of New York, and the mother 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



was born in Wales ; the only child of Mr. and Mrs. 
Sealon, George R , was lx)rn Oct 7, 18S1. 

Mr. Seaton is a Republican. He has been Justice 
of the Peace one year, and School Director si.x 
years. He has been actively zealous for the best in- 
terests and advancement of his township, and has 
done all in his power to enhance the growth and 
prosperity of Altona, which is, so to speak, his foster- 
child, he having, in connection with H. J. Brown, 
jilatted the village, which was accomplished May 21, 
1870. Mr. Seaton 's family attend the M. E. Church. 
He has been for a long time Superintendent of the 
Sunday School, and has been Class-leader about 15 
years. He is also radical in liis views of temper- 
ance. Mr. Seaton 's portrait is given in this work. 



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SPm. Brockway, farmer, sec. 20, Hinton 
(iS)§^ Tp., was born in Pennsylvania, March 27, 
,.(^^^^ 1826, and is a son of Andrew and Eliza- 
^J^^O beth (Rossman) IJrockway, both of whom 
|*f^ were natives of Pennsylvania. He went to 
New York with his parents, and at the age of 21 
came to Livingston County, and after a residence 
of six years came to Mecosta County (before its organi- 
zation) and settled in what is now /Etna Tp., buying 
a farm of 200 acres. He resided on this place until 
the spring of 1861, when he purchased 160 acres of 
forest land in Hinton Tp., removed there, built a 
log house and barn, and commenced clearing his 
land. These primitive buildings have yielded to 
modernized structures ; and the fine farm with 100 
acres of cleared territory, with creditable and valuable 
buildings, makes a fine exhibit of what energy com- 
bined with perseverance and good judgment can ac- 
complish. He belongs to the pioneer element of the 
county and township, and was the first Postmaster 
under Lincoln, serving about three years. He is a 
Democrat in ixjlitical faith and action. 

He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., Jan. 6, 
1848, to Margaret A., daughter of Z. P. and Anna 
(Saxton) Mitchell. Her parents were natives of the 
Empire State, and Mrs. Brockway was born in 
Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 24, 182S. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brockway have had eight children, six surviving, 
I Emmet L., born Nov. 5, 1848; Alice V., Feb. 12, 

— ^^^^Dfl 




1853; Caroline, Aug. 27,1857; James H., Oct. 15, 
i860; Charlotte, Feb. 23, 1865; Byron A, April 9, 
1870; Elizabeth A., born Oct. 31, 1850, died Nov. 
12, 1882; Mary E., born Aug. 18, 1867, died Jan. 
22, 1882. 



gfj^^H'einuel F. Chipman, farmer, sec. 36, Deer- 
^iiOit field T|)., was born in Livingston County, 
^; ^f^^\) Mich., Jan. i, 1S47. He is son of S. S. and 
yrW Aha (Sutherland) Chipman, who are both natives 
of the State of New York. 




I 



- ^^lij harles Me Arthur, farmer, sec. 19, Deer- 
Y field T})., was born in Canada, Jan. 16, 




1S39. His i)arents, Colin and Jeannette 

IjS" (McDonald) McArthur, were of Scotch origin 

J^ and came to Canada early in their lives and 

I there both died in the winter of '82. 

The subject of this sketch was educated in Canada 

and grew up under the personal care of his father. 



v^ 



In the fall of '64 Mr. Chipman, though but 17 
years of age, became a soldier for the Union 
army, enlisting in the Third Mich. Inf. He was in 
the service until May 18, '65, when he received hon- 
orable discharge. After returning home he engaged 
in the duties of a lumberman until the age of 22, 
when lie bought 40 acres of land in the township of 
Deerfield. It was then in a perfectly wild state, and 
he at once turned all his energies to bear ujxjn its rec- 
lamation, a.nd now has 20 acres under cultivation. 
In politics he is a Republican. 

'i'he subject of this sketch was married June 27, 
i860, in Cato, Montcalm Co., to Catherine C, daugh- 
ter of .\ustin and Harriet Butler, luc .Malolt, both na- 
tives of New York. 

The deadly scourge diphthL'ria removed three of 
the children of this household within 12 days. Their 
record is as follows : .Mta H., born March 27, 1870, 
died Sept. 18, '81; Daisy M., born May 7, 18 — , died 
Sept. 14, '81 ; Walter, born Feb. 22, '80, died Sept. 6, 
'81. Two children remain, Levi D., born Sept. 27, 
'72, and Zilpha E., born June 20, '74. 

At the organization of the township of Deerfield 
in '61, S. S. Chipman was elected Sui)ervisor. 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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remaining at home several years after attaining his 
majority. In the winter of '52, at 26 years of age, 
he came to Detroit and there w as connected with a 
railroad constniciion corps about three years. In tlie 
summer of '79 he can.e to the village of Morlcy and 
was engaged some months in the saloon and restaur- 
ant business, after wliich he '.)ought his present proi>- 
erty, 40 acres of land, then in an entirely unculti- 
vated state, but now ivith 30 acres in an advanced 
slate of iuiprovement. He has held the post of Con- 
stable two terms and Police Magistrate six months, 
resigning his office before the expiration of his term. 

He was married Aug. 7, 1866, at Charlotte, Mich., 
to Sarah, daughter of John and Ann Fcehan, ih\- 
Cokeiy. The [larents of his wife were natives of 
Ireland, who emigrated to Canada; the father is de- 
ceased, the mother resides in this County. Their 
children were born as follows: Annie |., June 6, 
1869; Catherine M., Dec. 10, '72; Edith 1'., Jan. 29, 
'75; Charles J., July 17, '77; Myrtle, Jan. 21, '81. 
I'wo children died in infancy. 

Our subject was a member of the Township School 
Uoard during the year of 1882. In religion, although 
brought u)) in the Presbyterian faith, he is liberal, 
He is also a liberal Democrat in [wlitics. 



■-uucc?©^--'— l><|l^^^^4-->^2fa'ZiOT»v 




^l^randison C. Tousey, farmer, sec. 34, Hin- 
®< ton Tp.,is a son of I^auzonand Lucy (Ly- 
man) Tousey, who were born in Connecti- 
cut, and came to Michigan as pioneers of 
Wayne County. G. C. Tousey was l)orn Nov. 
19, 1832 He came with liis parents, wlien a 
lad, to Kalamazoo County, and there he was 
occui)ied with farming until the spring of 1872. 
He then came to Mecosta County and located in 
Hinton Tp., where he had entered 160 acres of Cov- 
ernment land in 1858. On this tract he has since 
resided, and now has 70 acres under a good degree 
of improvement. 

Mr. Tousey is a Democrat in [xditical faith, and 
has been Justice of the Peace one year. He en- 
listed in October, i86r, in the 13111 Michigan Vol. 
Inf.. and after an arduous service of three years was 
honorably discharged Jan. 16, 1865, at Savannah, 





Ga. He was never off duty a single day and did 
not once answer the surgeon's call. He was in ac- 
tion at Pittsburg Landing, Stone River, Perryville, 
Ky., Chickamauga, Siege of Corinth, Missionary 
Ridge, Lookout Mountain, and marched to the sea 
with Sherman. He luul a narrow escape from cap- 
ture at Stone River. A retreat was ordered and by 
some mischance he found himself wedged between 
boulders, the rebel forces being soon within alarm- 
ing distance of his singular prison house. Extricat- 
ing himself with a great efTorl, he crawled Itack and 
joined his regiment, making the transit between two 
fires, but coming out unharmed. He is an honored 
member of the G. A. R., and also belongs to the 
M. E. Church. 

Mr. Tousey was married in Kalamazoo Co., Mich. 
June 28, 1867, to Elvira, daughter of Jared and Eliza- 
beth (Holcomb) Goodrich, who was born March 19, 
1S28, in New York. The parents were born in New 
York, also. Mr. and Mrs. Tousey have one child, 
born June 28, 1868. 



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~i^^^ enry S. Cota, farmer on section 16, .I'.tna 
^f (S3r '1^' ^^'^* ^""^^ '" Carroll Co., Ohio, in 1837. 
5'fS?*** His parents were born in France, emigrated 
■^1'^ to the United States and settled in the Buckeye 
State, where his father was drowned while la- 
boring in the river service. 

Mr. Cota was in his infancy and his mother bound 
him to a man named Adam Hardesty. He was so 
very young that he lost all trace of her and does not 
know that he has a relative by blood on the earth. 
He remained with Mr. Hardesty until he was 18 ye.ars 
of age, when he was released from his bonds and 
found employment in Paulding Co., Ohio, and was 
there occupied for five years. 

In tlie fall of '61 he enlisted in the 68th Ohio Inf., 
serving three yean;, and receiving honorable discharge. 
Leaving the army he spent a few months in Paulding 
Co., Ohio, and in the spring of 1S66 he came to 
.Etna Tp. and bought 40 ai res of land, which he has 
increased to 80 acres, with 30 under the plow. 

Mr. Cota was married July 4, 1S67, to Isabel, 
daughter of William and I'^lizabeth (Woodcock) 
Shoeck, natives of New York. Mrs. Cota was born 



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Feb. I, 1843. Of six children born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Cota four are living, born as follows: Rousseau was 
born June 10, 1868; (ieorge W., Dec. i, 1875 ; Mil- 
ton E., May 12, 187-; Retta E., June 30, 1881. 
John, born March 13, 1870, died Nov. 4, 1882; (niy 
E., born Jan. 21, 1878, died Oct. 10, 1879. 

The character and conduct of tlie life of Mr. Cota 
have been such as to secure for liini the advantages 
always accruing to a man of upright and honorable 
dealing. 



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:oah Barnhart, farmer, sec. 11, Deerfield 
t Tp., was born in Canada. May 3, 1844. 
tirvsj' ^ His father, Jacol) Harnhart, was a native of 
•" ^ Vermont and died in Canada in the spring of 
,IG '^53- H'^ mother, now Mrs. Phebe McGill, 
came to Deerfield with her children in the spring of 
'60. See sketch of Wm. Barnhart. 

Mr. Barnhart came to Detroit at the age of 13 and 
soon after the removal of his family to this county in 
i860 he joined them here. He "took up " 80 acres of 
land under the Homestead Act, and about the 
same date bought 40 acres more. He sold his estate 
of 1 20 acres in '67 and bought 80 acres where he now 
lives. 

He was married Dec. 17, 1866, to Eliza Hornby, who 
is of English and Irish parentage. To them have been 
born six cliildren, as follows: Ellen, born Jan. 1, 1867 
Caroline, Feb. 28, '70; Edward, March 28, '73 ; Albert- 
April 4, '79, and Ada, July 4, '82. Alice was bom 
June 10, '76, and died in February, '82. 




-5— -w/v/V,? 



SlffSlT'"* Mcintosh, farmer, sec. 3, Deerfield Tp. 

was born in Canada, July 10, 1834. His 

parents, Louis and Elizabeth (Boxstead) 

Mcintosh, were natives of Canada, of 

Scotch and German lineage, and passed their 

entire lives in their native land. 

Mr. Mcintosh attended school and served as 
his father's assistant on the home farm until he was 
I 8 years of age, when he resixsnded to the long cher- 
ished desire to begin his life's work in independence. 




He spent eleven years as a lumberman and farm 
laborer, coming to Mecosta County in the fall of 1863 
Ten months later he went to Kent County and bought 
40 acres of partly improved land, on which he worked 
two years, and then returned to Mecosta County. 
Not long after he purchased 105 acres of railroad 
land and began life as a pioneer. At this writing he has 
73 acres under tillage. He has built a good barn on 
the farm and is on the eve of a final leave of the log 
house where he found shelter and home rest from his 
cares and labors, and where his three promising sons 
were born. 

Mr. Mcintosh was married in Canada, Oct. 31, 

1863, to Emma, daughter of J. P. and Drusilla (Aus- 
tin) Weaver. The parents of Mrs. Mcintosh were 
of Canadian nativity, came to Mecosta County in 

1864, and now reside in .•\ustin Tp. The sons were 
born as follows : James E., born Dec 8, 1865; John 
W., Sept. 15, 1867 ; Charlie, Nov. 12, 1877. 

Mr. Mcintosh is a Republican in jwlitics and has 
served his township as Treasurer two years. Himself 
and wife beloncr to the M. E. Church. 



..«. 



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" ichael Doyle, farmer, sec. i8, ^-litna Tp., 
was born in December, 18 15, and is son of 
■'(N Michael and Jane (Dorsey) Doyle, natives 
/^W^ of Ireland, where the son was also born. 
. . Tiie latter was five years old when his parents 
i^ came to America and settled at Quebec, Prov- 
ince of Quebec, where they lived until 1843. 
On the death of his father he was left to make his 
way alone in the world and remained in Canada un- 
til 1868. He spent three years prospecting in the 
Dominion, and in the fall of 187 i came to yEtnaTp., 
Mecosta Co., and purchased 80 acres of land, and, 
like earlier settlers, commenced to make improve- 
ments for the purjwse of securing a livelihood. The 
result of their labors are shown by the condition of 
the farm and its fixtures. 

Mr. Doyle was married in Canada, in April, 1839, 
to Catherine, daughter of Michael and Mary (Dunn) 
Carroll, who were of Irish nativity, and went to Can- 
ada, where they died, at the ages of 41 and 60 years 
respectively. Mrs. Doyle was born in the North of 
Ireland, June i, 1S16 She is at this writing 66 years 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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old, but retains her health and vigor, and her memory 
is perfect concerning all events that have passed un- 
der her observation. Following is a record of their 
ten children: Peter, born March 3, 1840; Michael, 
Dec. 25, 1845; Jane, Aug. 12, 1850; Sarah, Aug. 17. 
1854; John, Feb. i, 1847; Rose, Sept. 8, 1855' 
Ella, June 10, 1858. Those named are living; the de- 
ceased were : iMary, born Feb. 6, 1 842, died in 1867 ; 
Emilia, born July 25, 1854, died .'Vug. 23, 1867 ; Cath- 
erine, born Jan. 6, 185 1, died ."^ci.t. 23, 1867. The 
amily are zealous members of the Catholic Cluirch. 






illiam H. Walker, undertaker and funer- 
il director. Big Rapids, was born in Com- 
uerce Tp., Oakland Co., Mich., and is the 
son of Justin and Lucinda (Wilkius) Walker. 
He passed the years prior to attaining his 
majority on his father's farm and attending 
school. On reaching the age of 21 years he entered 
the college at Kalamazoo, and took a preparatory 
course of study, and after two years went to Normal, 
111., and there attended the State Normal School 18 
months. Having fitted for the position of an instruc- 
tor, he entered uix)n the duties of that calling, which 
he discharged four years and then became a music 
teacher, of which he had made a special study at 
Normal, under the instructions of Prof. C. M. Cady. 
lie has spent 20 years of his life as a teacher of vo- 
cal music, operating at many places in Michigan and 
in several of the Western States. 

.\fter leaving school at Kalamazoo, Mr. Walker 
m;ide a prospecting journey through the West and 
Southwest which occupied about eight months. In 
1878, he located at Berlin, Ottawa Co., bought five 
acres of land, and a wagon and blacksmith shop, 
which he still owns and manages, employing three 
men. He has a fine residence on his miniature farm 
of five acres, where his family live. He has made a 
s])ecialty of bee culture, his location being peculiarly 
adapted to the puriwse. At times he has had up- 
wards of 200 colonies in stock, and his apiary now in- 
cludes about 75. 
_, Mr. Walker came to Big Rapids in May, 18S3, and 
^ formed a partnership with J. Siillwell &: Son, in the 

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furniture business. The relation terminated July g, 
following, by his sale of cl lim to Charles Stillwcll, 
when he established his present business enterprise 
in the basement of the Furniture Block. He holds 
a stock of $1,000 in burial cases and caskets and has 
a very fine hearse. 

.Mr. Walker was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., 
March 25, 1865, to Marion, daughter of I.orcn and 
Mary Oviatt, born in 'I'rumbull Co., Ohio, Dec. 11, 
1842. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Walker are 
Allen J., Mary and I.ula. The musical abilities of 
the father have every promise of reproduction in the 
children, as each gives evidence of more than ordi- 
ary capacity in that respect. 




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eorge P. Vorce, farmer, sec. 35, .Ivtna 
Tp., was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Feb. 
29, 1S24. He is a son of Benjamin and 
T'^N Lovina (Cook) Vorce, of German nativity ; tlie 
fat lier died in 1833. Mr. Vorce came to this 
State when he was nine years old, with his 
step-father, Jonathan Jackson, and remained 1 1 years. 
He spent the ne.\t year in New York, and in the sum- 
mer of 1844 came to Wayne County, this State, and 
a year later to Ingham County. During this period 
he was engaged in agriculture. Leaving Ingham 
County, Mr. Vorce went to Kalamazoo County, and 
thence to Iosco County, where he was engaged in 
fanning and lumbering until 187 i, the date of his 
settlement in this County. He purchased 40 acres 
of timbered land and entered upon the usual duties 
of a pioneer. — built a small log house and proceeded 
to ]ilace his farm in a suitable state for supiwrt and 
profit. He is an earnest Republican; has always 
been prominent in promoting educational jjiojecls 
and at present holds a school office. lie and his 
w ife are active members of the M. E. Church. 

He was marned in 1846, to .Amelia, daughter of 
Zenas and Anna Walling Hor, of New iMigl.uid 
l)irth, and she was born in Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y., 
May 15, 1829. Of their six children two are dead, — 
Henty, born Aug. 31, 1847, died Oct. 3, 1879, and 
Charles L., born Sept. 19, 1855, died in 1874. Those 
who survive were born in the following order: Jen- 
nie, Jan. 20, 1849; Frank A., Oct. 28, 1853; Anna 



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MECOSTA 



COUNTY. 



^^ A., Nov. II, 1850; EllaG., Sept. 27, 1859. These 
JD children have received a good education. Jennie is 
-^ a teacher of good standing and has a tine reputation 
T for scholarship, and ([ualities peculiarly adapted to 
'^ her calling. She was a student for a long time at 
Albion College, and taught in one ix)sition seven con- 
secutive terms. 



ilbert Mero, farmer, sec. 28, Deerfield Tp., 
i.s a native of Lower Canada.and was born 
^ in 1 838. His parents still reside in Canada. 
Mr. Mero went to Upper Canada at 19 years 
of age, where he was married in the f;xll of 1857 
to Huldah, daughter of Peter and Mima 
(Kyle) Newkirk. They went to Ohio and remained 
four years, returned to Canada for a short time and 
moved to Deerfield. Mr. Mero bought 40 acres of 
uncultivated land and proceeded to do poneer duty 
— build a log house and clear the forest. He has 32 
acres under fair cultivation. The family religion is 
Catholic. 

The children of Mr. and Mrs. Mero now living 
were L-orn as follows: Josephine, March 12,1866; 
Richard, Oct. 28, 1870: Louisa, July 8, 1873; Anna, 
July, 4, 18 ; Gertrude, July 8, 1877; Henrietta, 
^Lay 24, 1S81. Jennie and Margaret died in infancy. 




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tesse Kinnee, .Mtona, Hintop. Tp., was liorn 
^ in Canada, May 27, 1857. He is a son of 

_ Jesse and Harriet E. (Gent) Kinnee, na- 

mf tives and residents of Canada. Wm. Kinnee 
^p" passed his youth and boyhood on his father's 
ip farm, and at 1 8 was apprenticed for three years 
to the firm of Mitchell & Urood, to learn the 
trade of blacksmithing. He left his native country 
and went to .Moskako, Canada, and worked at his 
trade in the lumber camps in the woods six months. 
He returned to the township of I'ecl and en- 
tered into partnership with James .Mitchell, and in 
company with him carried on blacksmithing six 
months. In July, 1878, he came to Coral, Mont- 
_calm Co., removing soon to Hinlon Tp., and was 




employed by W. W. Streator, at his trade, two and a 
half years, when he bought the interest of his em- 
ployer, and is still managing the same branch of 
business, with the most satisfactory results. 

Mr. Kinnee was married at Altona, Hinton Tp., 
April 16, 1881, to Ida M., eldest daughter of John 
W. and Catharine (Austen) Thomas. Her parents 
were natives of Canada, and came to Mecosta County 
about 1864. They are still living. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kinnee have had one child, Jesse H., born March 
14, 1883. They are both active members of the 
Church of the United Brethren. Mr. Kinnee is a 
Republican in jwlitical sentiment and action. 



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N. Hutchinson, dental surgeon at 
Rapids (office on the N. W. corner of 



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§Jl^£f^ North Michigan avenue and Maple street), 
MiY *^^ \^w\\ in Westmoreland, Oneida Co., N. V., 
X April 8, 1823. His parents were natives of 
I Connecticut, and were married at Hartford, 
June6, i8oi. Warren Hutchinson, his father, 
was born, Nov. 17, 1780; was a carpenter and joiner 
bv trade, and during a considerable i)eriod of his life 
kept a hotel; he died Sept. 5, 1847. The mother 
Mary (Goddard) Hutchinson, was born Feb. 19, 1781, 
and died in March, 1855. The family included four 
children — \Varren S. (deceased), l^i>hraim F. (dec.) 
and Fannie J., widow of Israel L. .Adams, resid- 
ing at Winona, Iowa. Dr. Hutchinson is the young- 
est child. He accompanied the family to AVashtenaw 
County, this State, when 1 1 years old, and settled in 
Scio, where his father built a hotel. Both parents 
passed the remainder of their lives here, and their 
children reached adult age. Early in life. Dr. Hutch- 
inson developed a taste and genius for the career 
of an artist, and he devoted the first years of his 
manhood to iwrtrait-painting; but was com|)olled to 
abandon this profession because of failing eyesight. 
In 1S45 he went to Ypsilanti, where he worked at 
photography about two years. In 1S47 he went to 
Dexter, and si)ent about two and a half years in the 
office of Dr. Hollywood, reading for the practice of 
medicine. He went thence to .Ann .Arbor, and ap- 
plied himself to tiie study uf dentistry, and was under 



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Mecosta county. 



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the instructions of Prof. Bennett one year. After two 
years of practice at Ann Arbor, he went to Howell, 
this State, and pursued his profession two years, 
going thence to Sturgis, where he opened dental 
'j. rooms, and operated until 1S70, the date of his re- 



^ 




moval to IJig Rai)ids. 

Dr. Hutchinson was married at Scio, Jan. 2, 1843, 
to Ruth L Richmoiui. Their son, Ernest iM., is now 
living, and is a dentist at Cadillac, this State. .\vcr 
M. died Feb. 22, 1865. The mother died, and tlie 
Doctor contracted a second marriage, July 27, 1S70, 
to Adda C. Foote, daughter of Jacob J. and Sarah H. 
(Secord) F'oote, a native of Scio. Glen L., their only 
child, died Jan. 11, 1879. Daisy, an adopted 
daughter, was taken to their hearts and home when 
five weeks old. She was born May 9, 1881. 






iS-ames Simmons, farmer, sec. 36, Dcerileld 
C. Tp., was born July 11, 1830, in Middletuii, 

jl^pP"*^ Norfolk Co., Canada. His parents, David 

^iv, and Sicily (Ronson) Simmons, were natives of 

England and came to Canada about the year 

1820. The mother still resides in Canada; the 

fatlier died Aug. 20, i86i. 

At the age of 21 years Mr. Simmons commenced 
his contest with the world, finding employment as a 
farm l.dijrer until i860, wlien he came to Mecosta 
county and pre-empted 80 acres of the unbroken ai.d 
uncleared forest land. He built a log house, and 
with his own hands cut the trees and prepared the 
soil for tillage. He has now 40 acres under the 
plow and in good cultivation. 

He was married at Charlotte ville Center, Canada, 
Sept. 20, 185 I, to Catherine, daugliler of James ana 
.\my (Ostrander) Huchner. Eiglit of liie eleven 
children of Mr. and Mrs. Simmons are living: Wil. 
liam H., Nancy S., .Viny M.,Ebenezer, .Sarah J., Dan- 
iel A., John and Chris. The family includes an 
adopted son, W'm. H. Ciriflln. The names of the 
deceased children were James ('., Ceorge and .\da- 
line. 

Mr. S. is a Democrat in ]K)litics, and himself 
and family belong to tlie United lirelhren Church. 



(Si) 

I 




ilber li. Buck, fanner, sec. 7, .Fltna Tp., 

was born .\pril 16, 1S49, in Orange Co., 

N. Y., and is the eldest son of Samuel and 

J^P Hanict (Walters) Buck. He remained at 

home lalioring on his fatlier's farm until the 

fall of 1868 

His father, Samuel Buck, came to Michigan in 56, 
and settled in Hillsdale County, where the family re- 
mained until 1865, and about that year came to Me- 
costa County, where they are residents of /Etna Tp., 
and Mr. Buck, of this sketch, is with his family living 
on the homestead and managing the farm. 

He was married Jan. 3, 1883, to .Sarah, daughter 
of William R. and Chloe .V. (Vredenburg) Rockwell, 
who was born in Chemung Co., N. Y., Aug. 7, 1856. 
She went to Iowa when seven years old, and in 1868 
came to the State of Michigan. By an earlier mar- 
riage Mr. Buck has two children — Hattie, born July 
26, 1S69, and Harry, June 6, 187 1. Tiiey are nearly 
grown and well educated, and the light and blessing 
of the household. In religious views, Mr. Buck is a 
liberalist; in politics, a Prt)hibitionist. 



<&ifjM,Lharles H. Wagoner, druggist. Big Rapids 
ei|"^3la ^^'** ^°'^" ■'' l''-''^" ** an, N. Y., Jan. 23, 

and died when he was but two years old 



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""'^> "*" 1835; a son of David and Maria (West) 
Wagencr. His father was a hotel-keeper. 




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He attended school until the age of 14, when 
he procured a situation as clerk in a drug store, and 
after two years returned to school He completed 
his education in three years, and again became a 
clerk in a drug store in Penn Yan, where he remained 
seven years. In February, 1864, he went to Austin, 
Nevada, and bought a drug store of his brother, 
where he transacted business four years, and then 
retinned to Penn Yan. In February, 1868, he settled 
in Big Rapids and foundetl his present business. 
He handles a full line of drugs and all articles com- 
mon to similar establishments, patent medicines, etc. 
In April, 1S69, his store was burned, with a total loss 
of $3,500. He had secured no insurance. Mr. 



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214 



Mecosta county. 



Wagener is a Freemason, and a member of the 
Knights of Honor, and is Vice-President and Direc- 
tor of the Northern National liank. He was married 
May 7, i<S5i, in Penn Yan, to Patience M. Hunt, 
horn in Milo, Yates Co., N. Y., Jan. 25, 1838. 
Josepliine M., their, eldest child, was Ijorn in Penn 
Yan, May 15, 1862, and Charles S. was liorii in Pig 
Rapids, March 18, 1879. 




^■'rank P. Smith, farmer, sec. 5, Deerfield 

'Pp., was born Dec. 9, 1S53, in the State of 

^*^ New York. His parents, Hosea and Mary 



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^j^ (Fenton) Smith, were both born in the Empire 
^15^ State. .Vt the age of two years Mr. Smith was 
placed in the care of his maternal grand-par- 
ents, and continued to reside with them until the age 
of 19 years. 

He came to Michigan in the spring of 1882 and 
piircliased 40 acres of land under cultivation in Deer- 
field Tp., where he now resides. He was married in 
New York, June 19, 1878, to Elizabeth, daughter of 
Alexander and Cornelia (Munson) Smith. Of two 
children born to them, but one survives: Albert, 
born May 28, 188^ 
Sept. 9, 1 880. 



Lewis, first-born child, died 









ohn S. Campbell, farmer, sec. 25, yl^tna 
i^l^JJIt Tp , was born in Ireland, Jan. 10, 1842. 
IJuk-^^ His parents Archibald and Elizabeth (Sin- 
clair) Campbell, were born in the North of the 
Emerald Isle, and emigrated to America in 
1847, settling at Siorniont, Can.; Mr. Campbell 
remained a resident of the Dominion until he reached 
man's estate. At the age of 21 he went to California 
to seek his fortune in tlie mining districts of the 
Ciolden State, where he remained until the winter of 
1865. At that time he came back to I'aulding Co., 
Ohio, and engaged one year in farming. In the fall 
of 1 866 he came to Michigan and settled in Mecosta 
County, baying 160 acres of land in .I'^tna 'r|)., in 
the vicinity of Motley. He went again to California 
in 187 I, once more seeking material results in mining 

^=^4^ — %^=^n!i 





operations with moderate realization of his hopes. 
He came hack in 1877 and remained two years, when 
he made an expedition to Colorado, returning in 1882, 
reaching his home Dec. 22 ; he has since been en- 
gaged in the improvement of his fine farm. 

Mr. Campbell was married Aug. 9, 1866, to Sybil 
R., daughter of Pernard B. and Hannah J. (Davis) 
Woodcock. The parents were natives of New Eng- 
land, and the daughter was horn March 2, 1836, in 
Rno.x Co., Ohio. 

In politics Mr. Campbell is an earnest Republican. 
Mrs. Campbell has been a member of the U. B. 
Church since she was 14 years of age. 



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.^FifeS;b_harIes H. La Douceur, dealer ui clotli- 
1^3^ ing and men's furnishing goods at Big 
1^'^ Rapids, was born Sept. 27, 1857, at St. 

Mi^ P'ugene, East ().\bury Co., Pr. of Ontario, Can. 

yl^* Until he was ten years old, his parents resided 
{ on a farm, and then removed to Van Kleek 
Hill, in the same county, where he was a student ;!t 
school two years; becoming an assistant in a stoie in 
1869. In 1873 he came to Big Rapids, and went to 
work in the hiuiber region, and in 1877 obtained a 
position in the store of F. \\'. Joslin, where he was 
a clerk three years. In June, 1880, he formed a 
partnership with W. A. Aylesworth, and opened his 
present line of business. The stock of Messrs. I. a 
Douceur tv: .Vylesworth is estimated at $8,oco, and 
includes full and complete lines of ready-made 
clothing, furnishing goods, hats, caps, trunks, valises, 
etc. Tlieir yearly business aggregates about $30,000. 



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imothy Edmondp, de:iler in boots, shoes, 
rulibers and hosiery, at Pig Rapids, was horn 
in J.ackson Co., Mich., May 23, 1849. His 
[larents were Washington and Damarias (Buck- 
stou) Edmonds, and he was trained to agricul- 
tural pursuits. At the age of 15 he became a 
soldier in the Union Army, enlisting at D.iwagia.:, 




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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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C.iMT, lo., iliis State, in March, 1863, in Company 
L, 9th Michigan Cavalry, under Capt. W. Miller, 

■^ and was in the service until July 4, 1865. Among 
I other arduous engagements in which he was in action 

(^ was that of the pursuit of Morgan on his retrograde 
movement before his capture by the brigade of Gen. 
Shackelsford, near New Lisbon, Ohio. He was also 
with the command of Gen. Burnside while attempt- 
ing to hold East Tennessee, and was on the force 
that held the foot of C'umberland Mountain until 
./ Gen. Frazier's surrender. He was among the vet- 
eran troo[)s which under Sherman made their tri- 
umiiliant marcli to tlie sea. He was wounded Dec 
4, 1.S64, at Waynesboro, Ga., by an ounce minie 
ball, in the left thigli, which he still carries. He was 
sent to the hos|>ital, and, on the e.\piration of his 
term of enlistment, was discharged at Jackson, Mich. 
The father of Mr. Edmonds died in September, 
1863, during his army life, and, on being mustered 
out of the United States service, he went to work on 

/N the homestead on shares, and was thus occupied 
three years. He spent the next two years in St. 
Joseph County, variously engaged, when he went to 
South Haven, Van liuren Co. There he bought 40 
acres of land, wliich lie sold three years later and 
purchased 80 acres in another location. Meanwhile 
he was operating as a lumberman. He sold his land 
again at the end of the year, and engaged in selling 
stump machines, afterward embarking again inlumber- 
ing until the fall of 1876. Helhen came to Big Rajnds, 
and two years later bought a farm of 45 acres in the 
townshi|) of Hig Rapids, devoting a year to garden- 
ing, and in 1881 again sold out. In the winter of 
that year he commenced his present business enter- 
prise. His stock is worth about $5,000, and he 
transacts an annual business in merchandise of 
$10,000. 

Mr. Edmonds was married near Lawton, Van 
Huren Co., to Clara Edwards. Of this marriage two 
children were born, Grace, in March, 1868, and Dora, 
in June, 1870. The second marriage of Mr. Ed- 

? monds took place at Big Rapids, Oct. i. 1876, to 

I Laura Sinkler, who died at this place, Jan 26, 1.S80, 

f leaving two children, Eugene E., born Jan. 23, 1880, 
and Clarence II., born June 18, 1878, and died Aug. 
12,1882. Mr. Edmonds was married a third time in 
^ (Xt.awa.Waukesha Co., Wis., Dec. 3, 1882, to Mrs. h'.va 
C^ J- Haone, daughter of Thomas H. and Elvira T.Ham- 



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mend, born in Delafield, Wis., .April 21, 1858. Mr. 
Edmonds is a member of the G. .'\. k. 



"oaeae'®^-*— ^$|^^^4i< — gja^OTzrav 



ohn E. Thurkow, merchant and proprie- 
tor of the grain warehouse at Morley, was 
born at New Baltimore, Mich., Oct. 7, 1849. 

(3* He is a son of Fred and Maggie (Kiess) Thur- 
kow, who were natives of Germany. 

^ Mr. Thurkow left home at the age of 15, 
and was engaged as clerk in a general store at I-"air 
Haven, Mich., and there remained 15 years. He re- 
linquished the (losition on account of ill health, and 
took a trip to ("olorado, where he remained neaily 
five months. On his return he remained a few 
months at home ; coming to Morley in the spring 
of 1881, he purchased the store of D. W. Stewart 
& Co., where he continues to do business. He car- 
ries a full stock of goods in lines adapted to the 
demands of the community where he o|)erates. Mr. 
Thurkow has been the architect of his own fortunes. 
He is a keen business man, has managed his affairs 
with honest sagacity, and by close attention to busi- 
nees and well-directed effort has obtained a compe- 
tence. In politics he is a Rei)ublican, has been twice 
elected Treasurer of the village, and still lioUls the 
posuion. He is a Master Mason, a Knight Temi)lar 
and a member of the Knights of I'ythias. He is in 
sympathy with the tenets of the Congregational 
Church. 

In September, 1881, Mr. Thurkow bought a shingle 
mill in /Etna Tp-. of Messrs. King & Luke, whii:h he 
operated until June 9, 1882. .\t that date it was 
burned to the ground, entailing a loss of nearly 
$3,000. He also owns the timber on 240 acres of 
land in the township of /I-^tna, and a house antl lot 
in Morley. He has recently erected a neat warehouse 
for the storage of grain, potatoes, etc., of which he 
handles a large ciuaiitity. He is also an extensive 
dealer in wood, bark, shingles, etc., making him one 
of the largest shippers in this section. 

As one of the representative men of Mecosta 
C'ounty we give n portrait of Mr. T. in this volume. 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 




I^enry Mills, farmer, sec. 25, Deerfield Tp., 

4fii^flf' was born in Canada, March 7, 1837. He is 

'Id^S*** a son of Wm. and Rebecca Ann ^[ills, and 

.jY" his father died July 5, 1881 ; his mother lives in 

'^ Canada. 

Mr. Mills was a resident of the Dominion until 
the age of 24, growing up in the routine common 
to fanners' sons. In 1S61 he "took up" 40 acres of land 
in Deerfield Tp., MecostaCounty, and underwent the 
experiences of the pioneer element, building a log 
house in the forest which he then made haste to clear 
and improve for farming purposes. He now has 25 
acres under tillage and as good a frame house as ex- 
ists 111 the township. 

He was married in Canada, Dec. 5, 186 1, to Loamy, 
daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Uoszell) Burss. She 
was born in Canada, Feb. 1 1, 1838. Of seven chil- 
dren born of this marriage four survive, — Sarah A., 
born Oct. 6, 1862; Etta M., Nov. 12, 1864; Frank 
P., Dec. 15, 1873; Henry O., Sept. 8, 1S.S2; William 
H., Nov. 28, 1866, died March 29, 1881 ; Albert H., 
Oct. 23, 1868, died Aiiril 9, 1881 ; Charles E., Nov 
13, 1879, died April 7, 1881. These deaths all 
occurred within 1 1 days. 

Mr. Mills is a zealous Republican. The father of 
Mrs. Mills died in Allegan Co., Mich. The mother 
is living with, her daughter. (See sketches of D. C. 
Bullock and Ccorge Losie.) 




ysander Quigley, farmer, sec. 4, Deerfield 
Tp., is the oldest living inhabitant of the 

n township in which he resides, and was one 
f its earliest settlers. In 1859 he erected the 
first frame dwelling and has since been earn- 
estly interested in the affairs of the township. 
He was born in the State of New York, Feb. 16, 
i8io, and there lived until 21 years of age. His pa- 
rents, Mary and Martin Quigley, were natives of the 
Empire State, and there passsed their lives. ( )n at- 
taining his majority Mr. Quigley went to (Canada and 
engaged in agriculture until 1K53, then removed 




to Michigan with his family, locating in Newaygo 
Co. He resided there six years and in Dec, 1859, 
came to Deerfield Tp. He "took up" 40 acres of 
State land and bought 80 acres, all timber land. He 
has placed 70 acres of his farm in a good slate 
of cultivation. 

Mr. Quigley was married in Canada, in 1833, to 
Mary, daughter of Codlove Most. Mr. and Mrs. 
Quigley have had si.K children, all of whom have 
reached adult age. Their names are Robert, Rosan- 
na, Mary, John, Autheses and Margaret. 



Sj^^wsa C. McConnell, farmer, resident on sec. 
gBBBp 35, /Etna Tp., was born in Steuben Co., N. 

KiSirsE Y., Feb. 26, 1832 ; son of Lewis and Emma 

s^ (Goff) McConnell, natives of the Empire State, 
ik^ The subject of this sketch left home at ten 
years of age, and until 12 years old found such 
emi)loyment as he could among the people to whom 
he was known. At the age named, he went to the 
Western Reserve, Ohio, and engaged with a man 
named Robert Munay to herd cattle. Two years 
later he went as cabin boy on the lake steamers in 
the summer seasons, spending the winters in the 
woods. He lived thus five years, then came to Hills- 
dale County, and thence to Ionia, Montcalm and 
Kent Counties, settling in the last named in the 
sjjring of 1855, and engaged in farming. Previous 
to this he was engaged in lumbering. He remained 
in Kent County five years, and during the two follow- 
ing years he was variously employed. 

In November, 1862, he enlisted in the Mich. Cav., 
and was in the army of the Potomac under (ien 
Pleasanton, until .Vug. 19, 1S65, when he received an 
honorable discharge. He passed through his period 
of enlistment unharmed except by a gunshot wound 
in the wrist, inflicted by a guerrilla scout. On 
leaving the army he went back to Kent County and 
worked in the woods until the fall of 187 i. The fol- 
lowing year he spent in Indiana, came thence to 
Mecosta County, and i)urchased So acres of land, on 
which he is now resident. 

Mr. McConnell is a Republican in political faith, 
and has held the jwst of .Assessor in his school dis- 
trict for some time. He was married Oct. 12, 1872, 






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to Jennie, daughter of Jesse and Mary (Waters) 
Upson, born Aug. 7, 1843. Of this marriage one 
child — Wilhe F., was born April jy, 1S76. 




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hiler Loop, hirmer anil Uiinliernian, sec. 

] 9, Deerfield Tp., was horn in Pennsylvania 

ii«)CJ-^ Dec. 16, I.S28. His [)arcnts, K. and Mary 

i-.\ A. (nikenian) Loop, were also natives of the 

y\. Keystone State, where they passed their entire 

T lives. 

At the age of 36 Mr. Ix)op came to Newaygo 
County and was engaged there two yeais in linn- 
bcring, and was in the employ of Nelson iligbcc as 
a farm manager 1 1 years. On the termination of his 
service in that capacity he bought 160 acres 
of land, with 100 under tillage. The additional 
l)urchase of So acres adjoining has given him 
a farm of 240 acres, — a fine pla( e and under skilled 
management. 

Mr. Loop was married in the .State of New York, 
July 23, 1853, to Emmeline M., daughter of James 
and ISetsey (Loop) Drake. The parents of Mrs. 
Loo|) were natives of New \'ork, who removed to 
I'ennsylvania in 1857, where they have since con- 
tinued to reside. Mrs. Looi) was born in New York 
July 12, 1837, and lived with her i)arents until she was 
married. Only one of three children born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Loop survive, — Enoch A , born March 8, 1875; 
Guy A., was born Feb. 27, 1S78, and died July 28, 
1880. .\nother child tlied in infancy. 

Mr. Loop is an adherent of the Democratic party. 



'i^'V* 1.. 



'.-tsi;^,^ enry D. Hanson, blacksmith and farmer. 
Jr sec. 27, Deerfield Tp., was born in Saratoga 
'$^ C-'l^^'** Co., N. Y., July 23, 1849. He was educated 
C in his native place and passed the years of his 
> minority in the home of his parents. He is a son 
^ I of Jacob and Khnira (Oilman) Hanson, both na- 
jf tives of the State of New York. The mother 

-^ died in New York .\|)nl iS, 1866. The father came 
to Michigan wi'li his son and still resides with him. 
Mr. Hanson settled in Ionia C'ounty in the fall of 



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1869 and remained there until the fall of 187 1. He 

bought a farm of 40 acres, built a log house and 
proceeded to improve the place, which was in a stale 
of nature. Being a blacksmith \t^ trade he added a 
shop for the convenience of the local custom, and al- 
ternates his farm labors with work in the shoi). 

Mr. Hanson was married April 16, 1870, to Mar- 
garet, daughter of Lendoll and Polly (Wilson) Pike 
She died Oct. 26, 1875. Two children were born to 
them, — Osman C. was born Jan. 26, 187 i, and Carrie 
B., born Sept. 9, 1875. Mr. Hanson was again mar- 
ried .\iiril 28, 1878, to Susan E., third daughter of C. 
O. and Eliza J. Pemberton. She was born iji Penn- 
sylvania June 8, 1857, and came to Michigan with her 
parents in tlie spring of 1863. Tiieir tw(j children, 
( )rville R. and Henry, were born respectively Oct. 7, 
1879, and July 7, 1882. 

Mr. Hanson has l)een Drain Commissior.er two 
years. 'I'he family are all members of the Mellxulisl 
Church and Mr. Hanson has lieen a Class-leader 
eight years. In political sentiment he is a Re])ubli- 
can. 




' l/cixj;' amuel Buck, farmer, sec. 7, /Etna Tp. (P. 






()., Modey), wasMiorn in Washington Co., N. 



Y., Nov. 4, 1813. He is son of .\aron and 

K Julia (Brown) Buck 

3 Mr. Buck spent the llrsl 2^ years of his life 
in the pursuits common to farmer's sons and 
then settled on a farm, where he lived 22 years, man- 
aging his farm and practicing medicine, of which he 
had acipiired considerable knowledge. On leaving 
New York he came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., in the 
fall of 1856, where he remained a resident nine years. 
His next removal was to .Ivtna Tp., where he founded 
and built up his present home. The familv belong 
to the M. K. Church. Mr. Buck holds to no particu- 
lar political views, but is a radical Prohibitionist. 

In 1836 he was married to Harriet, daughter of 
John and Mary Walters, natives of New \ork, where 
the daughter was born in 1821. Five children were 
born of this marriage, as follows: Wilber, April 7, 
1S49; Wesley, .Vpril 6, i 85 i ; Mary, Aug. 11, 1847; 
Estella, March 4, 1854. Josephine is deceased, but 
dates of birth and death are not known. Mr. Buck's 



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wife died, and he was married in Hillsdale County, to 
Jane, daughter of Elijah and Anna Selsby, who was 
a native of Vermont, born Nov. 4, 181 1 ; she died in 
/Etna Tp., and a few years after Mr. Buck married 
Mrs. Emma E. Bigelow, daughter of Harry and 
Nancy (Crofut) Monroe. One child, Jessie, was born 
Dec. II, 1872. The wife died Oct. 11, 1877. 



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oseph McGill, farmer, sec. 12, Deerfield 

\'[) {V. O. .\ltona), was bora in Ireland, 

. \'ov. 17, 1812. His parents, John and Jane 

61(5" (McGinnis) McGill, were natives of the Emer- 

^'^ aldjsle, who emigrated to Canada about the 

iz year 1838 and there died something like ten 

years afterwards. 
" Uncle Jo" belonged to the class which has strug- 
gled so long in the iron grip of the British aristocrats 
and monoi)olizers, and during the first 26 years of his 
life passed most of his time as a weaver, which trade 
he learned as early as his size and strength [lermitted. 
He accompanied his parents to Canada and for 
20 years was a laborer. 

He came to Montcalm Co., Mich., in 1858, where 
he remained one year, removing thence to Mecosta 
County, and bought 80 acres of land in Deerfield Tp. 
He built a good frame house and barn and i)ut his 
farm in good condition, clearing 39 acres, but he has 
always been a member of the family of his brother's 
widow, Mrs, I'hebe McGill, whose farm is adjoining. 
In the spring of 'S3 he sold his farm to John Perry. 
Mr. McGill is a Methodist in religious views and a 
Republican in political faith and action. Ho has 
held the post of School 'I'reasurer ten years. .'\1- 
though 7 2 years of age, he is a general favorite from 
his genial and i)leasant companionship. 



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^^^f evritt C. Mosher, attorney at law, Morley, 
P was 



)orn in Moshervilie, Hillsdale Co., 
'^^ Mich., Sei)i. 5, 1857. His parents were 
T Ephraim E. and Henrietta (Raymond) 
Mosher, natives of N. Y., who came as pio- 
neers to Michigan, settling in Hillsdale County, 
there residing until the death of tlie fatlier in 
May, 1869: the mother died in Montcalm County, 

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Oct. 24, 1882. When 12 years old Mr. Mosher went 
to Kalamazoo and attended the union school at that 
place three years. At 15 he entered the employ of 
a farmer, where he was engaged nearly two years, 
and then went to Montcalm County, engaging in 
lumbering until the fall of 1878. At that date he en- 
tered the law office of .S. 1). Clay at (irand Rapids, 
and began the study of his profession. In May, i 879, 
he was appointed assignee of T. M. Stryker, and 
closed out a stock of drugs for the benefit of that 
gentleman's creditors. That duly ended, he went to 
Osceola County and began the practice of his pro- 
fession. After a stay of four months he returned 
home to Montcalm County, and remained there until 
December, i88i,and then removed to IsabellaCounty, 
remaining until September, 1882. He was attacked 
with tyi)hoid fever, in consequence of which he dis- 
continued his practice until January, and, on recov- 
ery, settled in Morley, where he is earnestly engaged 
in the practice of his profession. He joined the Odd 
Fellows in 1879. 






hai'les S. Moore, farmer, sec. 9, /Etna Tp. 
lorn July 21, 1836, in New York. 
g,„ His parents, Hiram and Mary A. (Torrey) 
'^j^ -Moore, were of genuine English extraction and 
?5^ natives of New York, where they lived to ad- 
vanced age. 
Mr. Moore was born in Allegany County, and re- 
mained under the paternal roof until 24 years of age. 
In the spring of 1867 he went to Kenosha Co., Wis., 
and three years later the family came to .^■'.tna Tp. 
and pitched their tent on sec. 9 with the determina- 
tion to fix a permanent abode. Mr. Moore purchased 
So acres of heavily timbered land, which 13 years of 
toil has i)laceu in fair rank with the best farms in the 
township, having 50 acres tillable and in a high slate 
of cullivalion. Politically, Mr. Moore is a decided 
Reiiubhcan. The parents have been connected with 
the M. E. Church several years, and are greatly in- 
terested in the cause of education and moral eleva- 
tion of the young. 

.Mr. Moore was married in i860 to Alida M., 
daughter of Asahel and Calheiine (Vrooman) Moors. 
Her father was a native of Virginia, and her mother 



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of New Viirk. I'.lroy 1?., oldest child, born June 19, 
1862, is devoted to the study of mechanics, and is 
the object of the proud hopes ot his parents. Carl- 
ton H. was born June 6, 1864; Morrell E. was born 
Dec. 10, 1S65. Bradley T., born March 22, 1870, 
died Nov. 17, 1882. 



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ichael Streeter, farmer, on sec. 14, Hin- 
ton Tp., is a son of Geo. and Susan (Isen- 
■ ..-- 'fN hour) Streeter. The father was born in 
J^|L"?,V\ England, and the mother in ilie State of New 
■^ York. After their marriage they settled in 
ir Canada, where Mi';hael was born, June 5, 1843. 
At the age of 24, Mr. Streeter commenced to 
carve out his own fortune. He followed different 
callings until August, 1875, at which date he came 
to this county and bought 40 acres of forest land, 
built thereon a log house, and now has 20 acres 
cleared and under the plow. Mr. Streeter is inde- 
pendent in politics. He was married in Canada, 
March 4, 1868, to Harriet, eldest daughter of Ale.x- 
ander and Emily (Knox) Watson. The latter were 
natives of Canada, and the daughter was born there, 
Oct. II, 1845. Mr. and Mrs. Streeter have had six 
children : John W. and Ceorge A. (twins), born Dec. 
24, 1869; Mary A, born Jan. r, 1872; Ella B., 
April 7, 1874; Alexander (i., June 15, 1879; Velma, 
Oct. 9, 1882. 




Ilheney O. Pemberton, farmer, sec. 34, 

|F Deerfield Tp., was born in Tioga Co., Pa., 

,,,g.„ "^ .Nov. 10, 1831. }{e is the first son of ( >rson 

fc and Harriet (Scott) Teniberton, the former a na- 

^ live of Ontario Co., N. Y., the latter born in 

I Massachusetts. The father was a farmer and 

himself ;.nd wife spent their lives in Tioga County. 

Mr. Pemberton was educated at the common schools 

^ of his native county and attended the Union .\cad- 

['*) emy at Kno.xville. He lived with his parents until 

June I, 1850, when he was married and immediately 




after secured 120 acres of land in that county, which 
he owned until the s[)nng of 1863. He then sold it 
and in the fall of tlic same year located in Mecosta 
Co., Mich. He entered 80 acres of land under the 
State law, erected a log house and made haste to clear 
and improve his farm. He added to his acreage by 
purchase until he now owns a tract of 160 acres, a 
large proiwrtion of which is under cultivation. 

On the outbreak of the Southern Rebellion Mr. 
Pemberton enlisted (in the fall of 1861) in the Forty- 
fifth Pa. \'ol. Inf, and was in the service thirteen and 
a half months, receiving honorable discharge on ac- 
count of disability, caused by severe service at the 
siege of Charleston, S. C, under Gen. 13enham. 

On returning home he sold his place and settled 
in Michigan, as stated. He married Eliza J. Hoyd, 
who was born in .\llegany Co., N. ^'. Mr. and .Mrs. 
Pemberton have 12 children. Two of these, Cyrus 
and Joseph, are deceased. Those living are: Com- 
modore C; Hattie 15., wife of E. J. Royce ; Nellie 
Ji.; Orson C; Susan, Mrs. Henry 1), Hanson ; Addie ; 
Charles; U. S. Grant ; William and Frank. 

The family are active members of the M. E. Cliurch, 
and Mr. Pemberton lias always been identified with 
the Republican element. 



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C. Preston, farmer, on sec. 28, Hin- 
S%®lf ton Ti)., is a son of Ciiester .\. Preston, a 
^ ""^ native of New Vork, and was born March 
7, 1834. His parents came to Livingston 
Co., Mich., when he was about ten years old. 
When he reached the age of 22 years he 
settled in Ingham Co., going eigiit years later to Shia- 
wassee Co., and in the spring of 1S66 he located in 
this township. He owns 41 acres of land, with 30 
acres under the plow. 

He was married Nov. 12, 1854, in Plymouth, 
Wayne Co., Mich., to Amanda .\., youngest daughter 
of Joel and Hannah (Eyon) Newman, born June 3, 
1834, in Plymouth. Her parents were born in New 
York, and were pioneers of I'lymouth. Of nine 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Preston, five are liv- 
ing: Hannah A., born Sept. 3, 1855 ; Mary J., March 
18, 1857 ; Mina .\., June 20, 1861 ; Sarah E., Jan. 4, 
1866; Orson B., Match 2, 1874. The records of the 



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^deceased are as follows: Ida J., born Dec. 23, 1858, 
^ died June 21, 1867; Cora A., 'born Feb. 3, 1864, 
^/^ and died June 25, '67 ; Lizzie M., born Jane 2, 1868, 
I died June 27, 1869; Herberf C, born Feb. 6, 1870, 
(cji died June 24, 1870. The parents are members of the 
Church of the United Brethren. Mr Preston is a 
Republican, and has been School Director several 
years. 



f hitfield H. Peek, farmer, sec. 28, Deerfiel 

, was born Sept. n, 1848, at Newark, 

^ N. J., and, in 1852, when four years old, 

. auie with his parents, Enos and Harriet 

(Hurd) Peck, to Greenville, Montcalm Co.^ 

Mich., where they died. The father was a 

native of Connecticut, and the mother was born in 

New Jersey. 

When Mr. Peck was ten years old he was sent back 
a to the State of New York and remained with his 
'i^ uncle, F. B. Peck, ten years. He was then 20 years 
" of age, and resolved upon prospecting to some extent 
V> before making a final location, and passed the next 
^ seven years at various points in Missouri, Iowa, Kan- 
' ) sas and Illinois. He then came to Greenville and 
lived with his brother-in-law about six years. He 
came to Mecosta County Feb. 25, 1881. , 

Mr. Peck was married Jan. 28, 1880, to Alice J.- 
daughter of George and Angeline (White) Stewart 
Her father was born in New York and died June 17 
1882; her mother was born in New Hampshire and is 
now living with her daughter. Mr. and Mrs. Peck 
have one child, Enos G., born Nov. 2, 1881. Mr. 
Peck is independent in politics. 



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homas Skelton, of the firm of Skelton & 
Collins, proprietors of the Central Hotel at 
Big Rapids, was born at Guelph, Pr. of On- 
tario, Can., June 6, 1850. His parents became 
residents of P>ig Rapids March 7, 1868, and 
Thomas, then 17 years of age, entered the em- 
ploy of G. F". Stearns, as store and farm assistant. 



and continued in this capacity about 7 years; Jan. i, 
1875, he became proi)rietor of the National Hotel at 
Big Rapids, and in comiutny with James McCormick, 
opened the house for public accommodation. The 
association continued until May, 1878. In November 
of that year he entered into a partnership with 
Richard Collins, and opened the Central Hotel, 
where they are still doing business. The house is 
conveniently situated ; has 30 rooms, and secures a 
good transient patronage, besides accommodating a 
number of boarders, and keeps a sample room with 
liquors and cigars. He was elected Supervisor of the 
Second \Vard in the spring of 1883. He was married 
Aug. 12, 1874, to Winnifred, daughter of Patrick 
and Mary Kelley, born at Hartland Center, this State, 
July 2, 1849. They have had four children, three of 
whom are living: Sarah L.; John A. (dec); Mary 
W. and Arthur E. 



— ^^sp-i^s-^/^-- 





dward Gensman, farmer, sec. 33, Deer- 
field Tp., P. O., Morley, was born in Erie 
r'^'tV*'""" tJo., N. Y., April 23, 1842. Adam Gens- 
*^^ man, his father, was a German by birth and 
came to America when he was 14 years of age; 
married Abigail Churchill in New York, where, 
she was born. They settled in Iowa in 1S70, where 
they are still living. 

Mr. Gensman re:r.ained under the care and guid- 
ance of his parents until the age of 18, when he went 
to Vermillion Co., Ill , and engaged as assistant in a 
cheese factory one year. His next remove was to 
Livingston Co., Mich., where he remained till 1870 
then going to Hamilton Co., Iowa. He was there 
engaged in agriculture seven and one-half years, re- 
turning to Michigan in October, 1877, when he lo- 
cated in Deerfield Township and bought 40 acres of 
partly improved land, where he now resides. In ix)l- 
itics Mr. Gensman is independent. 

He was married in May, 1865, to .\nn Grady, of 
English descent. She died, leaving one child, — Ed- 
mund, l)orn Dec. 13,1866. He was again married 
April 30, 1867, to Harriet, daughter of George and 
Sophia (Gage) Grady, the former a native of Eng- 



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land, the latter of New York. There are two children 
— Martha E., Iiorn May 5, 186S, and C.eorge M., 
Sept. 2, 1870. 



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*oseph Cahill, farmer, sec. 3, /Ktna Tp., 
was born in Canada, Dec. 25, 1843. He is 
a son of James and Catherine (Lebo) Cahill, 
the former a native of Ireland, the latter of 
Canada, where they spent their lives. Mr. Ca- 
ir hill was reared to the purstiit of agriculture, 
and in 1863 came to Michigan and was em- 
ployed as a farm laborer in Oakland County. .\ 
year later he went to Saginaw and was there on the 
river service, engaged in boating. He passed a year 
there, went back to Canada for a brief stay, and came 
to Mecosta County. He found enii)loyment in 
.-Ivtna Tp., and until 1S72 worked as a farm assistant 
and in the lumber woods. He bought 160 acres of 
unimproved land, paying therefor $5.75 per acre. 
His first step toward im[)rovement was the building 
of a frame house, and he now has 35 acres under a 
good degree of cultivation. Mr. Cahill has held the 
office of Constable one term, and is amemberofthe 
Cireenback party. He was married in Grand Rapids, 
May 12, 187 I, to Emma M., daughter of William and 
Mary A. (Plimpton) Mitchell. Her parents are na- 
tives of the State of New York, and reside in Michigan. 
Of this marriage four children have been born, viz: 
Mary A., June 27, 1873; Joseph W., July 13, 1877; 
Thomas 0., May 18, 1882 : Rosetta, April t, t879. 
Mr. C. and family are jiromineiit in the Catholic 
Church. 



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'saac Sedore, farmer, on sec. 4, Deerfield 
Tp., was born in Canada, April 21, 1832. 
At 23 years of age he left his home and 
made his way westward, hoping to find 
an oi)portunity to build up his fortune with sub. 
stantial profit. He came to Mecosta Co., and 
pre-empted 40 acres of Ciovernment land and 
40 acres of swamp land, later buying an addi- 
tional "40," of which he still retains possession, mak- 
ing a good farm of 120 acres with 60 improved. 



Mr. Sedore is a pioneer of Deerfield 'I'p-, :ind has 
been a resident of the county since 1857. He is a 
n)arked individual in the records of "first things" in 
his townshii), as his marriage was the initial event of 
that character to transpire after its settlement and 
organization. He was married in 1862, to Elizabeth, 
daughter of Franklin H. Smith, George Quigley, first 
white settler of Deerfield, i)erforming the ceremony 
of marriage under his authorily as Justice of the 
Peace. Mr. and Mrs. Sedore have six children : Su- 
san, Wm. H., Phelie, David, Melvin and Evaline. 

Mr. Sedote is a member of the Republican party. 
Religiously he is a liberalist. 

He enlisted in the late war in r864, in Co. A, 
Third Volunteer Michigan Infantry, served until 
the close of the war, and was honorably discharged. 




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'^^ first settling in Ohio, and afterward comiu] 
\_ Michigan and locating in Kent County. I 



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rank J. Porter, proprietor of the shingle 

mill on sec. 27, Hinton Tp., is the son of 

Thomas and Sarah (\Vilkin>on) Porter. 

^(fe They were natives of New York and Vermont, 

fterward coming to 
riiey 
now reside at Grand Rapids. 

Mr. Porter was born in Medina Co., Oliio, I'"eb. 27, 
1S49. He was five years old ivhen his [larenls came 
to Michigan, and he remained at home until he was 
16 years of age, attending the common schools. 
After that, until 1876, he was chiefly employed in 
different shingle mills in tiiis section of country. 
From 1876 to 1879 he operated the lalh mill of Ber- 
nard iS: Stewart, at Caldwell, Montcalm Co., em- 
[iloying the helj), etc. In 1S79 he bought a shingle 
mill at Lakeview, which he managed one year, and 
in 1880 moved it to Ilinion Tp , where he now re- 
sides and manages his mill, which has a caixicily of 
40,000 shingles daily. He bought the timber on 400 
acres of land, which he is converting into shingles. 

Mr. Porter was married Feb. 28, 1869, in Spencer, 
Kent Co., to Ella, daughter of Ephraim and Eliza 
(Lillie) Skinner, who died Feb. 19. 1872. Mr. Porter 
was again married in November, 1874, in Greenville, 
Montcalm Co., to Minerva lirown, a native of the 
State of New York. ( )f four children born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Porter, two survive — Adda V,,born July 9, 1876, 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



and Anna A., born June 22, 1878. The deceased 
were Thomas E. and Frank. The latter died Sept. 
23, 1882. In politics Mr. Porter is identified with 
the Republican party. 




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illiam H. Squier, jeweler at Big Rapids, 
was born in \'ermontville, Eaton Co., 
Mich., July 9, 1857. He is a son of Geo. 
J^^p \V. and Sophronia (Dickenson) Squier. His 
father has been a farmer most of his life ; was 
Treasurer of Eaton County six years, and is 
dealer in agricultural implements at Charlotte. 
Wm. H. was reared on the farm of his father until 
the age of 16, when the latter removed with his 
family to Charlotte, where the son took a course of 
commercial instruction. He then obtained a situa- 
tion with J. N. Thrift, to learn the business which he 
decided to make his calling in life, and remained 
three years, going thence to the employ of W. W. 
Childs, of Jackson, and a few months later returned 
to his former employer, where he remained but a short 
time. His next transfer was to Hastings, where he 
was in the jewelry establishment of Ike Hendershott 
& Co. three years. In June, 1880, he came to Big Rap- 
ids and founded his business, which he has since 
operated successfully, and is gradually building up a 
permanent and substantial trade. His stock of 
watches, clocks, jewelry, etc., is valued at $8, 000; an- 
nual transactions, $20,000. Mr. S. was married at 
Hastings, Nov. 20, 1880, to Stella Hendershott, who 
was born in Irving, Barry Co., this State. They have 
one child, Certrude, born Dec. 24, 1S82. 




?.ohn B. Merrill, Morley, was born l-'eb. 15, 
1833, in the State of New Vork. His pa- 
rents, Waite and Minerva (Whiting) Mer- 
rill, were natives of New York. Mr. Merrill 
remained in his native state until he was 28 
years old, and in the autumn of 1863, came to 
Newaygo County, and soon after to Mecosta 
I'-/ County, and bought 80 acres of land in Deerfield. 
^ This he sold in a short time, and has since been en- 

(11^ r^^.or^,9... ^^UM*^ .2.^ 

»1 



gaged in real estate brokerage to a considerable ex- 
tent. He owns about 50 acres of land, with some 
degree of improvments thereon. In company with J. 
W. Ariiett, he has charge of the feed store, lumber 
interests, etc., of J. M. Carr of Grand Rapids. He 
has been Justice of the Peace ten years. County Su- 
perintendent four years, and been the incumbent of 
nearly all the local offices of his township. He 
has beeu a member of the Masonic Order for 17 years, 
and in the society of Odd Fellows has held all the 
posts of the lower order, and passed through the 
Camp. In politics he is a Republican. 

Mr. Merrill was married in the State of New York, 
April 18, i860, to Eliza Ann, daughter of Amos A. 
L. and Ann Tuttle, natives of Vermont, where she 
was born Nov. 17, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. Merrill have 
had three children, two of whom are living: Mahala, 
born C)ct. 29, 1866, and Alma, July 31, 1869. Ev- 
erett, was born Jan 9. 1863, and died May 17, 1882. 
Mr. and Mrs. Merrill are earnest and prominent 
members of the M. E. Church. Mr. M. has been a 
Class, leader for some time, and is considered a con- 
sistent and valuable member of society. 



^11 f^Slf emuel F. Chipman, deceased, was the son 
Ll'i of Fitch and Sarah (SpalTord) Chipman, na- 
tives of Vermont, and was born in 1811. 
He came to Michigan when a young man, and 
very shortly afterwards, in the spring of i860, 
came to Mecosta County. He had no assistance 
^ in setting out in life and fortune had not been 
propitious. He secured 40 acres of land under the 
State law of Michigan, built a log house and, assisted 
by his wife, who lent every aid within her power, 
passed the career of a pioneer in every sense. The 
county was scarcely in an organized state, supplies 
were remote and the labor of clearing the land bur- 
densome; but it was all borne with the patient heroism 
which always marks the sturdy pioneer element. Mr. 
Chipman's death occurred Jan. 24, 1863. 

He was married in the State of New \'ork in 1S30, 
to Eliza, daughter of .Solomon and Anna (Chapman) 
Sutherland. She lived but a few years, and he was 
again married, at Genoa, Livingston Co., Mich., 
May I, 1849, to Cynthia E., daughter of J. M. and 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



227 




Cynthia (Fisher) Abbey, born in New York, Se|)t. 1 1 , 
1824. Five of six children are living. They were 
l>orn as follows : Aha, April 16, 1852 ; Alexander M., 
May 5, '54; Lillian E., June 31, '56; Bertha L., 
f^j March 31, '58; Lemuel F., June 20, '60. Ida Belle 
was born Aug. 24, '63, and died Sept. 3, '64. Mrs. 
Chipman resides on the place upon sec. 25 where she 
came with her husband and located many years ago. 
She received a good etlucation in the common schools 
and seminary at Ann Arbor, and though not a com- 
municant in any Church is a consistent Christian lady. 



m. J. Wadsworth, lumberman and farmer, 
sec. 32, Mecosta Tp. (P. O., Stanwood), 
was born in Belmont Co., Ohio, May i 
1838. His parents, Josiaii and Anna G 
(Parker) Wadsworth, were of English and 
and Irish descent, and natives of New York 
early becoming residents of Ohio. His father aban- 
° doned the family, and his mother married again be-. 
^C^) fore he was 15 years old. At that age he went out 
° into the world for himself His first employ was as 
^ a driver on the canal, which he followed until the 
•> fall of 1S54, then engaging as hotel clerk: this po- 
fi ^ sition affording him a little leisure, he attended school 
and secured a moderate aniDUiit of education. 
Leaving his situation, he was employed as a farm 
laborer in Venango Co., Penn., there operating until 
1S65. In the winter of that year he acted as a team- 
ster, ne.\i embarking in lumber trade and farming. 

He was married Oct. 16, 1859,10 Delia A., daugh- 
ter of William and I'ermelia (Hancock) Jay, natives 
of New York, and lineal descendants of the Jays 
and Hancocks, of Revolutionary fame. Mrs. Wads- 
worth was born in Lorain Co., Ohio, Oct. 6, 1843. 
Her uncle took her to Pennsylvania when she was a 
mere girl. After his marriage Mr. Wadsworth was 
interested in oil speculation until the civil war broke 
out. July 16, 1861, he enlisted in the Third Reg. 
U. S. C'av., under Lieut. Spaulding. Soon after 
enlistment he broke his arm and was discharged 
from the service. As soon as he was sufficiently re- 
covered to warrant the step, he enlisted again, en- 
rolling Aug II, 1862, in the i42d Pennsylvania Reg. 
Vol. Inf, Co. I, Capt. Hasson. During the time 
of his service he was under fire at Fredericks- 







Lurg, Chancellorsville and at Fredericksburg second, 
and Gettysburg, escaping unliarmed. He received 
his final discharge, Aug. 30, 1865. 

He returned to Oil City, and thence to Ohio, where 
he rejoined his wife and went back to the oil regions, 
where he was engaged ni shipping oil until the sum- 
mer of 1866. He returned again to Ohio and was 
engaged two years in farming, then coming to Micii- 
igan and finding a home in Mecosta Tp., in the fall 
of 1868. He at once entered heartily into the busi- 
ness of lumbering, and the next year homesteaded a 
tract of 90 acres of land, where he has since oper- 
ated as stated. 

Mr. Wadsworth is a zealous and active Republi- 
can. He has held various township and school 
offices. Himself and wife are members in full stand- 
ing of the Free Methodist Church. They have six 
children, born as follows: William, June 8, 1862: 
Myrtle G., July 14, 1864; Edith N., April 18, 1868; 
Percy J., April 26, 1873; Lester V., Sept. 8, 1875, 
and Harley A., March 10, 1883. 

^^s3f ®* Broekway, farmer, resident on sec. 20, 

~1f Hinlon Tp., is the son of Andrew and 

«^ Elizabeth (Rossman) Broekway, natives of 

Pennsylvania, where the son was born, June 

If .6, ,830. 

) When Mr. Brorkway was ([uite young his 

parents moved to the State of New \'ork, and there 
he resided until he was 19 years okl. In the summer 
of 1849 he came to Michigan and settled in Livings- 
ton County. Six years later he sold his farm and 
came to Mecosta County, where he bought 80 acres of 
wild land in Hinton Tp., on which he now lives. 
The place is in fine condition, having 75 acres under 
cultivation. In politics Mr. B. is a Democrat and has 
lield offices of trust in township and school afHtirs. 

He is a pioneer of Mecosta County, having come 
here in 1855, five years before the organization of the 
townshi[). His father, Andrew Biockway, was for 
some years the oldest resident living in the township. 
Mr. Hrockway was married in Washtenaw County, 
Oct. 9, 1855, to Lydia S., daughter of Samuel and 
Rhoda (Vanvelzer) Eaton. Mrs. Broekway was 
born in Onondaga Co., N. \., Feb. 10, 1836. Four 
children were born of this marriage, as follows : 



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Eva M., Nov. 6, 1856; Emma E., April 16, 1857; 

Andrew S., July 21, 1S61 ; Ida M., March 18, 1863. 

We give a portrait of Mr. Brockway in this work. 




l^ilas Wright, farmer, sec. 7, Deertield Tp., 
was born in FV-nnsylvania Dec. 29, 1843. 
His parents, John and Sarah (Evers) 



Wright, were also natives of tlie Keystone 
State, and in 1863 came to Barry Co., Mich., 
and a short time afterwards to Allegan County, 
where the father died .soon after, and the mother is 
yet living. 

Our subject received a common-school education 
and resided with his parents until tlie age of 27 
years. He enlisted Oct. 16, 1862, in the 169th Penn- 
sylvania Vol. Infantry, and received his discharge in 
July, '63, leaving the army with health much im- 
paired by sickness and exposure. In '70 he left 
Allegan County and came to Mecosta County, where 
he bought 80 acres of timber land and upon it built a 
frame house, proceeding to clear and improve his 
land, of which lie now has 50 acres under tillage. 

He was married in Canada, March 29, '7 i, to Sarah 
T., daughter of James and Amelia B. Bell, >iee A.\- 
ford, the former a native of England, and the latter of 
New Jersey. They have three children — Frank M., 
Harry D. and Nora E., born respectively Feb. 23, '72^ 
Oct., 10, '75 and July 4, '78. Mr. Wriglu is an ad- 
herent of the Democratic party. 




sas City, Mo.; after three months he went to New 
Brunswick, N. J., and officiated one year as book- 
keeper for the Home Valley Preserving Company. 
He then went to Indiana, where he engaged in the 
insurance business. In May, 1882, he came to Big 
Rapids and formed a partnership with P. Wait, in the 
sale of boots and shoes, which connection was dis- 
solved Aug. I, 1883, Mr. Campbell buying his part- 
ner's interest. His stock is valued at $4,500, and his 
business transactions amount to $1,200 monthly. 

Mr. Campbell was married at South New Bruns- 
wick, N. J., Oct. 24, 1882, to Julia Van Deventer, 
who was born in New Jersey, Oct. 23, 1862. 



— ^-•<-*-4^->^-^>- 



ohn R. Campbell, boot and shoe merchant 
at l!ig Rapids, was born in DeWitt Co., 
111., May I, 1856. His parents, Barzillai 
and Rosanna (Sackett) Campbell, went to La 
Cygne, Kan., in 1865, where tliey engaged in 
farming, and became prominent in the social 
and jwlitical circles of that section, Mr. Cami)- 
bcU, Sr., being elected in 1877 to represent liis dis- 
trict in the State Legislature. 

The first business venture of Mr. Campbell was 
that of jobbing in canned goods at wholesale at Kan- 



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. artin E. Wilson, firmer, 5ec. 25, Deer- 
, field I'p., was l)orn in Genesee Co., N. Y., 
^ July 21, 1836. His parents, Warren and 




^*'V\^ Naomi (Smead) \Vilson, were natives of Ver- 

''• mont, but located in (ienesee County in 1836. 
Four years later they settled in Ingham Co., 
Mich., where the mother still resides on the farm 
which was her first home in the Peninsular State. 
The father died April 10, 1877. 

Mr. Wilson passed his boyhood and youth on tlie 
farm under the personal care of his parents, and at iS 
went to Newaygo County, where he spent the winter 
months in lumbering and the remainder of the years 
was engaged in " breaking." In the spiing of 1861 
he came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres of 
land, where he still resides. His land was then in a 
state of nature and he proceeded to put it in prope: 
and comfortable condition for a home for his advanced 
years. He has 70 acres cleared and under tillage. 

Mr. Wilson was one of the earliest settlers of 
Deerfield, and, from his integrity and constant zeal for 
the best interests of the iniblic, has become a valuable 
ar.d trusted citizen of the township. He has been 
Justice of the Peace 20 years. In '64 he was drafted 
into the Union service and assigned to the Fourteenth 
Mich. \'ol. Inf., and was discharged at Detroit, July 
10, '65, after ten months' active duty at Savannah, 
Brier Creek, and Bentonville, N. C, under Sherman. 
His regiment was mustered out at Louisville, Ky. 

He was married in 1859 to Anna Chipman, who 






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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



229 




y> was born in Livingston Co., Mich., and died in '73. 
fR Two of the three children born to them are living, — 

Naomi A. and Adelbert E. (leorge is deceased. 

Mr. Wilson again entered into the bonds of matrimony 
' in '74. He married Eunice I,. Royce, a native of 
y Tioga Co., Pa. They have five children : Vernon R., 

.Martin O., .VHce M. and Helen. An infant child is 

unnamed. Mr. Wilson is a Republican. 






^ohn G. Gill, junior member of the firm of 
Rol.en, Bennett & (iill, insurance, real- 
estate and loan agents, at Big Rapids, was 
born m Cornwall, Eng., Jan. 8, 1838. His 
parents, Riciiard and Mary (Glanville) Gill, 
were natives of Cornwall, born respectively in 
I, iSoo and in 1802. They came to the United States 
/S in 1842, and went to Hannibal, Mo., and two years 
^ later to Illinois. They bought a small farm near 
%jA Cialena, where the father also became interested to a 
= considerable e.xtent in lead mines. Mr. Gill there 
\f,\' obtained his elementary education, and at 14 years 
V, of age became a clerk in a dry -goods store, where he 
was enii)loyed one year. At 15 he went to Madison, 
Wis., and commenced a course of study in the 
scientific department of the University, remaining 
three years. Returning to Illinois, he passed four 
successive winters in teaching. He acted as clerk 
on the Mississi[)pi river steamers two summers, and 
finally entered a claim of Government land in Kansas 
which he improved to some e.\tent. 

In i860 he went to Colorado and commenced 
staking claims near the " Gregory " mines. The 
spring following he went to Delaware Flats, Brecken- 
ridge C'o , and worked out a placer mine in the sum- 
mer of i86t. He was in company with James 
Mc.Vllister, and continued his operations until the 
summer of 1862. At that date he formed a partner- 
shii) with L. W. Woodruff, and went to Bannock 
City, Montana, where they were among the earliest 
comers. Here they took up a bar claim, which 
proved an advantageous [jroject. They went thence 
to the site of Virginia City, and assisted in platting 
^) the city, of which they owned one seventh. They 
7* then went to Bevins' Gulch, where they again en- 



) 



gaged in successful claim traffic, and in addition 
established a freight train to and from different 
points across the plains, consisting of 24 teams of six 
yoke of o.xen each. They managed this latter enter- 
prise two years. Tlie winters of 1863-4-5 they 
spent in eastern cities, negotiating mining properly. 
Mr. Gill next went to Des Arc, Prairie Co., Ark., and 
in company with his brother, R. G. Gill, engaged in 
the cotton trade. Two years later he went to 
Kansas, and bought another farm near the locality of 
his first agricultural investment, which, on leaving 
Kansas for Colorado, he had transferred to Mrs. 
Mary Klwell, his sister. He remained in Kansas 
until 1875, when he sold his farm and came to Big 
Rapids, and, associated with C. B. Lovejoy, founded 
a grocery firm styled Gill & Lovejoy. In 1877 the 
latter sold his interest to N. H. IJcebe, and the new firm 
continued to transact the most extensive business of 
the kind in the city, until May i, 1883, doing an an- 
nual liusiness of $60,000. In June, 1883, he en- 
tered the house of Roben & Bennett as partner. 

Mr. Gill was married in Lynn Co., Kan., Jan. 25, 
1 868, to Laura E., daughter of Hon. Barzillai and 
Rosanna Campbell, who was born in C'linton, 111., 
March 19, 1850. They have three children — C"ora 
E., Lewis C. and John G. 




air^i ~ewis Russell, pruprielor of the shin'^le mill 
giiOl <in ^ec. 4, Hmton Tp , is a son of Morns 
gjjr^w^ and Calista Russell, and was born at Glens 
ft*''^ Falls, Warren Co., N. Y., March 27, 1S49. 
"J^ His parents are natives of Canada, where they 
1 now reside. At the at:e of \\ Mr. Russell went 
to work on a farm, and was m the employ of one 
man three years. His next employment was in a 
cottt)n mill in Massachusetts, where he remained 
nearly two years, and a part of the time officiated as 
second foreman of the mill. He went back to the 
Empire State, where he passed a year working on a 
farm, and spent the year following on a farm in Ver- 
mont. In 1868 he went to Wisconsin, where he com- 
menced his career as a manufacturer of shingles, 
wiiich has since been his vocation. .A.fter operating 
four years in the Badger State, in the summer of 1872 



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he came to Montcalm County and there remained 
nine years. In the summer of 1881 he came to this 
county and located in the township of Martiny, 
where he bought and ran a shingle mill one year. 
He removed his works to Hinton Tp., in the fall of 
1882, where he is now operating and employs 13 men. 
The daily product of the mill is 40,000 shingles. 

Mr. Russell was married May 28, 1872, in Green- 
ville, Montcalm Co., to Isabella, third daughter of 
Colin and Elizabeth (McCarthy) Mclntyre. Her 
parents were natives of Scotland and settled in Can- 
ada, wliere the daughter was born Sept. 23, 1854. 
Thes came to Michigan about 1867, and have 
since died. Mr. and Mrs. Russell have had four 
children: Howard H., born March 3, 1873; AMnnie 
L., born Aug. 12, 1875 ; Harry H., March 20, 1879, 
and Bessie L, Sept. 27, 1882. Mr. Russell is a 
member of the order of Masonry and in politics is a 
ReiKiblican. 



L. Osgood, general merchant at Big 



I^S? ucius 

fll;iOt Rapids, was born in Steuben Co., N. Y., 
gj|g^.j» Aug. 2 2," 1834. His father, Lebbeus Os- 
tilu good, died when he was about 12 years old, 
and his mother, Philene Osgood, removed to 
Penn Yan, Yates Co., N. Y., and there Mr. Os- 
good learned the shoemaker's trade. He enlist- 
ed in the service of the United States to quell the 
Rebellion, in the second year of the civil war, en- 
rolling Oct. 3, 1862, in Co. C, 44th N. Y. Vol. Inf , 
as a private soldier, and served until the termination 
of the war. He was in action at Fredericksburg, 
Chancellorsville, Mine Run, (Gettysburg, all the battles 
of the Wilderness, and at Cold Harbor, where he re- 
ceived a severe gunshot wound in the left hip. He 
was sent to Little York Hospital, I'a., wliere he was 
laid up 1 1 months. He obtained his discharge at 
Little York, May 15, 1865. He remained there, and 
commenced as a dealer in groceries and oi>erated 
about two and one half years. 

In 1867 he came to Big Rapids, and soon after- 
ward began to sell groceries in the ui)per part of the 
city. In 1873 he relinquished his trade and bought 
a farm containing 60 acres near Paris, Newaygo Co. 
.\fter carrying on agriculture about two and one-half 





years, he sold his place and came back to Big Rapids 
opened a grocery, and in 1880 located on liis present' 
site, where he is doing a safe and substantial busi- 
ness. His stock represents a value of $3,000, and 
his annual sales amount appro.ximately to $18,000. 

He was married at Little York, Pa., Jan. 21, 1866, 
to Mary, daughter of Lawrence and Ricca Markley, 
born at Little York, Jan. 13, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. 
Osgood have been the parents of four children, as 
follows: Lucy P. (dec), Edwin L., Mary J. and 
pjssie I. Mr. Osgood is a member of the Knights of 
Pythias. He owns his residence and a city lot. 






harles Hinman, farmer, on sec. 14, Hin- 
ton 'Pp., is a son of Curtis and .Mmira 
(De Witt) Hinman, who were natives of 
the EmpireState, and went thence to Pennsyl- 
vania, coming afterward to Michigan; they 
first settled in Oakland Co., but soon after 
moved to Clinton Co., where they died. Mr. Hin- 
man was born in Oakland Co., Mich., Oct. 23, 1838. 
He attended school and worked on his father's farm 
until the age of 22 years, then leased the farm of his 
grandfather for two years. The element of war was 
tlien abroad in the land, and the patriotic blood that 
courses in llie veins of every man who loves his coun- 
try beat high to act or die for the integrity of the 
Union. Mr. Hinman enlisted Aug. it, 1862, in the 
23d Michigan Vol. Inf, and was in the service till 
the close of the war, receiving lionorable discharge 
June 27, 1865, at Washington, D. C. Among the 
engagements where he was under fire, were the 
battles of the ^\'ilderness, Spottsylvania C. H., C'old 
Harbor, and at the siege of Petersburg. He was 
captured at the battle of the Wilderness, but was at 
once paroled. In that engagement, while storming 
the defenses of the enemy, he met with an accident 
that disabled him for several weeks. After the war 
he went to his home in Ionia Co. and resumed the 
pursuit of agriculture. After a residence of 12 years 
he sold his farm and went to Clare Co. He purchas- 
ed 160 acres of land, which he sold four years later, 
came to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and bought the 
hotel property known as the Rowland House, which 
he soon afterward e.xclianged for another hotel 



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located at Sylvester, Mich. He managed this one 
year, and exchanged it for 40 acres of land on sec. 26, 
Hinton Tp. About the same time he rented a farm 
near Sylvester, which he managed two years, and in 
the spring of 1880 purchased 40 acres of land, where 
he now lives. He has placed it under good cultiva- 
tion, and erected convenient commodious buildings. 
In jwlitical sentiment Mr. Hinnian belongs to the 
Democratic party, and is a member of the Order of 
Masonry. He has been Highway Commissioner two 
years, and School Director three years. He was 
married in Clinton Co., Mich., June 24, r86o, to 
Eliza, eldest daughter of AVm. C. and Eliza (Bullard) 
Ratcliffe, who were of English nativity and came to 
America in 1841, settling in the State of New York, 
where the mother died; the father came to Michigan 
to live with his children, and died in Ionia Co. Mrs. 
Hinman was bo.-n in England, Nov. 5, 1836. Mr.and 
Mrs. Hinman have had si.\ children, three survive: 
Stella E., born Oct. 7, 1866; Guy C, July 2, 1872; 
Alma A., Sept. 20, 1874. In this, as in many other 
families in Mecosta Co., the diphtlieria made cruel 



ravages. Ella G., born 



1 86 1, died Oct. 20, 



1 88 1. She was married and left a son four years old. 
Fred I., born March 18, 1863, died Oct. 19, 1881, one 
day preceding the demise of his sister; Kae .\., born 
Jan 22, 1869, died Dec. 22, 1881. 



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^ohn Hunter, farmer, sec 30, Mecosta Tp., 

was born in Montreal, Dec. 13, 1852. His 

parents, Robert and Sarah (Curry) Hunter, 

were born in Ireland, of Scotch parentage, and 

were there married, coming shortly after tiie 

event to Canada. 

Mr. Hunter began liis battle of life at 16 
years of age, in Esse.x Co., N. V., whither his jjarents 
removed. His first employ was as a lumberman, work- 
ing with a contractor who was "putting in" timber on 
the Hudson River, and remained until the winter of 
1873, when he returned to Montreal Meanwhile 
his father and family had removed to Mecosta County, 
and he came hither to liig Rapids, and found speedy 
employ as a lumberman winters, and a farm hand 
summers, alternating these occupations three yeais. 
His fatlicrand n.olj.er, rc>idciu on hcc. 3c, Meiosla 



Tp., died, and he succeeded to his share of the es- 
tate. In 1879 he bought 40 acies of wild land in 
Goodwin Tp., Newaygo Co. 

He is an earnest Republican, is tiie present School 
Moderator, and in religious faith a Presbyterian. 





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ylvester H. Gray, senior member of the 
firm of S. H. Gray & Co, manufacturers 
iH^''^ of lumber, lath and shingles, at Big Rap- 
ids, was born at Jersey Shore, Lycoming Co., 
Pa., Feb. 3, 1846. His parents were Hiram 
T. and Susan (.Minsker) Gray. .\t the age of 
16 he was sent to Wyer's .Military Academy, 
Westchester, Pa. The school was under the manage- 
ment of Major F-chendorf, a graduate from West 
Point, whose pupils gained unusual proficiency, and 
a considerable degree of public notoriety for drill ex- 
hiliitions in various places. Mr. Gray was a member 
of Company B, with the rank of Orderly Sergeant. 
On completing his course of study he went to Wil- 
liamsport in the employ of Slonaker, Howard & Co. 
as book-kee[)er and partner. The business of the 
house was heavy and prosperous, and the relation 
existed until 1873. In that year Mr. tlray came to 
Big Rapids, and the partnership of Phippen, Gray ^: 
Howard was formed. The concern operated in logs, 
lumber and pine lands until Nov., iS78,doii>g a suc- 
cessful business. 

At the date named the present business relation oi 
S. H. Gray & Co. was established. The house is 
engaged in extensive and pros[)erous operations. 
They own a saw-mill on the lower dam, east of the 
river, where they have a lumber yard and employ 20 
hands; they also own a shingle mill on tiie west side 
of the river, above the lower bridge, where 35 men 
constitute the laboring force. They make 18-inch 
shingles which they kiln dry, being thereby enabled 
to facilitate shi|)ping. They manufacture al>out 
20,000,000 annually, and sell chiefly in Eastern mar- 
kets. The shingles of their make, known to the 
trade as the 18-inch XXX.X, are among the best 
products in that line. The business of the firm also 
includes logs, lumber and ))ine lands. 

Mr. Gray was married at Grand Rapids, June 16, 
1875, to AiUha, daughter of N\'m. S. and Margaretta 



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(Hill) Gray, born in Freeport, 111., April 8, 1849. 

(gjy They have one son, Vivian, born at Big Rapids, Nov. 

^P 17, 1876. 
( Mr. Gray is a stockholder and director in the 

(5; Northern National Bank, is Secretary and Treasurer in 
the Big Rapids Boom Co., and Secretary of the Big 
Rapids Water-Power Improvement Company. 



i.::$ta,",iiii?S» 



P^ohn G. Potter, farmer, sec. 22, Austin Tp. 

'^<- (P. O. Stanwood), was born in Niagara Co., 

N. Y., Nov. 9, 1849. His parents, Russell 

and Emmeline C. (Grover) Potter, were natives 

of New York. 

Mr. Potter was reared as a farmer's son, sent 
to the common schools and trained as farm assistant 
until he was 22 years old. In 1872 he came to Me- 
costa County and bought the homestead property of 
his father-in-law, William H. Olin, about 1877, com- 
prising 40 acres of improved land. 

He was married March 9, 1872, to Susan }!., 
daughter of William H. and Lydia (Corey) Olin, born 
in Chemung Co., N. Y., .\pril 9, 1854. Her parents 
were natives of New England. 

Mr. and Mrs. Potter have had six children, two of 
whom are deceased: Stella E., born Aug. 20, 1874, 
died May 10, 1876; and .\lberta, born Ang. 3, 1879, 
died Oct. 13, 1879. The living children were born 
in the ordei named: Florence E., March 28, 1873; 
Gracie E., July 6. 1877; Claude E., July 13, 1880, 
and Harry J., July 28, 1882. 

Mr. Potter is a Democrat in political faith and ac- 
tion, and is the present Supervisor of tlie townshi|i. 



'irw« 



^^-^rs-Ti- 



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'M 




^rsemus Gross, farmer, sec. 28, Deerfield 
I Tp., P. O. Morley, was born in New Lisbon, 
Otsego Co., N. Y. His parents were natives 
of the same Stale. His mother, Nancy (Pat. 
rick) Gross, died in the fall of 1S43 ; his father. 
Ellis Gross, resides in Steuben Co., N. Y. 
At the age of 15 Mr. Gross went to Pennsylvania, 



where he engaged in farming and lumbering three 
years, and then obtained work on the Erie Canal. 
On the outbreak of the rebellion of the Southern 
States he enlisted in the Thirty-fourth N. Y. Vol. Inf., 
and served two years, the full period for which he en- 
rolled, and received an honorable discharge. He was 
in the engagement at Gaines' Mills, Antietam, Fairfax 
Court-House and in the battle of the Wilderness. On 
his discharge he returned to Pennsylvania and at once 
proceeded to Mecosta Co., Mich., and bought 40 acres 
of land in Deerfield Tp. It was then in a wild con- 
dition, but he has nearly his entire acreage in a good 
state of cultivation, and lately improved by a new 
frame house. Mr. Gross adheres to the principles ad- 
vocated by the Democratic party. 

He was married Oct. 22, 1869, to Jeannette, daugh- 
ter of Alanson and Esther A. (Hedges) Rickar. Her 
parents are natives of New York and came to Me- 
costa County in the winter of 1865. Mrs. Gross was 
born May 22, 1849. To Mr. and Mrs. Gross three 
children were born, as follows: Alphonso G., Aug. 
22, 1870; Ella A , June 14, 1873; Mabel A., Dec. 
24, 1878. 




? iram H. Slawson, furniture dealer at Big 
J Rapids, was born in Orange Co., N. Y., 
^** March 30, 18 10. He was reared on a farm, 
and at the age of 16 learned the trade of car- 
i penter and joiner, and afterward that of cabi- 
] net-maker, and has since been engaged alter- 
nately in their prosecution. 
Mr. Slawson came to Michigan in the fall of 1848, 
and worked in a furniture establishment at (Jrand 
Rapids about two years, going at the end of that 
time to Greenville, Montcalm Co., where he was en- 
gaged in the furniture business about 20 years. He 
next transferred his interests to Cedar Springs, Kent 
Co, and in April, 1882, he came to Big Rapids and 
purchased the stock and fixtures of E. A. Knight, 
and is now operating with a. fair degree of succt ss. 

Mr. Slawson was married in Seneca Co., N. N' 
Jan. 1, 1835, to Eusebia, daughter of John and Mary 
Fleming, born in Seneca Co., Nov. 26, 181 1. They 
have had the following named children: Henry, 
Charles and Morrison, faruievs, near Greenville; 



1 

I 







MECOSTA COUNTY. 



Ta^^fer- 



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2.« 



William, who is deceased; Newell S., an attorney 
at Cedar Springs several years, and who died iii 
Marshall, Texas, in March, 1882; Mary, wife of 
Joseph B. Hammond, a grocer, in Ionia Co.; Will T., 
a reixjrter on the Pioneer Magnet, and a practical 
printer. Mr. Slawson owns a residence and lot on 
Henderson Street, two houses with lots at Cedar 
Springs ; also five vacant lots at that place. The 
family are members of the Congregational Church. 




>J 



V 

s 



enjamin F. Rathvon, senior member of 
S3i§ '''^ *''^'" '^^ Rathvon Bros., proprietors of 
^% the Mecosta I'laninu Mill, was born at 



Bertie, W'elland Co., Pr. of Ont., Can., Feb. 
S, 1 848. He is a son of Jacob and Elizabeth 
Rathvon. The father was a carpenter, and 
died wlien lienjamin was seven years of age. The 
mother removed to Springfield, Elgin Co., Ont., 
where she was again married, to Reuben Johnson, 
a magistrate of that place. 

Mr. Rathvon returned to Welland County when he 
was 13 years of age, and was a member of the house- 
I ) hold of his uncle, a farmer, three years. He ihen 
went to Ridgeway, same county, and engaged with 
Eben Cutler to learn carpentering. He spent five 
years acquiring his trade, then went back to Spring- 
field, where he operated as a builder three years, 
going thence to St. Thomas, and there followed the 
same occupation. In September, 1880, became to 
Ionia, and connected his fortunes with those of his 
brother Charles, and at the end of a year they came 
to Mecosta village and built their planing mill, at a 
cost of nearly S4,ooo. They usually employ ten 
men, and are doing a first-class business, with gratify- 
ing success. They combine building with lumbering 
interests. They expect to add machinery for mak- 
(^ ing sash, doors, and also furniture. Mr. Rathvon is 
' a member of the \. O. U. W. 

He was mairied May 29, 1871, to Emma A., 

daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth Ciilbert, born June 

^ 15, 1850, in Soulhold Tp., Elgin Co., Can. Their 

f?^ two children were born as follows: Lewis E. O., at 

\^ St. Thomas, Can., April 16, 1874; Ilau M., in Spring- 

^;^ield, Eliiin Co., Oct. 15, 1875. 

m^'^^ — 



•;* 




ichael Keegan, farmer, sec. 12, Hinton 
Tp., is a son of James and I.ucy (Perent) 
_ Keegan, and was born in Van Buren, 
'^^^\ Aroostook Co., Maine, April 9, 1848. His 
*■ father was a native of Ireland and his mother 

of Canada. They were among the earliest set- 
tlers in the section of Maine, where they located and 
reared their family. 

At the age of 15, Mr. Keegan and his brother 
James came to East Saginaw, Mich., and there found 
employment on the river and in the pines one and a 
half years. He went thence to Stillwater, Minn., 
and there engaged in the same business 18 months. 
He returned to Saginaw for a brief time, and soon 
after came to Mecosta County, and bought 40 acres 
of forest land exclusively his own and, associated 
with another peison, purchased an additional zoacres. 
He operated as a lumberman until 1871, when he 
began to improve his land, and soon after added 40 
acres, making his homestead 80 acres in all, of which 
60 acres are now under tillage with suitable and com- 
modious farm buildings. Mr. Keegan was united in 
marriage, in this township, Feb. 4, 1872, to Mary, 
daughter of William and Sarah (Whitney) Cioss and 
widow of Joseph Moulton. The father was a native 
of England and the mother of Maine; they now re- 
side with Mr. and Mrs. Keegan. In iwlitics Mr. 
Keegan is a Republican. 



^/ 



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^)fFmklarence W. Parks, senior member of the 
""li 4kJi?^ hardware firm of Parks Bros., and member 
|1©?^ of the Council of Mecosta, Morion Tp., 
e/fe was born in Lyons Tp., Oakland Co , Mich., 
^i* May 18, 1855. He is a son of William R. 
and Ann E. (Dunlap) Parks. His parents 
removed in March, 1864, to Easton Tp., 
Ionia Co., and there bought 120 acres of land, resid- 
ing thereon two years; they then went to Keene Tp , 
Ionia Co , and became the owners of 80 acres of land. 
C. W. Parks rented this property in 1877, and man- 
aged it three years. He came to Mecosta in 1880, 
in companv with C. H. Tavlor, to engage in mercan- 



f 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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tile pursuits; and they founded a hardware trade. 
Their relation continued one year, Mr. C. H. Taylor 
selling his interest to M. F. Strong, of Saranac, who, 
one year later sold in turn to Robert D. Parks. The 
building which they occupy was bought by the senior 
member of the firm, and Mr. Strong. It is 20 x 60 
feet in dimensions; the main store with one adjoining, 
24 X 36 feet, is utilized for a tin-shop, store-room, etc. 
The present firm was established Feb. i, 1883, and 
are doing a prosperous business, carrying a stock of 
about $8,000, including hardware, stoves, tinware, 
sash, doors, crockery, etc., with annual sales of about 
$25,000. Mr. Parks was elected member of the Vil- 
lage Council in the spring of 1883 ; he also belongs to 
the A. O. U. W. 

He was married in Vergennes, Kent Co., Mich., 
Sept. 28, 1 88 1, at the residence of the bride's father, 
to Agnes E., daughter of Sidney E. and Almira Hoag, 
who was born May 7, 1852, and was reared on a 
farm until her marriage. Sidney Hoag's father was 
a prosperous farmer, and one of the pioneers of 
Vergennes. 




A 



m 



^ames Davis, farmer, on sec. 29, Austin Tp., 
was born in Wales, July 9, 1816. He is a 
son of Thomas and Ann (Howell) Davis, 
also born in Wales, where they lived and died. 
At the age of 16 Mr. Davis went to work as a 
farm laborer, and in the fall of 1840 was 
married to Martha, daughter of William and Maryett 
(Rogers) Harries. Mr. Davis and his wife at once 
settled on a farm, where they lived and labored until 
their removal to this country, in the fall of 1857, 
when they went to (Quebec, Canada, thence to Ne- 
waygo Co., Mich., residing there two years. In the 
fall of 1859 they settled on the 40 acres, now their 
homestead, which they purchased in the earliest 
days of the township, of which they were among the 
l)ioneers. 

Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had seven children: 
Anna E., born Aug. i, 1838; Edward K., July 7, 1842; 
William H., Jan. 28, 1844; David I)., bom Oct. 28, 
1846, died in February, 1851 ; Thomas, born .Xpril 
11, 1S4S, died in February, T851; (these children 
died of scarlet fever;) Margaret, born March 12, 



1850, died in March, 1854; M. EUir.or, born Aug. 
24, 1854, died June 30, 1882. 

The family attend the Congregational Church. 
Mr. Davis is liberal in his political views, and in his 
actions is independent of party issues. 



■'yt&asiM^r'-^i, 



"S—y-^mmny 



■Wis^ ottlob Vogg, farmer, sec. 18, DeerfieldTp., 
was born in Germany in 1834. He is a son 
"*^ of Christian Vogg and both his parents 
^!J^N were of German birth. 

He left the "Faderland" for the United 
States in '54 and stopped in New York (where 
he landed) two years. In '56 he went to Massachu- 
setts and there remained 12 years, removing in '68 to 
Kalamazoo Co., Midi., and after a stay of two and 
one-half years came to this county. He soon after 
purchased 80 acres of land, in an uncultivated con- 
dition. His industry, thrift and perseverance have 
ever been manifested and his present circumstances 
are a significant evidence of what a man may do un- 
derthe free institutionsof this country. Si.\ty-five acres 
of his land are in first-class condition, and he is en- 
joying ail the rewards he has so justly earned. 

The subject of this sketch was married in '58, in 
the State of New York, to Friedeiika Krieger, a na- 
tive of Germany. Thty have had eight children, six 
of whom are living: Friederika C, Geo. \V., Henry 
C, Otto, Caroline and Flora. I.onisa and Paulina 
died in infancy. 

■Mr. ^'ogg is a member of the Lutheran Church 
and acts with the Republican party. 




S,^^ 



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■^^nii 



illiam S. Gray, of the firm of S. H. Gray 

iV Co., manufacturers of lumber, lath and 

shingles, at l)ig Rapids, was born in 

;^9) C^henango Co., N. Y., June 26, 1820. 

He is a son of Hethuel and Cornelia 

(Carter) Gray, and was brought up on a farm, 

attending school winters. He left home at 18, 

and attended the academies at Elmira and Corning 



1 





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<^iiii<^iin>>v 



/^ MECOSTA COUNTY. 

^ The first business experience of Mr. (Iray was as 
■y clerk in a general store in Corning, Steuben Co., 



■>^^ 




clerk in a general store in Cornin 
'^' X. V. He went two years later to Port Deposit, 
I Cecil Co., Md., in the interests of a lumber firm, 
(\ having charge of their sales and shipping, nine 
months. At the end of that time he went back to 
Corning and opened a mercantile house, operating as 
a lumber dealer in connection therewith, and manag- 
ing a saw-mill near that place. He sold out at the 
expiration of two years and went to New York, 
where he was clerk in a store on Grand street, 
going thence to Ithaca, Tompkins Co., N. Y., and 
there attended the academy one year and taught one 
term of school. In 1845, he entered the office of 
Charles Coryell, M. D., and read medicine six 
months ; thence he removed to Somerset, Lycoming 
C"o., Penn., where he taught school three terms. 
He then went to Jersey Shore, in the same county, 
and studied with Dr. Hepburn two years, supple- 
menting his office reading with one course of lectures 
at Philadelphia. 

In 1S4S, Mr. Gray went to Rock Run, Stephenson 
Co , III., and was a medical practitioner there seven 
years, and engaged in mercantile business, wagon 
manufacturing and also in farming. He ne.xt went 
to Freeport, in the same county, and there served 
three terms as County Treasurer, and managed three 
stock farms — one of 640 acres, in Carroll County, 
and two others containing respectively 282 and 180 
acres. He also owned a small farm near Freeix)rt, 
and had a book store there which he owned about a 
year; he had also a store for the sale of furniture. 
These establishments were managed personally by 
parties employed for the purix)se. 

In 1865 he built a woolen mill, in company with 
Messrs. Rosenstiel & Sunderland, with which he was 
connected until 1874, and owned a general store and 
tailor sho|) at the same time. In 1876 he came to 
I'.ig Rapids, and became a member of the firm with 
which he is at present connected. The company 
own a saw-mill on the east side of the Muskegon 
River, and a shingle-mill on the west side. Mr. 
Gray owns his residence, and is a stockholder in the 
National Bank, and in the Big Rapids Boom Com- 
pany, and also is Director and President of the Big 
Rapids Water-Power Company; has served the 
municipality si,\ years past as .\lderman. 

Mr. Gray was united in marriage, at ITniontown, 



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Penn., Ai)ril 21, 1848, with Margaretia, the daughter /v 
of John and Margaretta Hill, born in Northumber- ^, 
land Co., Pa., Aug, 12,1827. Their four children *V 
are all deceased save one. .Vntha, eldest daughter, I 
born .^pril 8, 1849, in Rock Run, 111., is the wife of K^ 
Sylvester H. Gray, senior member of the firm. (See 
sketch.) The others were Ida May, William B. and 
an infant child. 



-^-■<-^4-f>^"^— 





IKTamuel S. Mitchell, farmer and lumberman, 
resident on sec. 28, Hinton Tp., whose 
Ip.^''^' portrait we give in this Album, was born in 
i\V Livingston Co., N. Y., June 5, 1819 He at- 
3 tended school winters and was engaged on his 
father's farm summers until 25 years of age. 
At the age of 22 years he assumed entire charge of 
the family, which consisted of his |)arents, two broth- 
ers and a sister. His father and mother removed 
with their children to Allegany Co, N. Y., in 1829, 
and went thence to Steuben County. In the fall of 
1844, Mr. Mitchell came to Livingston County, ac- 
companied by his parents, and the family remained 
there together seven years, going thence to Newaygo 
County, where he left the father and mother in the 
personal care of his brother William ; after this they 
resided together, Mr. Mitchell providing for their 
needs, until the last few years of their lives, when 
William Mitchell assumed entire care of them. Sam- 
uel S, remained in Newaygo County nearly 20 years, 
there owning a farm, which he managed in connec- 
tion with lumbering until the spring of 1869. He 
then came to Mecosta County and bought 80 acres 
of wild land in Hinton Tp., with but few imjirove- 
ments. He now resides thereon and has about 25 
acres under good improvement. .Mr. Mitchell is ir.- 
dei)endent in politics. He has held the office of 
Road Commissioner four years, and repeatedly lieen 
offered other jwsitions of trust in his township, but 
has presistently declined. Himself and wife belong 
to the First-Day Adventists, and Mr. Mitchell belongs 
to the Order of Masons. 

He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., Dec. 31, 
1848, to .\j?nes, daughter of .\ndrew and Elizabeth 
(Rossman) Brockway. Her parents were natives of , 



( 

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'K-iin>:Dii->^-« — ^«8«^ 







^V<4lin:^:illls>v 






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238 



MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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Pennsylvania, where she was born March 21, 1831. 

Mr. and Mrs. Milchell have liad ten children, Har- 
riet E., wife of Henry Moiilter, born April 17, 1850; 
Helen E., wife of Luther Beniis, born .■Vug. 7, 1S52; 
Robert P., born May 3, 1854; Charlotte A., wife of 
Alden Bailey, born .Sept. 14, 1856; Kate, wife of John 
Right, born March 12, 1859; Clara, wife of Henry 
A. Mann, born Sept. 2, 1861 ; Annette, wife of El- 
bert Trail, born Nov. 4, j 863 ; Jessie 1)., born Dec. 
25, 1865; Arthur, born April 10, 1868, and died 
.April 17, 1868; Edgar D., born .\ug. 17, 1869, died 
Oct. 31, iS7[. 

.-\s a proMiint-iit and representative citizen of .Me- 
costa County we give .Mi. M '> portrait in thi> Album. 



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'^A 



Mary A. (Hartsell) Ciilmore, who were natives 
respectively of New Jersey and Massachusetts, 



^Sj^^? enry E. Gilmore, resident on sec 34, Aus- 
^i^yr '"'' '"''■' "''^* \>orn in Niagara Co., Ontario, 
'^il^T'*^ Oct. I?, i8-j2, and is a son of Henry and 

I and were of German and Irish extraction. 

Mr. Gilmore began at the age of 18 years to learn 
the carpenter's trade, devoting his leisure to study in 
( ) the district school, and by dint of much exertion he 
managed to secure a fair education. He went into 
the country, w'here he pursued his trade some years; 
and was married to Elizabeth .\., daughter of Alfred 
and Betsey (Cleveland) Butler. Her parents were 
natives of Maine, where Mrs. Gilmore was born in 
Somerset County, Feb. 17, 1831, going thence to On- 
tario, Can., with her parents and there resided until 
her marriage. May 14, 1851. 

They settled in the town of Elgin, where Mr. Gil- 
more was busy with his trade till the spring of 1853, 
when they came to Newaygo County and settled on 
the Muskegon River, and there he followed his trade 
seven years. In i860 they removed to Austin Tp., 
and Mr. Gilmore purchased 80 acres of land and de- 
voted his attention to farming. The entire place is 
under cultivation. 

.Mr. Gihnore belongs to the National party and cast 
the first Greenback vote in the county. He has been 
Justice of the Peace 12 years. Highway Commis- 
sioner two years, and has been a member of the Sani- 
tary Board some years, besides having held other ofti- 




ces. Mr. and Mrs. Gilmore have been the parents of /^ 
12 children, six of whom are living. Following is their 
record: Franklin P. was born Nov. i, 1852; James 
H., June 15, 1856; Angela M., May 13, 1858; Ulys- 
ses G., Oct. 17, 1864; Rosa L., Nov. 4, 1867; Mar- 
shall N., May 11, 1S77; Sarah N., Dec. i, 1862, 
died March 14, 1879. Five children died in early 



infancy. 
CInirch. 



Mrs. Gilmore is a member of the M. ¥.. 



gaged in lumbering six years, going in 1854 to Kent 
Co., where he was similarly occupied four years. His 
next remove was to Jackson, Mich., to work on a 
Government contract, and there operated until the 
wave of civil warfare swept over the land and for the 
time being obliterated private projects and aspira- 
tions. Mr. Waldo enlisted Oct. 19, 1861, in the First 
Michigan Engineers and Mechanics. His terms of 
enrollment entitled him to the position of road con- 
structor, but lie was in active service at Perryvillei 
Ky., and Stone River, Tenn. and Shiloh. He was 
made Sergeant in 1862 and continued his services 
until he was discharged at Atlanta, Ga., in Oct., 1864. 

He returned to Mecosta and has since been en- 
gaged in farming and lumbering. Soon after again 
settling in the township he bought 40 acres of land, 
on which he built the first house erected in this sec- 
tion. Mr. Waldo is a Democrat and has served 
several terms as Constable, with entire satisfaction. 

He was married at Grand Rapids, April 29, 1846, 
to Mary J., daughter of John and Jane (Campbell) 
Smith. She died July 6, 1865, leaving one child, 
Charles W., born Jan. 10, 1861. Mr. Waldo was a 



eorge Waldo, farmer on sec. 8, Mecosta 

P'^"^'^'' Tp. (P. O. Big Rapids), was born in Spring- 
f: field, Otsego Co., N. Y., Nov. 15, 1830. 
^'li'S His parents, Samuel and Sally (Cowen) Waldo, 
■J," were born in New York and Ireland respect- 
} ively. 

He accompanied his family to Ohio when five ^\^ 
years old, and at nine years of age left home to en- ^[ 
gage as a stage driver, and pursued that calling seven §§ 
years, driving continually on one route. In the fall ^ 
of 1847 he came to Saginaw, Mich., and there en- 's^ 



':> 



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■rfrv<>nD^:(in^>rT!r 
MECOSTA COUNTY. 



second time married Nov. 12, 1865, at Cedar Springs, 
Kent Co., to Mrs. Kate Wilcox, daughter of Samuel 
and Ruth (Acers) Skilhnan. Slie was born June 30, 
1842, and was first married in 1859. Mr. and Mrs. 
A^ Waldo have seven children, born in the following 
^^ order: (Jrpha E., Feb. 6, 1867 ; Samuel, Aug. 26, 
1868; Henry, March 9, 1871; George, March 18, 
1873; Bertha, March 26, 1875; Alma, Aug. 13, 
1877; Walter, May 15, 1880. 




:<« 



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'dam Friedel, farmer, sec. 1 2, Morton Tp. 
(P. O., Mecosta), was born at Darmstadt, 
Germany, March 27, 1S46. His parents 
left the " Faderland " when he was a lad, and 
located in Waterloo Co., Can., where they re- 
mained about seven years, and then came to 
Mecosta County in the year 1862, the first settlers in 
Mecosta. They made the journey hither via Ionia 
Mich., and cut their way through the woods 15 miles. 
The father (Justus) entered a claim of 80 acres of 
land under the Homestead act. The selection of 
locality proved judicious, as the D., L. & N. R. R. 
traverses the entire width of the farm, and the enter- 
prising village of Mecosta has been located one mile 
west. The primeval forest was in its original condi- 
tion. The nearest inhabitants were two miles dis- 
tant, located like themselves in a dense forest; their 
place of supply was Greenville, Montcalm Co., 40 
miles away — solid woods intervening — and at Big 
Rapids, the civilization center of Mecosta County, the 
work of improvement was in its swaddling clothes. 
To the original 80 acres of land 40 acres have been 
added l)y [)urchase, and 80 acres are under the 
plow. 

The " Vater mid Mutter " are the central figures 
of the household. They have reached the respective 
ages of 73 and 72, retain their old country habits of 
early rising, and the wholesome hilarity that char- 
acterizes their race. "Shermany" is warmly re- 
membered; but they rejoice in their prosperity here 
and the rapid strides of Mecosta County toward a fair 
rank with the other counties of the I'cninsular 
State. 

Mr. Friedel is now the proprietor and manager of 
the properly described. He was married May 14, 





1872, to Catherhie, daughter of Sebastian and Chris- 
tine Erich, a native of the same place with her hus- 
band, and was born June 20, 1852. She came to the 
United States in 1861. Of the marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Friedel six children have been born: Frederick 
W., George Adam, Louise Catherine, Maria, Adam 
Jacob and Ernest. 

Mr. Friedel has officiated two terms as Treasurer 
of his township, has been Supervisor, and is now 
Highway Commissioner . He owns 25 head of good 
cattle, and five horses. 




ohn E. Harrington, farmer, sec. 12, Mor- 
wMi:'. ton Tp., was born May 13, 1854, in Wood- 
W*^ biidge Tp., Hillsdale Co., Mich., and is a 



■'-•i 



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■A<^D!I 



son of John D. and Ellen S. (Sickler) Harring- 
ton. His mother died when he was seven 
years of age, and his father lived on the place 
ill Woodbridge Tp., two years, tlien removed to 
Day Tp., Montcalm Co., Mich., where he bought a 
farm, and is now a resident of that township. J. C. 
Harrington found [)ioneer life somewhat distasteful, 
and went back to his native county, where he readily 
found eiiiployment, and was engaged until fall in 
farm labor, when he took advantage of an opi^rtunity 
to work nights and mornings for his board, and go to 
school through the winter. This arrangement pre- 
cluded the necessity of using his hard-earned wages, 
and he loaned his money at a fair percentage. In 
the spring he bought a cow, took her to Montcalm 
Co., and gave her to his father. In the spring of 
1872 he went to Grand Traverse Co, .Mich., where 
he bought 80 acres of land in a primeval condition, 
and liegan to clear a farm, working in true pioneer 
method. He built a log house 12 x 14 feet, covered 
it with hemlock bark, and secured a home (though it 
was little more than a shelter), of which he took 
possession with the utmost cheerfulness and courage. 
He was married March 7. 1875, to Emily Stow- 
ell, daughter of Robert and Mary Stowell, who was 
born in Kent Co., Oct. 16, 1855; after which event 
he settled on a farm near Stanton, Montcalm Co., 
: where he resided until June, 1882. .At that date he 
- purchased his present farm on sec. 12, in the village 

>:iltlr>A^ 



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240 



MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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of Mecosta, where he has made rapid progress 
in improvements, clearing away timber, cultivating 
the land, erecting farm buildings, and putting the 
place in the best possible state for farming. 
Although he has been resident but a year, the work- 
accomplished seems incredible. 

Mr. and Mrs. Harrington are the parents of five 
children: Cora E., born Feb. 14, 18-6; Edith I., 
born Oct. 10, 1877; Ethel L., born June 23, 1879; 
Leona E., born Feb. 14, i88i ; Edwin D., born Feb. 
10, 1883. 






X alvin Boyce, farmer and carpenter, resid- 

W ing on sec. 34 of Deerfield Tp. (P. O., 

Morley), was born Aug. 28, i8i7,inCharles- 

|j|l^ ton, N. H. He is a son of Lemuel and Eunice 

*il^ (Hoadley) Royce, natives of the "Old Granite 

I State," where they lived all their lives. The 
father died at the age of 98. 

. Mr. Royce acquired a good education in the public 
schools of New Hamp'ihire and attended the New- 
bury (Vt.) Seminary. He taught school winters and 
worked as a carpenter summers until of age. In the 
fall of 1845 he went to the State of Pennsylvania and 
labored as a carpenter and farm hand a number of 
years. He came to Deerfield, Mecosta Co., in the 
spring of 1865 and became the owner of 1 20 acres of 
land, all in an unimproved stale. He erected a frame 
house, since his home, and at once entered upon the 
task of reclaiming his land. He retains but 40 acres 
of his original purchase, having disposed of 80 acres. 
His farm is all under tillage. 

Mr. Royce was married to Mary J., daughter of 
Warren and Ruth (Hoag) Jenkins, natives of the 
State of New York, where her father still resides. 
Five of the six children of Mr. and Mrs. Royce are 
living — Eunice, Gertrude, Alice, Osmon C. and Elva. 
The name of the deceased child was Ida ; she died 
aged one year. 

Mr. Royce was a delegate to the first Republican 

Convention held in Tioga ("ounty for the purpose of 

organizing that (xjlitical element within its limits, 

ind has since been active in the interests of the 



party. He has held several important positions in 
the affairs of his township. 



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gw^^lenry Hearn, farmer on sec. 20, Austin Tp. 
' -^Ir/I^;' ('^- O' Stanwood), was born in 0.\fordshire^ 
X/1^ '^ Eng., Oct. I, 1834. He is a son of Benja- 
^V min and Sarah (Hearn) Hearn, both natives of 
^ England, where they lived and died. 
I Mr. Hearn remained at home only till he was 
seven years of age, when his boyish aspirations 
impelled him to go among strangers and secure what 
seemed to him the greatest boon on earth — ])ersonal 
liberty. He was variously employed until he was 
20 years of age; the last year of this period 
he spent in the stables of English sjwrting men. 
In 1854 he came to the United States, landing 
at the city of New York and remaining there but 
a sliort time. He came on to the city of Detroit and 
found employ in the immediate vicinity as a farm 
laborer for 10 years. He then went to Shiawassee 
County, and thgnce to Austin Tp., in the spring of 
1868, where he purchased 80 acres of land, and has 
since added 40 acres, making 120 acres of wild land, 
of which 60 acres are now under first-class improve- 
ments. 

Mr. Hearn was married in England, May 15, 1855 
to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Rolfe) 
Frost, both English by birth and inseparably wedded 
to their native country. The daughter was born 
Oct. 6, 1832. She accompanied her husband to the 
United States and went bravely througli all the trials 
and privations of the pioneer days of the township. 
She died .\pril 11, 1872, leaving a large family and a 
multitude of friends to mourn her irreparable loss. 
Her seven sons and daughters all survive her. Their 
record is as follows: Florence G. was born July 18, 
1856; Mary E., Nov. 28, 1850; Sarah A., March 4, 
1862; Alfred W, May 8, 1864; Edward H., June 
15, 1866; Lucy E.. Oct. 4, !S68; Martha T., Nov. 
27, 1870. 

Mr. Hearn and wife were members from youtli of 
the Church of England, and Mr. Hearn is still an 
adherent to belief in its tenets. He is a Democrat 
and has always sustained the issues of his parly. 



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elson V. Adair, farmer and carpenter, sec. 

6, Deerfield Tp., was burn in the Slate of 

7 1 1-^ K New York, Fel). 15, '46. He is a son of 

M'iM' Henry and Maiy (Vantyle) Adair, who was 

l(, lx)rn in the Stale of New York, in Seneca Co., 
where tlie father died, Feb. 14, '81 ; the mollier issiill 
living, in the Enii)ire State. 

Mr. Adair remained an inhabitant of his native 
place until 1869, and in the spring of that year he 
came to Siiiawassee Co., Mich., where during two 
years he followed his trade ; coming thence to Mecosta 
Co., he bought 80 acres in Ihe town of Deerfield. 
It was partly improved and has since been his home- 
stead. 

Mr. .\ilair was married in Seneca Fulls, N. V., 
Nov. 7, 1 866, to Mary, daughter of .\lon/.o and Re- 
becca (VVoolsey) Randolph. Of this mariiage one 
child was born — Heniy R., Dec. 20, '69. The mother 
died in Mecosta Co , Dec. 20, '74, and Mr. Adair con- 
tracted a second mairiage July 4, 77, at Kig Rapids, 
to Kniily H., daughter of Magnus and (Christiana 
(.\shman) Ulrich. Tiie parents of Mrs. Adair were 
natives of Cermany. The family now includes two 
children, — Jennie H., born Dec. 9, '79, and Lillian 
M., May 18, '81. .Mr. Adair is a Republican in jio- 
litical sentiment and has held the office of Supervisor 
two terms. Himself and family attend the Mclii- 
odist Ki)iscopal Church. 



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I uther Bemis, farmer, resident on sec. 29, 

Hinton Tp., is a son of Aaron and Lovice 

(Holcomb) Bemis, the father a native of 

y- Springfield, Vt., and the mother, of the State of 

Mr. Uemis was born in St. Clair 



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New York. 
y Co., Mich., Oct. 9, 1843. He was thrown u|X)n 
his own resources for siipiwr! at 13 years of age, and 
was first employed as a carpenter's assistant; then 
for six years worked by the month. In December, 
1861, he enlisted in "Co. I, Herdan's Sharp-shooters, 
and after about eight months' service was discharged. 
On his return to private life he went to Ionia County, 



and there remained aliout iS months in (piiet en- 
deavor to recruit his healtii. He was then engaged 
in teaming for five years, then purchased 40 acres of 
land in Montcalm Coimiy, wl.erc lie lived eight years. 
The financial stress of 1873 plunged him into mis- 
fortune, and in the winter of 1874, when he came to 
Mecosta County, he had scarcely a dollar. He toiled 
and persevered and in the fall of 1875 bought 40 acres 
of wild land. He has put the place in a fine slate 
of cultivation, with good buildings. Besides the 
rest of his obligations, that he discharged in a becom- 
ing manner, was the support of his parents and sis- 
ters while in St. Clair County, where his father died. 
The mother is still living, in Montcalm C"oiinly. 

Mr. Bemis was married in this county, Oct. 16, 
1873, to Helen E., daughter of S. S. and Agnes 
(Brockway) Mitchell, of Hinton Tp., who was born 
in Kent County, Aug. 7, 1852. Mr. Bemis is a Re- 
publican. 



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^'imon G. Webster, County Treasuier, les- 
ident at Big Rapids, was iiorn at Coiuord, 
Jackson Co., Mich., .^ug. 24, 1843, and is 
im:^ son of Roswell and Harriet (Townseiid) 

'i\ Weiister. He alternraed f;irm labor summers 
'|<- with school duties winters until he was 16 
' years of age, and three years later came to 
Big Rapids. He found emi)loyment as a clerk and 
teamster, and at that [leriod his and another team 
drew all the goods that were sold in Big Rapids, 
from Grand Rapids, Ti'a Newaygo, each trip consum- 
ing from a week to ten days. Mr. Webster was him- 
self a driver for two years. 

In February, 1864, he enlisted at Big Rapids, en- 
rolling in Company M, 3d Michigan Cavalry, under 
Capt. Ives. The regiment was detailed for special 
service among the bushwhackers of the West, and 
proceeded thence to Texas, wl-ere he was mustered 
out on special order in November, 1865, at San .\n- 
tonio. Mr. Webster came back to Big Rai)ids, and 
was employed in the general merchandise establish- 
ment of .Ci. F. Stearns, who discontinued the business 
in the s|)ring of 1866. He then went to Middleville, 
Barry Co., Mich., and again engaged as clerk. In 
1868 he began mercantile business for himself, in 



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partnership with F. H. Degolia, continuing until 187 1, 
operating with success. In the year named, because 
:%, of the impaired heallii of Mr. Degolia, the firm dis- 
I posed of the stock by sale. Mr. Webster returned 
to Big Rapids and opened a grocery and produce 
store, managing alone one year, then admitted J. F. 
Clark to an equal interest ; they closed their business 
in 1876. In 1877 Mr. Webster received an appoint- 
ment as Under-Sherirf with Col. Vincent, and lield 
the position until January, iSSi ; was elected ."super- 
visor of the Fourth Ward in 1875, and remained the 
incumbent of the office until 1882 ; served two years 
as ClKiirman i)f tlic ISoard. In 1882 he was Repiili- 
tican nominee for Comity Treasurer, ninniiig against 
C. B. Hannum, candidate of the Fusion party. The 
vote stood 1705 to 950, infavoiof Mr. Webster. He 
is a niemlier of the Order of Masonry, and is at this 
writing (1883) Commander of Pilgrim Commandery, 
No. 23 ; has held tlie phice of Captain (General of the 
same division thiee years. He is also an active and 
prominent member of the Fire Department ; was 
Chief Engineer, and organized the Alert Hose Co., 
which took the second national prize at the tourna- 
ment at Chicago in 1877. The prize included $300, 
and the cart which was manufactured for the Cen- 
tennial Exposition by the Silsby Manufacturing Co. 

The marriage of Mr. Webster to Alice McDowell 
took place Dec. 25, 1867. She is a daughter of .Ad- 
dison and Lavina McDowell, of Allegan Co., Mich., 
and was born at Ann .'\rbor, Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. 
Webster have one daughter, Ethel M., botn May 10, 
1872, at Middleville, Barry (Jo., Midi. 



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M. Trussell, proprietor of the Miros/a 
Coiiiilv A(h'(iiicc, and also of the Morley A</- 
~^ ?■()■//(■(■, was born in Jackson, ( )liio, July 12, 
1857. He is a son of Jasper .S. and Sarah .-N. 
(Stout) Frussell, and until tlie age of 16 years 
j was a student at school. He was early dis- 
posed to his present calling, and at the age named 
lie went into a printing-office in Clifton, W. Va., and 
remained lliere several months, afterward becoming 
local editor (if the {ronton (Ohio) Commeicial. He 
went from Ironton to l*ittsl)urg, where he again en- 
tered a printiiig-offlce to complete liis kno viedge ol 

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the details of the business. His next advance was 
to the position of proof-reader, and in 1881 he became 
reporter for the Daily C/iroiiiclf, published at Pitts- 
burg. In August, 1882, he came to Mecosta County, 
and September 1, following, he became proprietor by 
purchase of the .Vft\-(>s/it Comity Ai/imiice. He is- 
sued the first number of the Morley A,/;;imr, a 
popular local journal, .'Xpril 13, 1883. 

The Mi-i(>sf<7 County Aihwicc was founded liy F. 
W. Harrison, the lirst numb.-r l)eing issued April 7, 
1881. It was an eight-page sheet, but was afterwards 
enlarged to a five-column quarto. Upon tlie failure 
of the jiropi-ietor's health he sold out to Mr. Trussell. 
The paper has always been well received and now 
has a circulation of 600 copies. 



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'': [■''f/!' oseph B. Barto, farmer, sec. 20, .\ustin Ti'. 
r- Ji (''• * '• Stanwood), was born in Lower Can- 
"^^7'".' ada, Marcli, 1836. He is son of John and 

|if^ Beatrice (Covena) Barto, who were natives of ^ 



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France, and emigrated to this country, settling 

in Canada. 
Mr. Barto commenced his single-handed contest 
with the world at the age of 15 years and worked as 
farm assistant until 17, when his father died, and he 
left the Dominion, joining his brother in New York, 
and there engaged winters in the lumber business, 
laboring summers on farms. He was married in 1'jS- 
sexCo., N. Y., .\ug. 9, 1856, to Matilda daughter of 
Isaac and Mary (Layno) iiennett, l)0lli of French 
descent. Mrs. Barto was l)orn Ap il 19, 1842, in 
Essex Co., N. Y. After their marriage they remained 
in the State of New \ork until 1872; Mr. Barto 
meanwhile engaged in lumbering. They removed to 
Michigan, where Mr. Mario was engaged in logging 
in C)sceola County for one year, coming tlien to Big 
Rapids, where he stayed mitil 1874. He had 
purchased a Hirm of 80 acres in Austin Tp., of 
wliich he took possession, and now has 15 acres 
under improvement. Mr. Barlo and his family 
are members of the Roman Catholic Church. He 
is a Repulilican and ardently devoted to the is- 
sues of tlie party. 'I'he I'rench language is com- 
monly spoken in the family and taught to the chil- 
dren, ol wliom seven survive, born as lollows : 

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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



243 



Lewis, Sept. 7, 1857; Mary L., Nov. 25, 1862; Ida 
R., .'Vpril 15, 1S64; Flora E., .\ug. 29, 1866; Robert 
L., Oct. 5, 1868; Frank E., March 5, 1S74; Caroline 
M., Nov. 6, 1876. Five children are deceased; 
James, born Feb., 1859, died March 2, 1859; Nelson, 
born Dec. 30, i860, died in infancy; Joseph, born 
Dec. iS, 187 I, died July 14, 1872 ; Francis, born Jan. 
29, 1872, died Feb. 14, 1872; Frank, born Jan. 29, 
1S72. died Feb. 24, 1872. (The two last were twins.) 





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ohn Davis, farmer, sec 27, Mecosta Tp., 
[^ was born May 8, 1826, at Belfast, Ireland. 
His parents, William and Mary (I.averty) 
Davis, were born in Ireland; tl.e father died in 
852, the mother in 185 i. \\'lien he was ten 
years old, Mr. Davis ran away to sea, shipping 
asa cabin l>oy on a sailing vessel. His career 
^ as a sailor continued 22 years, and during the lime he 
^S passed several iiromotions ; and at last, in 1S44, be- 
^^ came first mate, which |)ost he held until 1S48, 
^E when he abandoned a seafaring life. The recital of 
^y his .idventuies sounds like a romance. He traversed 
V the Atlantic Ocean under all circumstances, and in 
' I ~) every possible direction, and visited all the seaboard 
towns of Europe, and the countries lying on the 
Mediterranean, as well as the jwrts open to com- 
merce on the Asiatic shores and Africa, and the 
islandsofthe East Indies, He was at Alexandria dur- 
the Turkish war, at Canton, China, while the Chinese 
war with England was in progress, and at Calcutta, 
India. While the Kaffir war of 1842 was going on 
in Southern Africa, his vessel was at Cajie Town. 
One of his reminiscences is a visit to what was the 
home of Napoleon while an exile at St. Helena. 

In 1850 Mr. Davis came to .\merica, and passed a 
season on the lakes. In 1851 he came to Michigan 
and purchased 160 acres of land in what is now 
Mecosta Tp., locating on sec. 27, where he has 
since resided. He was one of the two white men 
who first came to this county and settled permanent- 
ly. He built the first barn — a frame building — in the 
vy county, in 1856, and afterward erected a residence, at 
^ that time the largest in the county. He has bought 
(■•' considerable land since he made his original purchase, 
^ his estate now aggregating 385 acres. 225 of which 



are in cultivation. The reminiscences of Mr. Davis 
contain a com|ilete history of the growth of Mecosta 
Co. About the time of his settlement, John Parish 
located a mile below the point where the " Lower 
Bridge " at Big Rapids spans the river, and until the 
following year they had no other "neighbors." Mr. 
Parish left his first location, and to Mr. Davis belongs 
the credit not only of being the first settler in this 
county, but also of still holding his orisiinal tenure of 
land. 

He was married at Rockford, Kent Co., Mich., 
Nov. 8, 1867, to Sarah Jane, daughter of John and 
Rosanna (Blancha) Probasco, born April 2, 1842, in 
Huron Co., O. The parents were natives of New- 
Jersey, and are both deceased. Mr. and .Mrs. Davis 
have three children: Ada ,M. J., born Oct. 2, 1868; 
John \\'illiam, March 6, 1870; and Frank E. B., 
June 20, 1872. In politics Mr. Davis is a Democrat. 

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ij^^ land, Nov. 16, 1831. His parents, John 
'^ and Rebecca (Webb) Thomas, were natives of 
England, where the mother died. The father 
came to Canada and |)assed the remainder of 
his life; his death occurred in 1879. .Mr. 
'I'homas came to America with his father when he 
was 14 years of age. The circumstances of the elder 
Thomas were such that he was enabled to give his 
children a good education, and he sent his son lohn 
to the common schools, and afterward to an academy, 
until he attained the age of 16 years, when he was 
ajjinenticed for five years to learn the trade of wagon 
and carriage making. After fulfilling his indenture 
he worked as a journeyman till 1850. In 1855 he 
left Canada and came to Michigan, locating at Cro- 
ton, Newaygo Co., where he established himself in 
the prosecution of his trade, and continued wagon 
and carriage making for 15 years. He sold his 
business, and went to work for his brother-in-law, 
.\aron .\ustin, as general assistant, keeping books, 
lumbering, etc., for six months. After a brief visit to 
Canada, he resumed his labors in the woods, for Mr. 
N. Thurston, for a short time. He was then em- 
ployed by the Ci. R. \- I. Railroad Co., and while in 



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^-ohn W. Thomas, carriage and wagon maker (5i>' 
at Altona, Ilinton Tp., was born in Eng- ?^ 



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their service received an injury. On recovery he was 
occupied with his trade for a tiuie, and then houglit 
40 acres in Barr)' Co., Midi., where he was resident 
six years. He bought his place in good faith, sup- 

(^1 posing he had the right of every man to hold what 
he paid for; ijut the event proved his title poor, and 
he was obliged to abandon the farm, and sustained a 
loss of S300 He lived a year at Stanw'ood, Mecosta 
Tp., and liought 32 acres of land in the township of 
Deerfield, which is still in his possession. In the 
^ spring of 1S79, lie came to .\ltona and established 
f& his present business. 

^ Mr. Thor.ias has been married twice, and is the 
father of seven children. Those living are Ida, 
Adelaide and Drusilla. Tlie deceased were \\'il- 
liam and Jane, and twin children who died in eady 
infancy. Mr. Thomas is a Republican, and was 
Constable three years while a resident in Newaygo 
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\ illiam O. Lake, .\ssistanl Postmaster at 
ji Morley, was born at Port Rowan, Can.. 



•|^V}-^ March 5, 1855. His parents, Robert O. 
"m^P and Margaret (Redker) Lake, are also 
4Sr* natives of Canada, where they at present 
i I reside. 
When Mr. Lake reached the age of 1 1 years, he 
was employed as clerk in a store by Alexander Fer- 
guson, and there worked about 18 months. After- 
wards he was variously employed until the fall of 

1872, and then came to Bay City. In the spring of 

1873, he came to Morley, and was employed by Nel 
son Pike as clerk. .Six years later he formed a part- 
nership with D. C. King in a mercantile enterprise, 
whicli relation existed until the summer of 1881, 
wiien the l)usiness was closed. In the spring of tiiat 
year he made an extended trip to Colorado, return- 
ing the same fall, and engaging temporarily at 
Morley and Muskegon, in miscellaneous interests. 
While his affairs were connected with those of D. C. 
King in 1880, they built a shingle-mill in the western 
part of /Ktna Tp. They managed it about 18 
months and sold to 1. E. Tliurkow. Jan i, 1883, 
Mr. Lake assumed control nf tlie postoffice at Mor- 
ley. In .\iiril of llie current year, he was elected 




Township Clerk, and in the same month succeeded 
to the editorial chair of the Morley Advance. In 
politics he is independent, and is a member of the 
Order of ( )dd Fellows. 





^ood & Gale. i'his is one of the most ex- 
tensive and important of the business firms 
of Big Rapids, and its components are 
Thomas Hood and Martin P. Gale. They are 



manuf;icturers of pine lumber, chiefly, shingles, 
etc., and ship their products throughout the 
Fast. 'Their interests are widespread and 
various, comprising saw-niills, landed property, etc. 
Their steam saw-mill at Remus, Mecosta Co., i)ro- 
duces 50,000 feet of lumber daily, and they employ 
in the mill and woods about 100 workmen. In 187 i 
they bought the mill in upper Big Rapids, built by the 
Tioga Manufacturing Co., which they sold in May, 
1883. \ mill owned by them in Leroy, Osceola 
Co., was sold in May, 1882, and Messrs. Baker &' 
.'^tearns, of Big Rapids, are under contract with then, 
to supply 20,000,000 feet of sawed lumber. 

IMessrs. Hood & Gale own 15,000 acres of land in 
Lewis County, N. Y. ; also a two-thirds interest in 
13,000 acres of farm lands in Oregon County, Mo. 
besides considerable tracts in different parts of this 
.'^tate. 'They hold a two-fifths interest in the Big 
Rapids Wagon Works, a stock company which ccm- 
pletes half a dozen wagons a day, and of which 
Mr. Gale is Treasurer. 'They own one-fifth of the 
water power of the lower dam at Big rapids, and are 
stockholders in the Xovlhern Nati(-n:il l'.:ink, of which 
Mr. (jale is a Director. 

'The office of the concern is in the N<jrthern Hotel 
Block. 'This magnificent structure, wholly the prop- 
erly of Messrs. Hood & (lale, is one of the most 
significant exhibits of the character of the spirit 
which has endowed Big Rapids with its marvelous 
prestige. Its architecture is unicpie, and tlie toiil rii- 
sewblr challenges the admiration of every beholder. 
It is situated on Maple street, with a south frontage 
of 300 feet, and the west end running back on State 
street. It is 40 to 140 feet deep, built of white brick, 
is two-stories high, and no expense was spared in 
rendering it beautiful and substantial in every detail. 









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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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One hundred and forly feet in the center of the first 
floor is occupied for hotel puriwses, and the remain- 
der, lioth east and west, is devoted to l)nsiness offices. 
The second floor is divided into parlors and sleeping 
apartments. It is Ughted throughout by gas, and 
heated hy steam, 'i'lie ni^gregate cost was $70,000, 




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erdinand Fairman, senior member of the 
banking house ot Fairman iV Newton, Hig 
Rapids, was born in the township of Lyme, 
P^ JelTersoM Co., N. V., July 15, 1833. His father, 
^j^ Geo. W. Fairman, was born in the year 1S12, 
\_ near Ottawa, Canada; is a farmer by occupa- 
tion and resides in Jefferson County. His mother, 

V } Mary A. (Fox) I'airman, was iiorn in Lyme Tp. ; her 
parents were pioneer settlers of Jefferson Co., and 
were originally from the northeastern part of the 
."^tate of New York, on Lake Cham|)laiii. 

Mr. Fairman was brought up antl educated as was 
the custom among the agricultural communities of 
that locality and period. He was a boy of energy 
and s|)irit, and early in lile determined to make the 

U ") most of such advantages as presented themselves. 
By the time he was 18 years of age he had accpiired 
a solid and available education, which he turned to 
account by teaching school winters, alternating with 
farm labors summers, until he reached the age of 26 
years, when, in company with Alpheus Parker, he 
commenced a general mercantile business at .\le\an- 
dria in his native county. The firm title and style 
was Parker & Fairman, and the relation existed until 
the winter of 1865. At that date he purchased the 
interest of his partner, conducting the busine'is alone 
until 187 I, and with a fair degree of success. Sell- 
ing his stock, he removed to Adams, Jefferson Co., in 
order to secure better educational advantages for his 
i-hililren, and because of his own impaired health. 
He spent the two years following in traveling through 
the South and Southwest, prosi)ecting for a business 
location. 

He was afterwards impressed with the feasibility 
of Hig Rapids as a business point, and in the suni- 

0*' mer of 1873 invested in real estate in that city. He 

^_ removed his family to this pla pnrjiosing to enter 




largely into real estate brokerage. The financial 
demoralization that swept the country about that time 
unsettled his plans, and he accepted a proffered 
situation as cashier of the F>.\cliange Bank, where 
he officiated one year. His health was still pre- 
carious, .and in the winter of 1874-5 he went to 
Texas to obtain the advantages of the genial cli- 
mate, and interested himself in the purchase of 
lands. He came back to Big Hapids in the spring, 
and in the autumn of 1875, in partnership with Samuel 
T. Potter, of Jefferson Co., N. Y.', opened a banking 
house under the firm name of Fairman & I'otler. 
The partnership was dissolved in January, 1879, and 
Mr. Fairman conducted the banking business alone 
until Nov.-mber, 1881, when he admitted .Mrs. .\l. J. 
Newton, of Jefferson Co., to an interest with himself. 
Mrs. Newton retired .Aug. 10, 1S82, her son, Samuel 
I/. Newton (the ward of Mr. h'airnian), succeeding to 
a one-half interest, and also to a moiety in the Fair- 
man & Newton Block The business of the house 
has since been prosperous and its relations constantly 
increasing. Its advantages are based upon years of 
experience and ample ca[)ital, together with the 
stability afforded by the character and record of the 
gentlemen who regulate its relations. The business 
ipialifications of Mr. Fairman, as well as his methods, 
well-known and tested by those with whom he is con- 
nected in his financial transactions, are such as tt) 
warrant the confidence which they inspire. 

In 1876 Mr. Fairman loaned a considerable sun) 
of money to the parties controlling the Big Rai)ids 
Iron Works, securing himself by mortgage. The af- 
fairs of the concern became involved and Mr. Fair- 
man foreclosed in 1878. Heat once entered upon 
the duty of utilizing the power and fixtures and man- 
aged the business with entire success, and by his 
systematic methods and forethought built uji a cred- 
itable trade. He sold the est iblishment in Octolier, 
1 88 1, to Messrs. Cannon & Gottshall. In 1879, the 
disastrous fire of October 19, destroyed the new 
Mason House Block, and in 1880 Mr. l-'airman pur- 
chased its site and erected what is known as the 
Fairman & Newton Block, naming it in honor of the 
young man who, in 1882, became his associate in 
the banking house. Mr. Fairman has been for some 
ye.ars, and still, is operating cpiite extensively in real 
estate, on his own behalf and in the interest of other 
parties. 

He was married July 3, 1855,10 Juli.i M. Waters, 



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daughter of Andrew and Catliaiine Waters, who was 

born at Alexandria, Jefferson Co., N. V., July 3^ 

,'^ 1834. Mr. and Mrs. Fainnan have three cliildren; 

I Thyrza J. is the wife of E. W. Hudnutt, of the Fal- 

^ con Pl.Tning Mills; George F. is acting as cashier of 

1 in the bank of Fairman & Newton; Jessie M. is the 



youngest child and lives with her parents. 

We place the portrait of Mr. Fairman 
Album in connection witli this sketch. 



in this 




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o 



^ohn M. Crocker, senior member of the 
firm of Crocker & Hudnutt, architects, con- 
tractors and builders, and proprietors of the 
sl^ Falcon planing mill, has been a resident of 15ig 
Rapids since 1875. He is a son of Wm. H. 
and Mary A. (HoUoway) Crocker, and was 
born in the city of London, Kng., July 28, 
^ 1848. His parents came to the United States when 
^ he was two years old, and went to Milwaukee, Wis., 
= where his father operated as an architect and builder 
t^ until 1858, putting up some of the principal build- 
er ings of the "(-ream City." In the year named the 
'•Ti family removed to a faim in Manitowoc, Wis., wheie 
\^ the parents yet reside. 

Mr. Crocker naturally inclined to mechanical arts, 
and at 12 years of age commenced 10 [ireparefor the 
vocation of his father, in whose shoji he was trained 
seven years, meanwhile obtaining an cdiicatior. He 
first went to the union school at Milwaukee, and 
al'terwards to the common schools at Manitowoc, and 
also attended the union school at Ypsilanti, Mich. 

The civil war broke out when he was r3 years 
old; and the consequent discission of the absorbing 
topic, and intense feeling which pervaded all classes 
at the North, aroused the boy's spirit, and in June, 
1864, he enrolled at Manitowoc as a private soldier 
in Company G, 39th Wisconsin Vol. Inf. under 
Capt. Patchen. He was in the service si.\ months 
and participated in several engagements. His Teg- 
s' inient was detailed to guard Memphis, and was in- 
1 volved in some severe skirmishes with the rebel Gen. 
"^ Forrest. He was discharged at Milwaukee. When 
1^ 19 years old he went to Grand Rapids and com- 
^C menced his career as a contractor; remained eight 
^ years and left a substantial record of his work there 
^ in the form of a number of fine buildings. During 




the period of his residence at Grand Rapids, he ful- 
filled a number of contracts for stair-building in 
Chicago. On coming to P>ig Rapids in 1875 he at 
once entered upon the prosecution of his trade, and 
erected the brick" school-house, and the magnificent 
dwelling of Thomas. D. Stimson, corner of Elm 
Street and ^\'an•en avenues, now owned by A\'iltre 
Stickney. He also constructed the building for the 
Northern National Bank. Not long after locating 
here he formed a partnership with E. \\'. Hudnutt, 
bought the planing mill of C S. Hanks, and com- 
menced the manufacture of sash, doors, Ijlinds, 
mouldings and l)uil(ling materials generally. Their 
rapidly extending business has necessitated two ad- 
ditions to the establishment. .As evidences of the 
enterprise and architectural skill of the firm, Big 
Rapids boasts of the Smith Block, the Northern 
Hotel, Hood, (iale & Cos Block, Telfer, Morrissey & 
Stickney's Block, and Furniture Block, Fairman & 
Newton's Block, the Mercy Hospital, Moody and 
Moore's Livery .Stables, and a number of fine res- 
idences. They employ at this writing 53 men, and 
find demand wholly for their products within the 
limits of the State. 

Mr. CiDcker was married at Coldwater, Mich, 
Dec. 23, 1877, to Dora A. .Stout, a native of the State 
of New York. He was a member of the School 
Board at Big Rapids two years, and belonged to the 
Common Council the same length of time. 




saac W. Pierce, member of the Council of 



^ Mecosta village, was l)orn in Naples, Onta- 

rio Co., N. Y., Jan. 2, 1S33, and is a son of 

Jeris and Rachel (Watkins) Pierce. His 

father was a farmer and carpenter, and came to 

Michigan about the year 1835 and settled in 

Leonidas, St. Joseph Co. He entered a claim of 

160 acres of timbered land, and was a [>ioneer of 

that community. He made a small clearing, built 

his log house and laboretl until he cleared about 120 

acres. His children were small, and at first could 

be of but little assistance; but as time passed on, 

their interest in the improvement of the homestead 

grew with their years, and they lent no inconsiderable 

aid to the development of the place. 

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When 19 years old Mr. Pierce turned his face 
westward to the golden promise of the Pacific coast. 
He made his first essay in placer mininii in the Ameri- 
can River, and operated similarly on the Middle Fork 
of Veather River, in Butler Co., Cal. He finally 
eni;aged in stock business, going at last to Long Val- 
ley, Xev., where he was associated with .Vhner 
Stimpson, William Prosser and John Ferris, and en- 
gaged in rearing and shipping stock two and one- 
half years; they then sold out, and all returned to 
C"alifornia excei)t Mr. Prosser. Shortly afterward 
Mr. Pierce went to Idaho City and engaged actively 
in mining for nine and a half years, with fair suc- 
cess. In the fall of 1866 he returned to Leonidas, 
resumed his trade, and there has operated as a 
huilder. In March, 1 881, he came to .Me<osia \il- 
lage. In the spring of 1883 he was elected Treas- 
urer, and member of the Village Council. He 
owns his residence and three lots on l*"ranklin street, 
in the southwest part of the town; also 40 acres of 
farming land in .Martiny 'Pp., located one mile nortii 
of the village of Mecosta. 
S Mr. Pierce was married in Leonidas, Jan. 3, 1867, 
505 to Carrie, daughter of Henry and Louisa Porter. 
° born at Naples, Ontario Co., N. V., Sept. 5, 1839. 
They have one child — Frank j , i)orn in Leonidas, 
Oct. 30, 1867. 



jTj'^euben N. Hall, farmer on sec. i, Hinioii 
L^-^i 'l'-' '^ '* ^O" of Gardner and Theory (Nott) 
^ ni- Hall, and was born March ir, 1819, in 
'i*S^ Jefferson Co., N. V. His father was a native 
\X^ of Rhode Island, and the mother of V'ermont: 
I' they were married in the .State of New York. 
Mr. Hall passed the first 20 years of his life 
at school and on the farm. At 21 lie engaged him- 
self to learn the trade of tanner ;uid currier, which 
occupation he followed until the fall of 1863, when 
he came to Ionia Co., Mich. He has njade agricul- 
ture tile pursuit of his life, and followed it in liie 
counties of Ionia and .Montcalm, until ihe smnmer 
of 1881, when he ])urchased 40 acres of improved 
land on sec. 1, of Hinton Ti). In thespringof 18S2, 
he moved his family from Montcalm County. In ihe 
winter of 1882 he bought 120 acres of land, chiefly 
iu heavy limber, sec. 12. Having sold 40 acres to 





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his son, his landed estate in Hinton Tp. includes 1 20 
acres. 

Mr. Hall was married in the Slate of New York, 
July 15, 1844, to Lydia.daughterof James and Melin- 
da (Kinney) Heald, natives of Vermont, who was born 
in F^ssex Co., N. Y., April 29, 1823. Of five chil- 
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Hall, only three survive: 
Ellis W., born March 7, 1849; Genevra, born Feb. 
16, 1855, and Augusta C, Sept. 4, 1856. 

In politics Mr. Hall is independent. 



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""ames P. Weaver, farmer and carpenter, 
sec. 34, .\u?.tin Tp., is a son of William 
~^=^i^ and Elizabeth (Townsend) Weaver, natives 
i'||o' of New Jersey and of German descent. They 
v'C*" became residents of Canada in early life, and 
were married there. Mr. A\'eaver was born in 
the Province of Ontario, Can., Maicii 18, 1818. 
He was a pupil at school, and an assistant on ihe 
farm of his father until he reached the age of 19, 
when he came to Michigan and located at Kalama- 
zoo, where he began to learn the ait of carpentering, 
at which he worked until 1839. He then went back 
.to Canada for a brief stay, but on solicitation deter- 
mined to remain. His parents lived in the city of 
London, Ont., and lie stayed with them, finding plenty 
of employment at his trade. His father died March 
r I, 1849, and he succeeded to the care and responsi- 
bilities of managing the fum and family affairs. 
This he did, meanwhile lollcwing his ccciipation, 
until the spring of 1865, when he came to this 
county and purchased 80 acres of land in Austin Tp., 
besides entering another 80 acres under the home- 
stead law, making a most valuable farm, ranking 
fairly with the best locations in Austin Township, 

Mr Weaver was married in London. Ont , Marcli 
12, 1843, to Dnisilla, ihuighter of John and Sarah 
(Hurley) .Austin. The i)arents were natives of New- 
Jersey, and of Cieriiian ancestry. Soon after their 
marriage they went to C"anada and settled in To- 
ronto, Ont., where Mrs. Weaver was born, Dec. 25, 
1825. She was well brought up, aiul received a fair 
degree of education. She has been the mother of 
si\ <'hildren — two boys anti four girls. One son and 
one (laughler are deceased. The remaining son and 






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three daughters are settled in life, with promising 
families: The following are their names and datesof 
birth. Emmeline, Jan. 12, 1842; John, Dec. 10, 
1S40; Cynthia, Feb. 25, 1838; Josephine, May 10, 
1858. 

In his native city Mr. Weaver was a member of the 
Common Council, incumbent at times of several 
offices, and was a Lieutenant of the local militia. 
He has no political tendency whatever, but has been 
Treasurer for several years. Justice of the Peace 
three years, etc., and is now District .\ssessor. 

-At its organization, the township was named for the 
brother of Mrs. Weaver — Aaron .\ustin — now a resi- 
dent of Mecosta villaije. 







John A. Rose, deceased, was a son of An- 
drew W. and Ormilla (Perry) Rose. His 
parents were iiioneers of the State of New 
York, where they passed their lives engaged 
in farming. John A. was born in Ulster Co., 
N. Y., March 13, 1821. He was an inmate of 
the paternal home until 24 years of age. His 
circumstances were such that he was never able to 
attend school a single day in his life ; but gathered 
together such education as he could, and made the 
most of hii powers of observation, quickened into 
keenness by his consciousness of his lack of early 
opportunities. He came to Michigan in November, 
1866, and purchased 120 acres of land, on which he 
resided until his death, which occurred .Aug. 10, 1875. 
Since that event Mrs. Rose has sold 80 acres and 
with the assistance of her sons carries on the re- 
mainder. 

Mr. Rose was married Nov. 8, 1844, in Aurora, 
Erie Co., N. Y., to Emily E., daughterof Amasa and 
Polly (Welch) Freeman, natives respectively of New 
York and Connecticut. She was born in Onondaga 
Co., N. Y, June 16, 1817. After marriage Mr. and 
Mrs. Rose settled in Erie Co., where they were en- 
gaged in farming until their removal to Michigan. 
.'Ml of the seven children born of tliis marriage yet 
survive. Emily E. was iiorn .\ug. 19, 1845 ; John T., 
Julys, '847; Levi A., March 16, 1849; Theo. L., 



June 27, 1851; Polly, Dec. 13, 1853; Rosetta, Auj. 
24, 1857 ; and .\ndrew J.. Nov. 22, 1859. 



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ohn E. Heiter, proprietor of steam saw- 
'^l^^lC. mill at Sylvester, Hinton Tj)., was born in 

Illsr^r^ New Jersey, Aug. 18, 185 i. His parents 
were Joim P>. and jSLiry A. (Burns) Reiter. 

^F The father was born in Baden, Germany, and 
^ the mother was a native of Ireland. They 
were married in New Jersey, whither they emigrated 
from their respective countries, and later removed 
to Pennsylvania, where the fatlier is still living, and 
where the mother died, June 11, 1834. Mr. Reiter 
went to Pennsylvania, with his parents, and was 
there engaged in farming, lumbering, and attending 
school, until 18 years of age. In 1876, he attended 
Eastman's Commercial College three months. In 
1877, he came to this county, and became one-half 
owner by purchase of the steam saw-mill located at 
Sylvester, and owned and managed by Joseph Misho 
and Darum B. Kelley. He bought the interest of 
the latter. Tliis was afterward burned, and in the 
summer of 1882 he erected the mill which he now 
operates. Its capacity is 10,000 feet of lumber 
daily.. Mr. Reiter is a Republican in politics, and 
has been Scliool Director two years. He is interest- 
ed in the [irogress of the temperance work, and 
lends his influence to all reformatory measures. 

Mr. Reiter was married in Reed City. Mich., Sept. 
20, 1878, to Jane, daughter of James and Catherine 
(Flanagan) Decker. (See sketcii of James r)ecker.) 



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ohn A. Boll, farmci .uid lumbemian, sec. 

^^t 6, Deerfield Tp., was born March 3, )826> 

iK^ir^ in Canada. He is a son of James and 

■ V j\meliaB. Hell. His father was born in Kng- 

%r^ land and came to Canada in 1814, where he 

\ married and passed his remaining years. Mr. 

Bell's mother was a native of New Jersey. 

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^ Mr. Hell remained imiler the [lalenial roof unlil the 

'rj age of 23, engaged on the farm and fitting for fii- 
.r*;, tiire usefulness. After managing his father's farm for 
I two vears, he purchased 200 acres of land with lim- 
< ited improvements, on which was a saw-mill. He 
carried on the farm and engaged in himlicring, and 
oi)erated in this two-fold method five years, when he 
sold out and bought another farm of too acres, which 
he occupied four years, and again sold out. In the 
fall of 1S61 he came to Miihigan, and was engaged 
in lumliering in Mecosta County about nine years, 
when he bought 2S0 acres of land, chiefly unim- 
])roved, with the most primeval type of buildings. 
They have jiassed to the oblivion of destruction and 
decay, and have been replaced by others which rank 
with the finest in the country. An additional pur- 
chase of t6o acres adjoining his estate has increased 
his landed ix)ssessions to 440 acres, 340 of which are 
) tinder a good state of cultivation. Mr. l!ell is a Re- 
publican of no tmcertain type, aini though often 
urged to permit tlie use of his name in the interests 
of his township, has always declined. 

He was married in Canada. Nov. 6 1.S50, to Mar- 
garet Johnson, a native of Canada. Four of si.x 
children from this iniion are living: Wm. .\ , born 
Jime 30, 1852; lames P., June 14, 1S55; 'I'heodore 
A., Dec. 14, 1S5S, and Emily A., .\ug. 29, i86t. 
Mary T,., born .\pril 24, 1857, was married Jan. 23, 
1878, to .\rthur .Mien, of Mecosta County, and died 
Aug. g, 1883. One child died in infancy. Mrs, 
Margaret Bell, tlie mother, died Feb. 22, 1866, at lier 
home in Mecosta Comity. Mr. Bell again contracted 
marriage in Canada, Oct. 30, 1866, with Sarah, daugh- 
ter of Angus and Sarah (McDougall) McColhnn. 
Her parents were natives of Scotland who emigrated 
to Canada at an early period of their lives. Her 
father is yet living in Canada, where her mother died 
alxjut 1873. Three of tiie children of Mr. and Mrs 
Bell are living,— Sarah A., born Jan. 8, 1878; Clinton 
R.. born Jan. 23, 1S76, and Fdith C:., born Nov. 22, 
[879. John A. was born Jan. 23, 1873, and died May 
II, 1876. 

The family are communicants of the Episcopal 
Church, and are esteemed and wortiiy members of 
\^ society, and lend every effort to elevate its standard. 



v<^^Dll^<iDI]r>r 



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M/iCOSTA COUNTY. 



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iles Olin, farmer, sec. 22, Austin Tp., was 
born in Chemung C'o., N. Y., .Vpril 13, 
1837. His parents, William H. and 
^'W^ Lydia (Corry) Olin, were natives of New Eng- 
land. Giles grew up under the guidance of 
his parents, and remained under the patetnal 
roof until his marriage to Lydia, daughter of David 
and Sarah (Bennett) Moulter. This event occurred 
Fel). 2, 1856. Mr. Moulter was born of Cierman 
|)arentage, and his wife was of nii.xed Scotch and 
Irish ancestry. Mrs. Olin was born in Chemung Co., 
N. Y., Sept. 20, 1836. .Vfter marriage Mr. Olin 
passed two years as a common laborer. He then 
puvcliased 25 acres of forest land, and resided there- 
on until the spring of 1862, when the family came to 
Mecosta County, and he bought i 20 acres of land in 
Austin Tp.; to this he has added 40 acres, and 
now owns iCo acres of land, in one of the best locat- 
ed sections of th.e township. Fifty acres of this are 
under cidtivation, and the owner has erected good 
and suitable buildings thereon. 

In this family are four ciiildren living: William 
H., Dec. 4, 1857; .Mmeda E., July 22, i860; Eliza 
J., Feb. 21, 1867; Sivillian, July 13, 1871 ; Sarah A., 
i)orn Sei)t. 12, 1858, died March 8, 1S61. Mr. Olin 
is a Democrat, and has served his township as 
Treasurer six terms. Himself and wife are active 
members of the M. E. Church. 



^rJF^^l dwin R. Roe, fanner, residing on sec. 14, 
Ilinton Tp>'^ -^ ^^ son of Ceoige P. and 
.\senath (Hamilton) Roe, former a native of 
5;^ England and the latter of Ohio. They first re- 
"& moved to Indiana, and soon after came to Ber- 
I rien Co., Mich., wheie the father died in 1867 : 
the mother was again married and went to 
Missouri, and there died. Mr. Roe was born in St. 
Joseph Co., Ind., April 14, 1838, and in eariy youth ac- 
companied his parents to this State, where he resided 
until he was 28 years old, meanwhile learning the 
trade of carpenter and also the art of telegraphy, 
and working at intervals on the farm. In the fall of 
1867 he came to this county, where he had previously 



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bought 40 acres of wild land, in Hinton Tp.,on which 
he now resides. Mr. Roe is a Republican in politics 
and cast his first Presidential vote for .Vbraliani Lin- 
coln. He has held the post of Highway Commis- 
sioner six years. He was married in Berrien Co., 
Mich., Aug. 7, i86i, to Dininiis, daughter of Nelson 
and Almira (Pierce) Bromley. Her parents were natives 
of New York, and removed th'-Mice to Cook Co., 111., 
and afterwards to Wisconsin, thence to Micliigan, where 
the father died, in 1872. The mother is still living, in 
Missouri. Mr. and Mrs. Roe have had four children: 
Louie .\. was born July 24, 1862 ; Orie M., Dec. 26, 
1864; Lizzie V., March 30, 1S68, and Cora U., Nov. 
10, 1870. 



S^^^ames H. Rogers, lumberman ana farmer, 
"^ ' ~ resident on sec. 14, Mecosta 'Pp., was a na- 

tive of Broome Co., N. Y. His father, 
Abraham Rogers, was of English-Dutch descent 
and was born in Canada. His mother, Han- 
nali D. (.Stickney)Rogers, was of pure English 
descent and born in New Hampshire. Mr. Rogers 
remained at home until he was 2 1 years of age and 
received as good an education as possible at the com- 
mon schools, and attended a term at the Alfred 
Academy in Allegany Co., N. Y. On arriving at his 
majority he left home and went into the lumber busi- 
ness, which he prosecuted until the fall of 1854. .\t 
that dale he came to Newaygo County and i)ur- 
chased a tract of land, including 500 acres of heavy 
timber, lying ou the Big Muskegon. .Soon afterward 
he engaged in the business of locating land, which 
occupied him until 1856 and was a lucrative |)ursuit. 
He abandoned it after two years, and came to Me- 
costa Township to locate 100 acres of land. Here 
he hired men and their families, established lumber 
camps and gave a large amount of attention to the 
trade in lumber, which was at that date the germ of 
nearly all settlements made in this section of the 
Peninsular State. During this time the .State road 
was ill process of building, and Mr. Rogers was 
ai)pointed Commissioner by Gov. Blair, and held 
the |X)St three years. He has been appointed special 
Commissioner several times since. From 1865 to 
i8;o Mr. Rogers was actively engaged in the joint 




pursuit of managing a country store and hotel, in 
which was also established the local postoffice, and 
in connection, a large lumber interest. The store of 
Mr. Rogers was opened in 1865, and was tire first 
mercantile establishment in tiie township. 

On the completion of the railroad to Big Rapids 
in 1869 Mr. Rogers closed his mercantile operations 
and hotel business, and as the lumber trade dimin- 
ished he devoted his attention almost exclusively to 
farming. His homestead includes 350 acres of land, 
with 120 acres in fair tillable condition. He has al- 
ways been active in politics and is a zealous Republi- 
can. .At the organization of the township he was 
made Clerk, and held the post se\ eral years. He 
has been School Superintendent and Inspector, and 
has held various other otticial positions. 

Mr. Rogers was married Feb. 14, 1867, to Sarali 
15., daughter of Willard and Lois (Roberts) Salisbury, 
natives of New York and of English descent. She 
was i)orn in Broome C'o., N. Y., May g, 1842. She 
went to McHenry Co., 111., where she remained until 
the fall of 1866, at which time siie came to this 
county. Mr. and Mrs. Rogers have two children: 
Carrie E., born May 8, 1869, and Edgar R., born 
Sept. 25, 1873. 



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JlE^^Eacob Snider, farmer, sec. 26, Austin Tp. 
'^I^^r- ^^'^s'^O""" '" f^'itaiio, Can., Feb. 9, 1827, son 
«bf -.v^ of Jacob and Rachel (McReady) Snider, 
felp* natives of New Brunswick, and of German 
and French ancestry. Soon after their mar- 
riage they went to Toronto, Can., and thence 
to Ontario. Mr. Snider spent his early youth in 
acquiring his edu-ation at a select school in the 
vicinity where he lived, and assisting on iiis father's 
farm. At the age of 27 years he was married to 
Teakles, daughter of Isaac and Elizabeth (McReady) 
Halliday, natives of New Brunswick and of Irish de- 
scent. Mrs. Snider was born in the same province, 
June 6, 1829, and was educated in the common 
schools of her native town. Mr. and Mrs. Snider 
established a home on 100 acres of the homestead, 
where they carried on farming until their removal to 
Michigan, in the winter of 1864. They lived a few ^ 
months at Croton, Newaygo Co., coming thence to 
Austin i'p., where they purchased 80 acres of 



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timbered land, and entered upon the lives of pio- 
neers, beginning with the usual log cabin and small 
clearing, wliich gradually assumed larger proiKjrtions 
until broad, fertile fields stretch out where everjthing 
was formerly hidden by intricate forests. To the 
oriji^inal tract of land Mr. Snider has added another 
80 acres, and now owns an entire ijuarter section of 
well improved land. He has recently finished a 
beautiful residence, at an expenditure of $1,500. All 
his farm fi.xtures and appurtenances are of a class to 
increase its value and attractiveness. 

Of seven children bom to Mr. and Mrs. Snider, six 
are living: Rachel, born July 13, 1S63, and died 
May 28, 1864; Wellesley H., Ixarn Sept. 9, 1857: 
Adaline S.. Aug, 21, 1S58 ; Lillie A., Sept. 17, i860; 
Jennie R., Jan 11, 1861 ; Herbert A., Aug. ig, 
1S65; Gideon C, Aug 19, 1867. 

Mr. and Mrs. Snider have been members in full 
standing of the M. E. Church for 25 years. Mr. 
Snider is a radical Republican; has been Supervisor 
of his township two terms. Justice of the Peace four 
years, Treasurer, etc. His eldest son, W. H. Snider, 
was married Oct. iS, 1877 ; his wife died Sept. i, 
1 87 8. 



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C. Lincoln, wagon and carriage builder, at 
Big Rapids, was born in Ticonderoga, Es- 
se.K Co., N. Y., Dec. 27, 1844 ; son of Rufus 
6[(5'" and Samantha (Hissell) Lincoln. At the age of 
17 he went to learn the trade, which he has made 
the business of his life. He located at Kig 
^j Rapids in the fall of 1867, and a year later he 
'xS opened ashop; formed a partnership with Peter Corn- 
stock, which continued 18 months, when he bought out 
the interest of his partner. ( )ne and a half years af- 
terward he sold a half claim to Eli Frederick, and in the 
autumn of 1879 they came to the stand now occu- 
pied by Mr. Lincoln. They purchased three lots 
and erected their shops, four in nvmiber. The wood 
shop is 22.\so feet in dimensions, and the blacksmith 
shop 24x50 feet. There are besides, the paint shop 
and lumber room. A force of five blacksmiths are 
usually employed, Mr. Lincoln and his brother doing 
the w(x)il work. Jan. i, 1883, Mr. I'rederick with 
drew from the concern, selling his interest in the 
business to the present proprietor, who is now doing 



1 



^ 
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a very prosperous and steadily growing business. 
Mr. Lincoln was married in Essex Co., N. Y., March 
24, 1867, to Sarah J. Hunter, a native of Montreal, 
Canada. Mr. ai.d Mrs. Lincoln have had three chil- 
dren : Frederick, born March 20, 1869 and died Oct. 
6, t88o; Charles H., born Aug. 15, 1873, and died 
Oct. 6, 1880. (Jeorge L., sole surviving child, was 
born Feb. 11, 1883. 



9. 



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? annibal Hyde, farmer, resident on sec. 10, 
Mecosta Ti)., is the son of James and 
'^ Eunice (Puck) Hyde, natives of Connecti- 
cut; they settled in Vermont where the son was 
born in Orange County, Nov. 5, 1810. On 
reaching his 21st year he set out to seek his for- 
tune. His first exploit was to walk to Glens 
F.alls, N. Y., 90 miles distant, and thence to Albany, 
but he soon retraced his steps and engaged in lum- 
bering for a few months, finally finding regular em- 
ployment on a farm at $11 per month. At the 
expiration of his engagement he went to work in a 
saw-mill, where he was occupied some months. In 
the summer of 1835 he left Glens Falls with a vague 
determination to make his way westward. He set 
out with several companions but became dissatisfied 
with appearances and took his own route back to 
Rochester, N. Y., and returned to Detroit, rw Huffalo. 
In company with seven others he chartered a team to 
take him to White Pigeon, Mich. Mr. Hyde with 
several of his fellow travelers went to Indiana, whence 
they shortly returned to Nilcs. Not yet satisfied with 
the outlook he continued his prospecting to St. Josejih 
County, and pushed on to Chicago. His own state- 
ment is that he was "disgusted with the awful windy 
little village" and left in a few days for Sheboygan, 
Wis. He was there engaged eleven months in the 
man.agement of a saw-mill. His next remove was to 
Chicago, making the journey partly on foot and partly 
by sail-l)oat. He worked there a short time as a car- 
penter, then came to Muskegon Co., Mich. He 
arrived in this State in the summer of 1S37 and wer.t 
to work on the river. The winter following he came 
to Newaygo County, and managed a saw- mill one 
year, when he decided on a visit to Vermont., where 
he spent some months, going thence to New \ oik, 



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and thence to St. Louis, Mo., and Louisville, Ky. 
This rambling existence he continued until 1844, 
when he was married and made preparations for a 
permanent setdement in life. He purchased 80 
acres of wild land in Newaygo County, where he 
lived and pursued agricidture until 1856. In that 
year he setded in Mecosta Tp. That section was 
then in its infancy. Tiie township was unorganized 
and settlers were few especially permanent ones. 
Lumber interests invited transient comers, but for a 
period of ten years there were few who consid- 
ered the place as having claims upon their in- 
terest, and no steps were taken toward arrang- 
ing the municipal affairs of the township for five 
years after the settlement of Mr. Hyde. He was 
one of the most active in the movement for the 
organization of Mecosta, as he had been in that 
of the townships of Newaygo County. He is the 
oldest living inhabitant of his township, and his 
youngest son was the first white cliild born within its 
bo.ders. 

Mr. Hyde was married in 1844, to Sophia Russell, 
who was born in April, 1S29, and reared in Newaygo 
County, in the vicinity of the Big Muskegon River. 
Mrs. Hyde became tlie mother of seven children. 
She was a memi)er of tlie Catholic Church, and died 
Sept. 4, 1881. Tlnee cliildren who survive her were 
born as follows : Daniel, ( )ct. 4, 1845; Francis K., 
Jan. 19, 1850; Miranda J., March 20, 1858. Tlie 
deceased children were I'Ainice, .'\nianda S., Amos 
H. and James. Mr. Hyde is an adheretU to the 
principles of the Democratic party. 

homas Hauifan, of the mercantile lirm of 
llanifan & Harmon, at Big Rapids, was 
born at I'ontiac, Oakland Co., Mich., March 
4, 1847. He is a son of William and Kate 
(Cane) Hanifan, and was reared to tlie age of 
5 years on his father's farm. At that period 
he became a clerk in a dry-goods store, and has been 
assistant or principal in the same line of business 
most of the time since. During the first three years he 
spent a i)art of the time in school. In 1870 he went 
to Vernon, Shiawassee Co., Mich., and entered the 
employ of W. D &. A. Garrison, dry-goods mer- 
chants, as clerk, and remained until 1S81, In IShiy, 




1882, he came to Big Rapids and entered into part- 
nership with Willard W. Harmon, and commenced 
commercial transactions in the Faimian & Newton 
Block, where they aie carrying a fine assortment of 
dry goods, carpets, etc., valued at $15,000; annual 
sales amount to $35,000. 

Mr. Hanifan was married in Farmington, Oakland 
Co., Mich., Jan. 28, 1881, to Emma, daughter oi 
Daniel and Bridget Lapham. She was born in 
Farmington in 1854, and died at Big Rapids July 14, 
18S2. 



jfelvin A. Wells, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield, 
' ^(tTf Tl)., is a son of Nelson and Jane (Austin) 
?^'Vf; Wells. The parents were natives of New 
^^ York and settled in ^Vashtenaw Co., Mich- 
"~ aliout the year 1838, afterward going to St. 
i'" Joseph Co., Mich. There the senior Wells died 
at Centerville, May 11, 1881. The mother died 
May 7, 1863. 

Mr. Wells was born in Freedom, \Vashtenaw 
Co., Aug. 6, 1848. He remained in the paternal 
home until 22 years of age, occupied in farming and 
acquiring his education. 

He was married in EUenburgh, Clinton Co., N. Y., 
Dec. 5, 1863, to Mrs. Ellen Jerome Wells, widow of 
Henry Wells and eldest child of Lewis and Lucy 
(Dragoon) Jerome. It falls to the duty of the com- 
piler of personal records to transcribe much tb.at 
bears the impress of a deathless sorrow, but it is 
rarely incumbent to record the loss of nine children 
in one household, as in this instance devolves. Mrs. 
W^ells had laid away from her motherly arms, one after 
anotjier, eight infants, a mercifully rare event Can 
one believe that her terrible experience lessened the 
weight of sorrow when another child, the joy and 
ho[)e of the household, passed away at the dawn of 
her early girliiood, wlien life and health seemed as- 
sured ? Louise B. AV'ells, born June 14, 1868, died, 
of diphtheria, -Vf.g. 16, 1881. She is not forgotten; 
the anniversary of her death is kejit and sacredly ob- 
served by the parents and sisters to whom her mem- 
ory will ever be a living presence. Mr. and Mrs. 
\Vells have three children living: Lucy J., born 
Aug. 5,' 1866; ldella,Aug. 25, 1870; and Cora, .April 
21, 1872. 

Mr. Wells is an earnest Reimblican and was a sol- 



9 






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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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257 



\ f dier of the Union in the war of the Rebellion. He 
'^ enlisted in the Third Mich. Vol Inf., Oct. 14, 1864, 
^ and received honorable discharge in September 1865. 



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PvHHiSL. 



t ewis Toan, Clerk of Mecosta County, and 
('c')|' one of its representative citizciiS, resident 
y' ;ii I'iIl; Rai)ids, was born in Lcdyard 'Pp., 
KS «iG^ Cayuga Co., N. Y., Nov. 25, 1835. His 
\ Jt) parents were natives of the Empire State, as 
\_ were their ancestors. His father, I,cwis Toan, 
was born Feb. 8, 17S8, in Ledyard, on the same farm 
where his children were born, and where he lived 
and died. He married Betsey Welsh, April 5, iSio, 
and by this union became the father of four sons and 
si.\ daughters. Of these, one son, Harrison Toan, and 
^ one daughter, Mrs. Sally J. Si|uires, survive him, the 
^ former resident at EIniira, N. V., the latter living in 
° Seneca Co., N. Y. Tlie mother died Dec. 15, 
Jtf) 1833. The father was married Feb. 26, 1835,10 
° Mrs. Olive (St. John) .\iken. Of this marriage tlirj.'o 
^ children were born : Lewis, of this sketch, Mrs. Mary 
^ A. Cliapin, and Mrs. Frances E. Langan, both resid- 
L \ ing at Des Moines, Iowa. Mrs. Toan was born Dec 



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31, 1803, and was married at Cayuga Co., N. Y., to 
Ebenezer .Viken. Her children by this marriage arc 
yet living — a son in Dakota, one daughter at Des 
Moines, Iowa, and one dauglitc-r, Mrs. Lewis Car- 
man, in Millbrook, Mich. Lewis Toan, Sr., died 
March 29, 1842. He was a soldier in llie war 
of 181 2, with tlie rank of Ca[)tain; was a farmer by 
occupation, and held the office of Justice of the 
Peace 14 years, tlie incumbency ending with his death. 
This fact is mentioned as evidence of the esteem 
in which he was held by his fellow-townsmen. His 
death left all the family cares and responsibilities 
upon the mother and widow. The son, who feels 
that all he is or may be he owes to her faithful, wise 
■< and judicious management, places ujwn record on this 
page his sense of all she was in her strong, earnest 
life, rearing her falhedess children in all wisdom and 
,vy gentleness and self-sacrifice, and how precious to 
^ him is her memory, crowned with what she achieved 
[^ on earth, and glorified by her entrance into the land 
^ of the redeemed. She w.is married a third time in 






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i860, to Zimri Allen, and died at Des Moines, la., 

Jan. 24, 1882. 

Mr. Toan was seven years old when his father 
died. His mother left the farm and he was sent to 
school. In 184S he went to live with an uncle — 
Tliomas Toan — in Wyoming C"o., N. Y. A year 
later he rejoined his mother, and the family went to 
Olena, Huron Co., Ohio, where, associated with her 
brother, she purchased a half interest in a steam saw- 
mill, where the son was engaged chiefly summers, 
and went to school winters. In the summer of 1855 
he went to Milan, Erie Co., O., and worked in a shij)- 
yard and mill. In the spring of 1856 he went with a 
half-brother — E. M. Aiken — to Kowen's I'rairie, la., 
to assist in the management of a steam saw mill. 
Returning in the fall of that year to Ohio, he bought 
the interest in tlie null held by his mother, retaining 
it until he disposed of it by sale in 1859. In the 
winter of i860 he rented a farm in that vicinity and 
managed it during the year. His next business ven- 
ture was in the winter of r86i,wlien he formed a 
|)artnership with Otis .'^iiiiili, an old school-mate, and 
went to Jackson T[)., Seneca Co., Ohio, built a steam 
saw-mill, and while engaged in its construction the 
intelligence of the assault upon the national flag at 
Fort Sumter electrified the world. I'liysical dis- 
ability precluded Mr. Toan from going to the front to 
aid in bearing the burden of defense, and to take the 
chances of war; but the services he performed are 
on record, and his efforts in raising recruits and sup- 
lilies for soldiers in the field, and e.\erlions to protect 
their interests at home, were as meritorious and 
conducive to the successful prosecution of the war 
as those of others who brought their efforts to bear 
upon the issue on the field of action. 

His association with Mr. Smith terminated at the 
end of Iwj years, when he became sole [iroiirietor by 
the purchase of his partr.er's claim. The mill was 
burned a year later, and in order to be able to re- 
build, Mr. Toan formed a partnership with Daniel 
Co.\. In 1866 he sold his half of the concern to 
Robert Adams. During his residence at Jackson 
he held the position of Postmaster three years, anil 
was Township Clerk one year. 

Mr. Toan came to .Southern Michigan, in the fall 
of 1866, and settled near (Juincy, liranch Co., where 
he had purchased 80 acres of land. Within the 
year following he sold the farm and purchased 
another in the vicinity of Allen's I'r.iirie, Hillsdale 

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MECOSTA COUNTY. 






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Co., Mich. In the fall of 1869 he exchanged this 
property for a farm near Jonesville, of which he was 
the possessor but a short time, as he made another 
transfer, and secured a fatm about two miles from 
Allen's Prairie, of which he was owner until 1872. 
In that year he came with his brother-in-law, Lewis 
Carman, to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and built a steam 
saw-mill, selling his interest therein two years later 
to Mr. Carman. He there engaged in mercantile affairs 
with Messrs. Main & Decker. The dissolution of 
the firm took place in the spring of 1877, and in the 
fall of that year Mr. Toan went to Arkansas to obtain 
a practical idea of the South, returning the following 
spring. 

Mr. Toan has been a Republican from the outset 
of his political life, and considers himself honored 
in the record that his first Presidential vote was cast 
for the illustrious and martyred Lincoln. In the fall 
of 1 87 8, after his return from the South, his pub- 
lic career commenced, his party nominating him for 
the office of County Clerk. The opposition candi- 
dates were W. O. Lake, Democrat, and Ceorge Got- 
shall. Greenback. Mr. Toan received 1,102 votes, 
Mr. Lake 452 and Mr. Gotshall 681. The general 
opinion of Mr. Toan's discharge of the duties of his 
iwsition was clearly manifested in the circumstances 
attending his second nomination in the fall of 1880, 
when his name was put on the ticket by acclamation. 
He received 1,849 votes, hisopiwnent, (ireggB. Dou- 
gall, receiving 86 r votes on the Democratic ticket. 
Mr. Toan was again elected in 1882, receiving 1,481 
votes, in opposition to C. A. Munn, Independent 
Republican nominee, and Richard Ladner, the jiopu- 
lar Democratic candidate, who received 295 and 884 
votes respectively. Probaljly the best index of a 
man's status among his fellows is the record of his 
local vote. On his first election he received 81 votes 
of 100 cast in the T[). of Millbrook; on his second 
nomination he received 102 of 124 votes in the town- 
ship, and the lliird time, of an aggregate of 164, he 
received 125 votes, — facts whicli attest that political 
ojjixjnents supported him, and which were made 
more significant because he had held many important 
town offices. He was Town Clerk in 1S73-4, Super- 
visor in '75-6, was Township Superintendent of 
Schools two years, and Village School Director three 
years. 

Mr. Toan was married n ( )lcna, Huron Co., Ohio, 



A^<^^^ 



July 5, 1858, to Melissa M., eldest daughterof Nathan 
H. and Lousia (Barhite) Spencer, Rev. E. Jones of- 
ficiating. Mrs. Toan's father is a resident of Oler.a. 
He was born in New Jersey and is a blacksmith by 
vocation He is an honored citizen in the commu- 
nity to which he belongs, is a Presbyterian in religious 
faith, and has occupied a number of prominent po- 
sitions in religious and political relations. Her 
mother died in 1859, after a useful and noble life. 
Mrs. Toan was born in Cayuga Co., N. V., Jan. 2, 
1840. Of the children born of her marriage, eight 
are living : Ida L., Grace E., Frank M., Clyde L., Fred 
W., Ernest B., Olive F. and Bessie M. Grace E., second 
daughter of Mr. Toan, was married Sept. 17, 1882,10 
John A. Melton, and resides near her parents. Mr. T. 
is peculiarly fortunate in all his domestic relations, 
the character and influence of his wife rounding and 
perfecting the fabric of his life, molded and directed 
by the clear prevision of his mother. 

In Januar)', 1859, Mr. Toan became a member of 
the M. E. Church, and has since been prominently 
and actively interested in all that pertains to its prog- 
ress and interest. He has always been connected 
with the work of the Sunday-school, and been several 
times Superintendent. He is also a zealous advo- 
cate and promoter of temperance, and is the present 
W. C. T. of tlie Big Rapids Lodge of Good Templars. 

We place the portrait of Mr. Toan in this work, as 
a representative citizen of Mecosta County. 



"■''^Wmos S. Johnson, President of Mecosta 
,^^Jt village and general merchant (G. Gilbert 
Hi®" ^ ^o-)> 's '1^<^ '^o" of Stanton and Eliza 
(Gilbert) Johnson. He was born in Wy- 
oming Co., ,N Y., Nov. 24, 1S47. When he 
was an inf;int his father died, leaving a widow 
with seven children. He was brought ui) on a farm, 
attending schools winters. At 20 years of age became 
to JSIichigan and engaged with Messrs. Wood & Gil- 
bert in Stanton, where he remained two years. He 
tlicn formed apartnersiiip with his employers and 
established a branch business house at .Sliunnan 
City, Isabella Co., of which he was head manager. 
At the end of two years, this business connection 
ceased, and Mr. Johnson became sole i)roprietor of 
the concern by pun hasc, londucting its affairs 




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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



'59 



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singly. He owned in ailtlitii)n a farni of 240 acres, 
with uood buildings, fences and proniising crops, all 
of wliich were ileslroyeil by the cyclone of Sept. 19, 
1878. Tlie farm fixtures, and the store with its con- 
tents, were swept away, and NJr. Johnson was well- 
nigh overwhelmetl with financial ruin. 

In May, 1878, he came to Mecosta as agent for 
the Village Company, real-estate brokers, etc., and 
is still rei>resenting their interests. In March, i88o, 
in partnership with K. 1,. Wood, he established a 
mercantile house, located at present near the depot. 
A year later Giles C.ilbert was admitted a member 
of the firm. Their stock is valued at $10,000, 
and includes lumbermen's sup\>lies, shelf and heavy 
hardware, etc. They also handle all kinds of lum- 
ber, shingles and saw-mill products, and have a 
yearly trade amounting to $75,000. 

Mr. lohnson was Supervisor of the Township, and 
held the post since he came here until 1883; is also 
County Drain Commissioner; and when the village 
was organized in the spring of 1883 he was elected 
President. 

He was married at KIkhart, Ind., .March 10, 1871, 
to Stella Russell, born in Cattaraugus Co., N. V., 
March 10, 1848. Mr. Johnson is a member of the 
Masonic Order, and of the A. O. U. W. 



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dward A. Bomig, M. D., of the firm of 
Woolley iV Romig, Big Rapids, was born in 
Bristol, Elkhart Co., Ind., Sept. 23, 1852. 
«^ His father, Adam Romig, was a merchant and 
.^ died in i860. His mother, Flavilla L. (Adams) 
Romig, is yet living, at Moberly, Mo. Dr. Romig 
was a student at school until he was 14 years 
old, after which he spent two years as a farm assist- 
ant. He passed the next four years as a teacher, and 
commenced to read for his profession in the office of 
Dr. C. Earl, of Pontiac, Oakland Co., Mich. After a 
year of study he went to Ann Arbor and became a 
private student under Prof. A. B. Palmer, completing 
his preparation by three terms in the Medical De- 
partment of the University of Michigan, where he 
was graduated in March, 1877. He entered at once 
u|)on his practice at ('larkston, Oakland Co., and es- 
tablished a hicrative and |X)pular business. He 
stayed there nearly four and a half years, and in the 



fall of 1 88 1 came to this city and opened an office at 
upper P>ig Rapids. Four months later he formed his 
present business relation with Dr. 1). V. Woolley, a 
fortunate association, the firm occupynig first rank as 
medical practitioners. Dr. Romig's specialties are sur- 
gery and diseases of the eye and ear. He is a mem- 
ber of the Union Medical Society of Northern Mich- 
igan. 

Dr. Romig was married at Pontiac, Mich., October 
I, 1879, to Mary W., daughter of John P. and Mary 
A. WyckofT. They have had two children, Maud 
and Ethel. The former is deceased ; the latter was 
born Feb. 26, 1883. 



Blackmar, of the firm of Paul Hlackmar 
^Jl &- Co., dealers and manufacturers of lum- 

J STTX-;^ lier. shingles and lath, and pine-land deal- 

•J. I 




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y^ ers, at Big Rai)ids, was born at Detroit, Aug- 
27, 1855. He is a son of Thomas S. and Mary 
E. (Williams) Blackmar. His father was a 
prominent attorney of Detroit, where he located 
about 1 8150 and o[)ene<l a law office with Wm. A. 
Moore, now an eniineiU member of the Michigan 
bar. The senior Hlackmar was Circuit Court Com- 
missioner a long term of years, and died at Detroit 
in the fall of 1869. The mother was a daughter of 
Prof. Geo. P. Williams, of Michigan University, 
where he held the first chair of .Mathematics and 
Metaphysics, which he retained a long period, and 
was finally letired on half-jiay. Mrs. Blackmar died 
at Detroit, in 1864. 

Mr. P. Blackmar obtained his elementary educa- 
tion at the public schools, chiefly at the Cass union 
school under Prof Nich.ols. After the demise of his 
father, he went to Leavenworth, Kan., and there 
studied and taught school. He went thence to Mount 
Lincoln, Gray's Peak, anil to the vicinity of Lead- 
ville, and was there engaged as a miner and in 
other occupations four years. He returned to 
Detroit and entered the office of T. W. Palmer, 
and about the year 1878 had charge of the entire 
business of that gentleman, representing at that time 
one and a half million dollars. 

The manufacturing firm of McGraft iS: Montgom- 
ery at Muskegon dissolved July r, 1882. Mr. Hlack- 
mar bought an interest in the concern Jan. 1, i88i 






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260 



MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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and on the dissolution named, in connection with Mar- 
tin Kelly of Grand Rapids, be commenced the pur- 
chase and sale of timber on the branches of the Mus- 
kegon. T. W. Palmer, of Detroit, became interested 
in the enterprise in the fall of 18S2, and during the 
ensuing winter the firm purchased and put in the river 
about twelve million feet of logs, a large proportion 
of which is being sawed at the old Tioga Mills, bought 
by Thomas S. Tew, of Hood, Gale & Co. In tlie 
summer of r883 Mr. Blackmar purchased the claim 
of Mr. Kelly and is now managing the business alone ; 
is also operating in the interest of Mr. Pahiier. The 
latter ha?, on the Muskegon and its tributaries near 
this point, sixty million feet of standing timber (pine). 
The amount handled the current season will be twen- 
ty million feet of lumber, from ten to fifteen million 
feet of shingles and a large amount of lath. 

Mr. Blackmar was married at Detroit, Sept. 9, 1879, 
to Georgia \., daughter of George and Ellen Rice, 
born Aug. 18, T855. Mr. and Mrs. Blackmar have 
two sons, — Thomas P., born at Detroit, July 8, 1880, 
and William E., born at Muskegon, Jan. 12, 1882. 




^ 



•x'^-s^r iehael S. Collins, dealer in choice wines, 
I C(JJ/ li(|uors and cigars, at Big Rapids, was 
■'T^ born in Hastings County, Pr. of Ont., 
^^^ March 16, 1841. He is a son of, Richard 
- • and Bridget Collins, and at the age of 14 
'I began life for himself as a lumberman, and 
spent five or six years in that employment. He then 
came to Grand Rai)ids, Mich., and was engaged 
until the autumn of 1865, in cutting ries for the 
G. R. & I. R. R-, and in lumbering. He came to 
Big Rapids in the fall of the year named, where he 
carried on the lumbering business until 1876, and in 
that year rented the Montreal House, which he man- 
aged three years. He then purchased the building 
he now occupies, and the lot where it stands, from J. 
H. Foster. It is a brick structure, and the third of 
its class erected in tlie town. He carries a stock 
valued at $3,000, and is transacting a thriving busi- 
ness. He owns a vacant lot on State Street, a house 
and two lots on the corner of Bridge and Grant 
Streets, and 10 acres of land in the Third Ward. 
Mr. Collins is a member of the Mutual Benefit 
Association (Catholic order). 



He was married at Grand Rapids, July 8, 1S68, to 
Mary, daughter of James and Eliza Rice, a native of 
Canada. 




WSmX illiam Barnhart, farmer, sec. 1 1, Deerfield 

w I A) fir 

hl^Jlii' Tp., is son of la<ol) and Phebe liariihart, 

jfeS^':^' ■"'■'' I^edore. The father was born in Ver- 

•-mS^ mont, and died m Canada, ni the spnng of 

iiy^ '^S.S- 'I'll'-' niother was a native of the Do- 

t minion, and seven years after the death of her 

husband came with her children to this county, where 

she still resides. She married Mr. McGill and is now 

his widow, residing on sec. 12 of Deerfield Tj). She 

joined the pioneer element of the county before the 

organization of the township, where she has lived 23 

years, and, although advanced in years, is an active, 

energetic woman and wins general esteem. 

Our subject was born in Canada, May 14, 1846. 

His mother came to this county when he was 15 

years of age. In '63 he took 80 acres of Government 

land under the homestead act, which he i)ut under 

partial improvement and sold in '68, buying 80 acres 

where he is now located, 40 acres of which are under 

the plow. He was married in Mecosta County Jan. 

5 I, '62, to Enmia Smith. To them have been born nine 

children — John E., Mary E., deceased. Amy, Joseph, 

Louis, Mertie, deceased, Clara I,., .-^ddie, deceased 

and Georgia A. 



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"" a^ames K. Pike, farmer, sec. 36, Deerfield 
jE- Tp., was born in Pickering, Can., July 4, 
&^'^ 1843. His parents, I.endoll and Mary Pike, 
//r/' Wilson, were born in New York and Canada 
ir respectively, and came to Mecosta County, 
where they are now resident. 
Mr. Pike spent the first 18 years of his life in the 
Dominion and at that age went to Fredonia, Chautau- 
ijua Co., N. Y., and was there engaged in fruit gar- 
dening. .\fter four years he came to Ionia Co., Mich., 
and there lived ten years. In the spring of '76 he 
came to Mecosta Cotinty and bought 160 acres of 
land, with some improvements, in Deerfield Tp., 
where he has since lived. He acts and affiliates 



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with the Republican party and has held the jwst of 
Highway Commissioner one term. 

Our subject was married in Ionia Co., Mich., to 
Rachel E., daughter of Robert Patrick. The parents 
of Mrs. Pike were of English birth and came to America, 
and soon located in Ionia Co., Mich., where the father 
died. The niotlier is still living on the liomestead in 
Ionia County. Mr. and Mrs. Pike are the parents of 
four children — Ceo. \\'., Orley D., Inez and Robert L- 



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I^avid Wilson, farmer on sec. 27, Hinton 
Tp., is a son of Thomas and Jeannetie 
(Steele) Wilson. They were both natives 
Scotland, and came to Canada in its 
^C earliest period, where David was born, Dec. 24, 
1848. He passed his time on the farm and at 
school until he was 22 years of age. In the fall of 
1876 he came to Michigan and bought 80 acres of 
land, on which improvements had heen begun and 
which is now his residence. He is a Republican in 
political opinion; holds the office of School Assessor, 
and is a member of the Good Templars. He was 
married in Canada, Dec. 27, 1870, to Abigail, 
daughter of George and Sarah Taylor, natives re- 
spectively of England and New York. Mrs. Wilson 
was born in Canada, July 26, 1843. Mr. and Mrs. 
\Vilson have had seven children, six of whom sur- 
vive: Sarah, George, Jeannette, William A., Mal- 
colm and Margaret S. Thomas died in (Canada, 
aged 14 months. Mrs. ^Vilson is a member of the 
M. E. Church. 



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orman W. Adams, farmer on sec. 1 1, Hin- 
ton T[)., is a son of Wm. and Lucy (Waite) 
Adams, who were natives of Vermont and 
came to New York before the war of 18 12, 
l(i where they passed the remainder of their lives. 
The father was a soldier of that war and was in the 
battle of Niagara, or I.undy's Lane, wliereGen. Scott 
was wounded, Mr. Adams being one of the bearers 
of the litter in which he was carried 12 miles. Nor- 
man W. was born in Cattaraugus Co., N. Y., Feb. 
21, 1831. He was "bound out" at an early age to an 



uncle to serve until he was 21 years of age. On the 
expiration of his indentures he started overland for 
California, but was taken ill at Council Bluffs and 
returned to New York. Three years later he pur- 
chased a farm and engaged in butter and cheese 
making. In the spring of 1868 he came to this 
county and bought 80 acres of land in Hinton Tp., 
which is now his homestead. He has cleared 40 
acres of land, put it into a good state of cultivation 
and erected suitable buildings. He is independent 
in politics ; has held the office of Constable five 
years, and in 1871 was elected Notary Public, a jKist 
he still holds. 

He was married in Genesee Co., New York, Sept. 
15, 1853, to Nancy S., daughter of Amos and Dim- 
mis (Rilc)) Bailey. She was born in Wyoming Co., 
N. Y., Aug. 26, 1833, and her parents were natives 
of Vermont. Mr. and Mrs. Adams have three chil- 
dren, Jason K., born March 4, 1858 ; Minnie D., born 
Sept. 26, 1864, and Harrison P., born Nov. 8, 1870. 






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'■ y. Ss^, "^ Cole & Judson, Big Rapids, was born 

■ ' "^ in Lysander, Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. ( 
>' I, 1857. His father, Jonathan Cole, was 

;:>;. born in 1813, and was engaged during his 

i^ later years in the combined pursuits of farmer 
and lumberman. His mother was born in 
Bennington Co., Vt., in 1815. His father dying 
when Myron was about 14 years old, Mr. Cole went 
to live with his half brother, N. M. White, at Bald- 
winsville, N. V , and he remained there four years, 
attending school. At the age of 18 he came to 
Schoolcraft, Mich., where he attended school, and 
afterward entered Parson's Business College at Kala- 
mazoo, completing his conunercial studies in five 
months. He obtained a position as lumber inspector 
for the firm of Putnam iV Barnhart, at Fife Lake, f^ 
Grand Traverse Co., where he operated one sum- T 
mer, returning to Schoolcraft the following winter to I,, 
teach school. In the spring lie entered into partner- ^i 
ship with Charles Barnhart, in the grocery and provis- ^ 
ion business. His partner died a year and a half ^^ 
later, and Mr. Cole bought his share of the stock and 'J 
continued the Inisiness successfully about a year, ^r^.^ 



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While here he was burned out, but his stock was 
well insured, and the loss slight. He closed his 
business affairs, and connected himself with the 
banking house of E. V,. Dyckman & Co., acting in 
various capacities, and at the expiration of 1 1 months 
he acquired a one-third interest in the bank by pur- 
chase. The institution continued to operate nearly 
two years longer, but on the death of Mr. Dyckman 
the remaining partners sold out. In February, 1882, 
Mr. Cole came to Big Rapids and went into the 
hardware house known as Cox, Overton iV' Cole. 
Mr. Cole purchased the interest of Mr. Cox, in 
October, 1882, and transferred the stock to his pres- 
ent stand. In December, 1 882, he admitted C. P. Jud- 
son as partner. The firm is considered one of the lead- 
ing business houses of Big Rapids, and is having a 
successful and increasing trade. They carry a full 
line of the goods common to the hardware business 
and such as the local trade demands. They are 
agents for the Standard Oil Co., and are dealing ex- 
tensively in coal. 

Mr. Cole was married Oct. 9, 1879, to Libbie, 
daughter of Willis and Elizabeth Judson, and was 
born in Schoolcraft, Oct. 16, i860. Mr. and Mrs. 
Cole have one child — Clarence M. — born at Big 
Rapids, Sept. i, 1882. 



'^'X n' ph li Hill, farmer, sec. 29 Deerfield Tp., was 
iKI^Ia;-;'' born in Williams Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1856. 
atwcjI* He is a son of Calvin C. and Louisa M. 



^> (Stanbrow) Hill, natives of New York, who went 



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to Ohio and located in Steuben County, where 
the father died. The mother, on the occurrence 



of tliat event, came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., and 
afterward to Van Buren County. In the fall of 1878 
she took up her residence at Morley. 

Our subject accpiired a good common school edu- 
cation in the educational institutions of Ohio and 
Michigan, and in 1879 came to Mecosta County and 
bought 80 acres of land in its primeval condition. 
For four years he rented and carried on a farm, but 
in the spring of '83 occupied his own farm, of whicli 
he had cleared 20 acres. 

He was married Aug. 12, '76, in Van lUiren Co., 
Mich., to Agnes, daughter of Ceorge and Ann (Lover- 
ington) Grant. Their three children were born in the 




following order: Geo. C, Aug. g, '78; Frederick E., 
March 12, '80; Alonzo L., Fel). 10, '8r. 

Mr. Hill is a Republican in political belief and 
practice. 

I dward W. Hudnutt, of the firm of Crocker & 
Hudnutt, architects, contractors and build- 
j|y5^ ers, and proprietors of the Falcon Planing 
Mill at Big Rapids, was born at Louisville, Ky., 
Dec. 15, 1852; is a son of Joseph O. and 
Marcia (Webster) Hudnutt. His father was a 
civil engineer and was many years chief of the con- 
struction corps of various canal and railroad com- 
panies. In 1859 the family settled near Waverley, 
Bremer Co., Iowa, and the following year the father 
represented that district in the Legislature of the 
State, resigning on the breaking out of the civil war 
and returning to Waveriey, where he enlisted in the 
3Sth Iowa Vol. Inf., with the rank of Major. He was 
chiefly on detached duty and assigned to the staff of 
Major Gen. Herron. He served as engineer of for- 
tifications, and was in severe engagements with his 
regiment. It was badly disrupted and finally con- 
solidated with the 34th Iowa Vol. Inf., when he was 
promoted to a Colonelcy and afterward to the rank 
of Brigadier General. He served the Union cause 
three years, and on leaving the army went to Chicago 
and entered the L^niversity as Professor of Civil En- 
gineering. Later he was employed by the Chicago & 
Illinois River Canal Co., and afterward by the Chi. 
cago & Northwestern R. R. Co.; was on the Union 
Pacific and Nor' hern Pacific R. R's. ; surveyed the 
route of the Grand Rapids & Indiana R. R., and 
went to .South Carolina and surveyed the Richmond 
& Atlanta .Air Line R. R. He came to Big Rapids in 
1869 and bought into the Tioga Manufacturing Co., 
afterward selling out and buying the 'i'ioga Flouring 
Mill, where he operated for a time and then went to 
Leadville, Col., and became interested in mining and 
in mining engineering. He went thence to Montan.-v 
to survey under a Government contract, where he i^ 
occupied at present. 

Mr. Hudnutt, of this sketch, was at the age of 14 
connected with the engineering corps of the Union 
Pacific R. R., and continued three years, when he 
became connected in the same capacity with the 



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(i. R. & I. R. R., serving two years. He passed the 
winters of these years in the University at Roches- 
ter, N. Y., where he was grailiialed with the class of 
1873. He was employed by the Rochester Water 
Works Co. as drauglitsniaii two years, and in 1875 
came to Big Rapids and bought the Falcon Planing 
Mill, with Caleb S. Hanks and Luther D. Hender- 
son, the firm name being Hudnutt, Henderson, 
Hanks & Co Mr. Henderson sold to his partners 
the next year, and in 1877 John M. Crocker suc- 
ceeded to the position and interest of Mr. Hanks. 
Messrs. Crocker and Hudnutt have built the prin- 
cipal business blocks of Big Rapids and many of its 
residences. Their works are turning out a large 
amount of sash, doors, blinds and all builders' ma- 
terials. As their business has increased they have 
made additions to their mills in proportion. They 
are located in upper Big Rapids, near the u|)per 
bridge. 

Mr. Hudnutt was married^at Big Rapids, to 'I'hyrza 
J., daughter of Ferdinand and Julia Fairman. She 
is a native of Adams, N. Y.,and is the motlier of one 
child, Marian Hudnutt. Mr. Hudnutt is a member 
of the order of Masonry and Knights of Pytliias. 



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I ;• uther O. H. Ward, farmer, sec. 34, Austin 
Tp., is a son of John and Catharine (Quig- 
V ^3~-i-? ley) Ward, natives of New York and lioth 
%^ now deceased. They wore of mixed English, 
"iX Irish and German ancestry, and liefore their 
marriage liad moved to Ontario, Can., where 
Mr. Ward was born, in the county of Brant, 
April 3, 1 841. He jiassed the years of his early life 
on his father's farm and at school, and when he was 
20 years old he went to an adjoining county and 
worked as a farm and mill hand until the spring of 
1863, when he settled in Austin Tp. and bought 80 
acres of tmibered land. He built the usual pioneer's 
cabin, with punclieon floor, and had no sawed lum- 
ber in the house except in the door. After a few 
months Mr. Ward returned to Canada and mar- 
ried, at St. George, Brant Co., Dec. 9, 1863, Clarissa 
A., daughter of David and Martha (Cornell) Davis, 
of English descent and natives of Canada. .She 
was born Nov. 29, 1841, and died Feb. 8, 1873, at her 
home in Austin Tp., leaving four children : Laura, 



born Nov. 15,1864; Rosa, May 7, 1866; John. 
April 6, 186S, and George, May 31, 187 i. 

Mr. Ward has been actively engaged in farming 
since 1863, has put his place in first-class con- 
dition, and owns 40 acres of land in an adjoining 
township. He was again married June 8, 1874, to 
Mrs. Sarah McGill, widow of Wm. McGill, who was 
born in Ontario, Can., Aug. i, 1845, and died Nov 
8, 1873, at Grand Rapids, leaving his wife and 
one child, Mary, born Feb. 12, 1871. Mrs. Ward 
was born in Ontario, Can., May 25, 1845, and is the 
daughter of John and Sarah (Bruley) .Austin, natives 
of New England and of German descent. Of the 
second marriage of Mr. Ward there is one child, 
William, born May 12, 1875. Mr. and Mrs. Ward 
are members of the M. E. Church, of which Mr. 
Ward is Steward. He is a working Republican, and 
has been Supervisor of his township one year. Treas- 
urer one term, etc. 




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rederick Rose, harness - maker, at Big 
Rapids, was born in Germany, June 3, 
1823. At the age of 14 he entered \\\)0\\ 
his apprenticeship, and after a service of three 
^1^ years enlisted in the German army, enrolling in 
843 and remaining four years and three 
months. 

Mr. Rose came to America in 1854, and settled at 
ISuff.ilo, N. Y., where he established himself in busi- 
ness, and remained about iS months. He next 
went to Waterloo Co., Canaila, and there carried on 
his business 15 years. In 1S72 he came to Big 
Rapids and formed a business connection with 
Duncan McClellan, whi<h existed 14 months. Since 
that date he has managed the same line of trade 
where he is now located and employs several men. 
His annual transactions amount to $3,000, anil in- 
cludes harness-making and saddlery, < arriage trim- 
ming, etc. He owns his residence on the corner of 
Sanford avenue and Division street, and 66 acres of 
land in the township of Big Rapids, southeast of the ''i- 
city and located on the river. i 

Mr. Rose was married March 18, 1854, in Ger- ^V 
many, to Wilhelmina .Vugstell, and they have had v;^ 
two children: Matilda, wife of Cyrus Brecker, a ^ 
Canadian merchant; and Margaret, wife of John (i, 
Hoffman, a harness-maker in Canada. Mrs. Rose ^ 



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died in Canada, in 1859, and Mr. Rose was a second 
time marrieil, Aug. 16, i860, to Rebecca Mosier, a 
Canadian by birth and of Cernian descent. The 
parents of Mr. Rose were Christian and Kli/.abeth 
Rose. 

^>feS? enry R. Brown, fanner, sec. 27, Deerfield 
£ ., {s/r i'p-, !*• O.. Morley, was born Oct. 16, 1855, 
'^^ '•• in Pennsylvania. His parents, Michael 
and Catherine (Moser) Brown, were natives of 
Germany and came to America in 1850, finding 
a home in the Keystone State, where they are 
spending their final years. 
Mr. Brown passed the first 23 years of his life in 
Pennsylvania, in farm labor and studying at the com- 
mon school. He came to Mecosta County in 1 87 q and 
bought 120 acres of timber land, and still holds 80 
acres of his original tract. He has built a frame 
house and made other improvements on his estate. 

Mr. Brown was married at Morley, April 4, 1883, 
to Sarah E., daughter of Wm. and Ann M. (Belles) 
Brink. She was born in Pennsylvania Dec. 31, 1861. 
They are attendants at the M. E. Church, of which 
Mr. Brown is an active member. He is a Democrat 
in political sentiment and aetion. 




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evi S. Menere, farmer, sec. i, Millbrook 
Tp., was born Sept 7, 1S26, in Canada, son 
of James and Rachel (Mayhew) Menere, 
the former a native of Ireland and the lat- 
^ ter of Canada. He remained at home until he 
' ' was 25 years old, when he started in life for 
*- himself. His father deeded him 100 acres of 
land upon which he lived six years, and managed 
with profit. Later, he sold the place and bought 
another, which he rented to a tenant for two years 
and sold at the end of that time. In the winter of 
1865 he bought 80 acres of unimproved land in Mill- 
iirook T]>. To this he has added 40 acres in this town- 
ship, and also purchased 40 acres of land in Isa- 
bella County. He has yjlaced 80 acres under first- 
class improvements, and has a finely located and 
valuable farm. 

He was married in Canada, May 26, 185 i, to Mary 

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E., daughter of Gilbert and Mary (Stanley) Decker, 
who was born in the Dominion April 26, 1834. Mr. 
and Mrs. Menere have had 14 children, 12 of whom 
are living: Mary A., born July 25, 1853 ; Rachel, April 
25, 1855 ; Sarah J., Feb. 20, 1857 ; Dinah A., Dec. 
'i 1858; James G., July 27, i860; Edward S., 
April 26, 1862; Ellen E., June 13, 1866; Josephine, 
April 2, 1868; Wm. S., Aug i, 1870; Caroline, Oct. 
11,1872; Ruth, Sept II, 1877; Floyd A., Feb. 29, 
1880; Eliza, born March 11, 1852, died Sept. 9, 1855 ; 
Catharine, born Feb. 16, 1864, died May 20, 1865. 

Mr. Menere is independent in politics and has 
held several official positions. He is a member of 
the ancient order of Odd Fellows. 



'homas P. Mortensen, senior member of 
the grocery firm of Mortensen & Mynning, 
^ at Big Rapids, was born in Denmark, Feb. 
26, 1846. He came to the United States in 
1873, and in 1874 established a laundry on 
Canal street. Grand Rajiids, which he managed 
until 1879. Mr. M. then came to Big Rapids and em- 
barked in the same enterprise, which he continued 
three years. This was the first establishment in that 
branch in the city. In the fall of 1S82 he formed his 
present lousiness relation. The house is carrying a 
stock worth $2,000, and is transacting a profitable 
and growing business. 

Mr Mortensen was married at Grand Rapids, 
Nov. 25, 1S73, to Matilda Anderson, a native of Nor- 
way, born April i, 1845. The five cliildren born of 
this marriage are — Clara H., Alfred (dec). Alma, 
Thora and Hannah. The family attend the Luther- 
an Church. Mr. Mortensen belongs to the 1. O. O. F. 
Besides his residence he owns a house and lot on the 
east side of the Fifth ward, and a farm of 40 acres on 
sec. 12, township of Big Rapids. 



m. M. McCamley, farmer, sec. 6, Austin 
Tp., was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y. 
June 8, 182S. His parents, Eleazer and 
Ruth (Wheeler) McCamley, were natives 
of Scotland, and emigrated to the Lhiited 
States, locating in the county where the son 
was born. They came with their family in 1832 to 










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Calhoun Co., Mich., where Ihey lived uiiiil Jaiuiaryi 
1847, when William enlisted as a soldier in the Me.\- 
ican war. He enrolled in the Michigan Vol., Co. G, 
under Capt. Hicks, with Col. Stockson in command 
of the regiment, which was attachetl to the division 
of Gen. Taylor. He was in considerable active 
service but escaped without injury, and was honor- 
ably discharged in Novemlier, 1S48. He then re- 
mained at home until 1850, wlien he moved upon a 
farm in Calhoun County, and lived there until tlie 
S|iring of 1852. In that year he made an overland 
journey to California, passing through the Mormon 
"City of the i)lains." His search for gold continued 
two years and he then returned to his home. In the 
fall of 1856 he purchased a farm in Mecosta Tp.) 
where he was resident until November, 1S64, then 
bought 80 acres on sec. 6, Austin Tp., to which he 
has since added, by purchase, 40 acres more, and is 
now the proprietor of a valuable farm of 120 acres 
of finely improved land. 

Mr. McCamley was married Dec. 4, 1850, to 
Martha S., daughter of John and Emma (Woodward) 
Fish, respectively of Welsh and English descent, 
who was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., Sept. i, 1832, 
and came to Michigan wlien but five years old. Of 
this marriage six children have been born, Delisle, 
Jan. 18, 1856; Alice R., June 4, 1858; Flora M., 
May 31, i860; Mary J., March 30, 1862 ; Wm. B., 
July 9, 1864; Lou. A., Sept. 12, 1873. Mr. McCam- 
ley is a Democrat in politics, and has held the post of 
Township Treasurer two terms. 



elson Higbee, farmer and lumberman, resi- 
dent on section 9, Deerfield Tp., was born 
^ |*s^ ^ in Broome Co., N. Y., Dec. i, 1825. He 
'^ ^^ is a son of Loring and Mary (Roberts) Higbee, 
jG the former a native of Massachusetts, the latter 
of Connecticut. The paternal grandfather of Mr. 
Higl)ee settled in Broome County, in 1796, when his 
son Loring wasonly a boy. The father of Mr. Higbee 
died in 1862; the mother is living on the home- 
stead with a younger son, and has attained the vener- 
able age of 91 years. 

Mr. Higbee received a fair education at the public 
schools and finished study with a partial academic 
course. He passed the years of his minority in the 





home of his parents, and on reaching man's estate 
he went to Tioga County, where he was occupied with 
farming and lumbering three years. In [853 he 
came to Michigan and located in Croton, Newaygo 
Co., devoting his attention to tlie same pursuits. He 
bought there 300 acres of land and placed 200 acres 
of the tract under fine improvements; he also erected 
a number of buildings in Croton and exerted all liis 
iiitluence toward tlie substantial progress of the place. 
Meanwhile.in the year 1865, he purchased of John 
AV. Forbes, John W. P>rooks and Robert S. Watson, 
of Boston, Mass., 1,700 acres of i)ine land in Deer- 
field Tp., for which he paid ten dollars an acre. The 
advance in value has swelled the estate (numerically) 
to a comparatively enormous amount. Without de- 
tails of purchase the following statement exhibits his 
estate in Deerfield, aggregating 4,080 acres, sectionally 
located as follows : 



On sci-linii 



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. 10 


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9.. 


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14. 


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11; 40 •' 

17 12() •' 

20 240 •• 

21 ICO " 

2-2....:i20 •• 

•2(;.... 40 " 

27....1G0 •• 

30.... 200 •' 



Aside from his lands in the township of Deerfield, 
Mr. Higbee owns, in company with others, 15,000 
acres of land. He also owns 300 acres of valuable 
land adjoining the city of tJrand Rapids. He has 
owned at different periods 5,000 acres in /Ktna Tp. 
alone. His home farm (so called), on which he lo- 
cated in 1878, includes 720 acres, with 500 under 
advanced improvement. He keeps 15 horses, 10 
oxen and 15 cows to supply the wants of his estate 
and employees, and even these are inadequate to the 
necessities of the case. He cures five tons of pork 
annually, raises 1,500 bushels of onions, 2,000 of 
corn, 1,200 of wheat, 2,000 of oats, 2,000 of [wtatoes 
cuts 150 tons of hay and has a flock of sheei). 

In 1873, in company with A. B. W'atson, of drand 
Rapids, Mr. Higbee built a dam on his property in 
Deerfield. He bought the claim of Mr. Watson soon 
after and in company with William Hugh, Sr., built 
the mill they are now managing, and connnenceil the 
manufacture of lumber and lath and added pl.niing 
works to the mill facilities. 

Mr. Higbee was married in 1849 to Catherine A., 



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daughter of Joiiatlian and Phebe (Hoagland) 
Truesdell. The latter venerable personages, aged re- 
spectively 86 and 85 years, reside with and are the 
special care of their son-in-law. The daughter and 
wife died July 7, 18S3. Mr. Higbee is a Republican 
in ])olitical sentiment. Mr. and Mrs. Higbee's por- 
traits are given in this work. 



a^ eo. M. Gottshall, of the lirm of Cannon & 

Gottshall, Big Rapids, was born at Canton, 

^ Ohio, June i, 1845. His parents, Daniel 





and Rebecca (Martin) Gottshall, were of Ger- 
man lineage; the father was born in West- 
moreland, Pa., June 12, 1803, and mother, in 
i8i5,in Lancaster, Pa. Mr. Gottshall learned the 
printer's trade when a mere boy, but abandoned the 
craft temporarily to contribute his part toward his 
country's defense. His father was instrumental in 
raising a cavalry company and was put in command 
of Company K, 3d Ohio Cavalry, in which Mr. Gott- 
shall enlisted, though but 16 years of age. Capt. 
Gottshall contracted camp diarrhea and was sent 
home to recuperate, but died June 18, 1862. The 
mother still survives and resides at Canton. Mr. 
Gottshall was in action at Chickamauga, Stone River, 
Kenesaw Mountain and at the siege of Atlanta un- 
der Sherman; was with Kilpatrick on his raid in 
Georgia, and at the battles of Jonesboro, Ga., Frank- 
lin and Nashville, Tenn. His period of enlistment 
expired in Sept., 1864, but his command was net 
mustered out until Dec. 30 of that year. He re- 
turned to Canton and again enlisted in Company D, 
2d Ohio Cavalry, Capt. H. C. Pike. This regiment 
was in Custer's Brigade at Five Forks, Va., which 
intercepted Lee and compelled him to place himself 
beyond the Appomattox previous to his final surren- 
der. At the close of the war the regiment was sent 
into Southwestern Missouri and the Indian Territory, 
and was mustered out in September, 1865, at St. 
Louis, Mo. Previous to the engagement at Stone 
River Mr. Gottshall was promoted as Corporal. At 
the battle of Chickamauga and also at the crossing 
of Elk river near Deckert Station, he received slight 
gunshot wounds, but throughout the entire period of 
his army life he was not seriously injured or ill. j 
Daniel H. Gottshall, a lirother, enlisted in Company | 
F, 4th Ohio Vol. Inf., and Martin V. B. Gottshall, i 




another brother, in Company B, 43d Ohio \o\. Inf., 
both of whom served their time of enlistment safely. 

Mr. Gottshall returned to Canton and resumed the 
printer's business, himself and brother, M. V. B., 
starting a weekly paper — '//le National Dciiwcral. 
After two year's successful prosecution of this enters 
prise he sold to his brother and engaged with E. Ball 
& Co., manufactures of agricultural machinery, op- 
erating alternately in the office and shop as contrac- 
tor. He continued until 1869, when he went to Fort 
Wayne, Ind., in the capacity of book-keeper with a 
furniture house. After a year he entered the employ 
of a lumber company — Beaver, Miller & Co., — where 
he acted as accountant, general manager, salesman, 
etc., remaining five years. He came to Big Rapids 
in 1876 and in company with B. A. Webster estab- 
lished himself as a lumber dealer, the firm adopting 
the name of Gottshall & Webster. This relation was 
dissolved at the end of three years, when Mr. Gottshall 
accepted an engagement with F. Fairman as travel- 
ing salesman, selling lumber, etc. He afterward 
went into the office of Mr. Fairman 's manufacturing 
establishment known as the Big Rapids I:on Works 
and officiated as manager and book-keeper. In Oct., 
1882, Mr. Edwin Cannon and himself bought the Iron 
Works which they have since continued to operate, con- 
structing all machinery necessary to the manufacture 
of lumber and shingles. They own the building and 
site (315 X 195 feet) and have all the best facilities for 
making light or heavy work, from simple bolts to com- 
l)licated engines. Their products sell in the lumber 
districts of Michigan, Wisconsin, Minnesota and 
even Texas. 

Mr.Gottshall was married at Canton, May 23, 
1868., to Frances A., daughter of John E. :,nd Maria 
T. (Rodgers) Whitney, who was born Dec. 9, T849, 
at Cazenovia, N. Y. Edith A., their only child, was 
born at Fort Wayne, Ind., Dec. 7, 1870. 



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eo A. Boof, dealer in boots and shoes, at 
Big Rapids, was born at Plessis, Jefferson 
"T^l^S^ Co., N. Y., Sept. 19, 1852. His parents, 
^^W^ Daniel and Elizabeth (Shaver) Roof, came to 
Big Rapids in August, 1871. Mr. Roof re- 
ceived his business training under the personal 
supervision of his father, who was a boot and shoe 



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269 




dealer and manufacturer in Jefferson County, and 
founded the same business at Big Rai)ids. He built 
the structure on Michigan avenue, row occupied by 
T. D. Mulbury. In July, 1S73, Mr. Roof entered 
into partnership with his father, an association which 
proved successful, as their business included a con- 
siderable jobbing trade. Jan. i, 1879, he Ijecanie sole 
owner by purchasing his Cither's interest. The lat- 
ter died Feb. 13, 1880. In June, 1883, Mr. Roof 
r.ioved the building he occupied to Maple street, 
and then proceeded to the erection of the "Roof 
Block," one of the finest in the city. It is i)uilt of 
brick, 50 .\ 100 feet in size, with tliree stories above 
the basement. 

Mr. Roof was married at Ottawa, Can., Jan. 12, 
1874, to Laura McT-aughlin, wlio died May 10, 1875, 
leaving an infant, Charlie 1)., born at 15ig Rapids, 
April 28, 1875. Mr. Roof entered into a second 
matrimonial alliance Nov. 20, 1876, with Mattie \., 
daughter of Jonas and Mary A. Crouse, who was 
born Nov. 20, 1857. Tliey have two sons, J. Fred, 
born at Big Rapids, Aug. 26, 188 1, and an infant not 
yet named. Mr. Roof is a member of the Royal 
Arcanum, Council, No. 174. He owns a fine residence, 
which he built in 1882. 



li W. Foglesang, farmer, sec. 13, Millbrouk 
Tp., was born in Ohio, March 19, 1842. 
His parents, Eli and Mary (Shoup) Fogle- 
sang, were born respectively in Ohio and Penn- 
sylvania. In t86i he came to St. Joseph Co., 
Mich., where he worked one year on a farm. 
In the following year he came to Clinton County and 
enlisted in the war of the Rebellion, enrolling Aug. 
5, 1862, in the 23d Regiment Michigan Vol. Inf,and 
served until July, 1865, when he received honorable 
discharge. Among other engagements in which he 
took part were the siege of Knoxville, Duck River, 
Columbia, Franklin, Nashville and siege of Atlanta. 
His regiment was for a time attached to Sher- 
man's command, and detached to join the corps de- 
tailed to follow up the retreat of Hood's army. After 
being mustered out of the United States service he 
came to Bay City, Mich., and worked for a short time 
in a shingle mill, going thence to Clinton County, 
,where he was resident about three vears. In the 



spring of 1869 he bought 200 acres of unimproved 
land in Millbrook Tp. Of this tract 160 acres have 
passed from his proi)rietorship: the remaining 40 is 
now his homestead and is practically all under culti- 
vation. 

He was married in Hay Co., Mich., Aug. 23, 1868, 
to Mary, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. (Johnson) 
Hested, who was born in Washtenaw Co., Mich. 
Mr. and Mrs. Foglesang have had two children: 
Cora 15., born May 10, 1870, and Lewis W., May 14, 
1 87 2. In politics Mr. F'oglesang is a Republican 
and has held several township offices at various 
periods. 



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^y-^,jifl! illiam A. Bell, farmer on sec. 12, JVXwx 
M»Mi" ' ''■' '^ ^ native of Canada, and is a son of 
_ 4?. John A. and Margaret (Johnson) Bell. 
*"G^P He remained with his parents until he was 
•4'Cr. ^^ years of age, acquiring his education and 
fitting himself for the vocation of farmer. At 
that age he bought 80 acres of land, under par- 
tial improvements, where he now resides and on 
which he has recently built a fine barn Sixty acres 
of his land are cultivated. He is a Republican in 
princi|)le and action, and himself and family attend 
the M. E. Church. 

He was married at Grand Rapids, July 6, 1S74, to 
F.dna J., daughter of Edmund and Mary (House) 
Groom, and their children are Alverla M., born Dec. 
^3) '877. and Ray I!., born Sept. 8, 1879. 






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Ijp^^ijbel C. Osborne, proi)rietor of the Palace 
> jS^j| '( Barber Shop at Big Rapids, was born at 
IIJS""'' (-"•'»''-'"ov':% N. Y., June 3, 1841. He is a 
•ajk?^ son of Thomas E. and Salome (Hanks) Os- 
borne, and was sent to school in his native (^ 
place until he was 16 years old. His first f 
occupation of any imixjrtance was in the capacity of ,?. 
page to the Sergeant-at-.\rms of the New York ;f 
.\ssembly, at the State Capitol at Albany, N. Y. At H/ 
the age of 18 he began to prepare for his vocation by ^^ 
obtaining a iwsition in a barbershop at Oswego, N. Y. \J 
In the fall of 1863 he went to Toledo, Ohio, and J^,-,, 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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established himself in business, remaining about two 
years. He then went to Fulton, N. Y., where he 
again embarked in business and operated until 1867. 
In this year he made his first essay in his calling at 
Big Rapids, associated with George Jones. In iS6g 
he went back to Fulton, N. Y., and remained 
two years, when he returned to Big Rapids again 
and purchased an interest in the business owned 
by B. F. Brazee. They sold out to J. E. Lalone, and 
Mr. Osborne entered the employ of L. T. Loveless, 
engaging a year later with Langsworth & Van Haun. 
After six months he purchased the claim of the senior 
member of the firm, and after another six months he 
became sole proprietor by buying out Mr. Van Haun. 

He opened the Palace shop in December, 1881, 

and the establishment is acknowledged to be the 

finest in the Peninsular State. He employs two 

assistants, and owns another shop in a different 

locality under the management of William Disley and 

one assistant. In cohnection with his shop he has 

a fine set of bath rooms which, with his operating 

«, are fitted with the best of modern fixtures. 

- assistants are skilled in their business, and his 

'>lishment is deservedly famous throughout 

Michigan. 

Mr. Osborne was married in Oswego, N. Y., June 
21, 1865, to Sarah E., daughter of Stephen and 
Mary Hare, born April 7, 1850, in Pictou, Canada, 
t'layton, the eldest child, was born in Toledo, Ohio, 
June 6, 1S66, and is now a messenger in the employ 
of the W. U. Telegraph Co. Minnie was born Oct. 
II, 1869, at Big Rapids. 

Mr. Osborne belongs to the I. O. O. F., and has 
held the offices of Past Grand, and of P. C. P. 

eorge W. Green, lumberman, resident at 
!ig kiipids, was born at Amity, Allegany 
"* Co., N. Y., Dec. 31, 1834, son of William 
D. and Anna (Belden) (ireen. His father was 
a farmer and lumberman, and he was early put 
in training for the same occupation, upon 
which he entered at 17 years of age. The business 
career of Mr. Green represents in miniature the liis- 
tory of Mecosta County, whither he came in 1855- 
Tlie township of Green permanently and fitly com- 
memorates tiie family name, Mr. Green, with iiis 




father and brother Andrew, being among the earliest 
settlers within its limits, and the founder of a con- 
siderable proportion of " first things " there, as they 
were the heaviest land-holders at that period. They 
located about 1,400 acres of land and entered zeal- 
ously upon the work of clearing and prosecuting 
their lumber interests. Mr. Green was associated 
with his brother Andrew in the lumber trade and in 
farming about 12 years. They bought large tracts of 
pine land, in Clare County, principally; emiiloyed 
many men, and put logs in the river, which were 
sold afterward, as is the custom in this section. Mr. 
Green, of this sketch, built the first frame house and 
barn in the township of Green. The former was 
erected on sec. 9, in. 1857, the latter on sec. 4, in 
1859. The residence was the first frame dwelling in 
Mecosta County. At the time of his arrival, there 
was but one-half of an acre of ground cleared where 
Big Rapids now stands, whereon was located a small 
hut owned and occupied by Zerah French, the only 
inhabitant living there at the time they located their 
lands. Mr. Green and his brother were often 
obliged to carry some part of their provisions long 
distances on their backs. 

In 1872, associated with his brother — Lewis H. 
Green — he bought a saw-mill on the river in Big 
Rapids, at the foot of Hemlock street. The follow- 
ing year they sold out, and each proceeded to Iniild 
a mill on his own responsibility. Lewis H. erected a 
lumber mill on the north side of Mitchell Creek, and 
Mr. Green of this sketch built a shingle mill on the 
south side of the same stream, which he sold in 
June, 1875, to S. H. Gray iS; Co. He continued to 
put in logs up the river, and in 1877 engaged with 
Bailey & Hardy in the meat business at Big Rapids. 
This relation closed at the end of a year, and Mr. 
Green went to the Black Hills, where he engaged in 
lumbering and mining until 1881, meeting with 
satisfactory success. 

The death of his wife recalled him to l!ig Rapids 
and he resumed the lumber trade. In 1882 he 
bought a saw-mill in the village of Mecosta, which 
he sold in June of the following year. He still owns 
and manages a lumberyard there and, in company 
with D. F. Glidden, is engaged in the lumber busi- 
ness. His property at Big Rapids consists of a fine 
residence, and two lots on the corner of Elm and 
Ives avenues; a residence and lot adjoining on the 
north; a store on the north side of Michigan avenue. 



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about 5,000 acres of stump land in Clare, Missaukee 
^K and Osceola Counties; and 160 acres of farming 
't- land in Dakota. 

I Mr. Green was married March 27, 1S62, in (Ireen 
A. Tp., to Mary A., daughter of Tliomas and Nicholas 
(Stott) Shaw, and a native of Lx)ndon, Eng. Three chil- 
dren were l)orn of this union: Lola M. B., Grace G., 
and George W. The mother died at Big Rapids, 
May II, 1881. Mr. Green was again married, Oct. 
17, 1S82, at East Dennis, Mass., to I'.llcn M , 
daughter of Stillman Kelley. He is a mcnilicr of 
the City Council of Big Rapids, of which position lie 
was the incumbent in 1877-78. He has served ten 
years as Dejiuty County Surveyor, and was Deputy 
under the first County Clerk, Ojrin Stevens, elected 
at the organization of Mecosta County, which posi- 
tion he filled two years. While a resident of Green 
Tp. he was Justice of the Peace four years, was 
Deputy Township Clerk a number of years, and has 
served at Big Rapids as Deputy Sheriff under A. S, 
Mason. He is a member of the Blue I-odge, Ma- 
sonic Order, and is a Knight Templar. 



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jj.rSfi eo Losie, farmer, sec. 26, Deerfield Tp., 

I't is the son of John and I'^leanor (Waite) 

Losie. The father was a native of 

Canada, and the mother of New Brunswick. 

In 1861 the family removed to Port Huron> 

Mich., where the mother is still living. ller 

husband died in the summer of 1865. 

Mr. Ix)sie was born in Canada, June 18, 1828, and 
was resident there until 1863, in the winter of which 
year he settled in Mecosta County and "took up" 
40 acres of land in Deerfield Township. His log house 
home and laborious eflbrts in clearing the forest to 
make way for the support and advancement of him- 
self and family, though the same trite experience so 
often recounted, is no less the strong central (wint in 
his career because it has a counterpart in so many 
personal histories. 

Mr. Ix)sie was married in Canada, Nov. 8, 1853, to 
Esther, daughter of Ephraim and Sarah (Ros/ell) 
Burss, natives of Canada. They afterward settled in 
Allegan Co., Mich., where the father died. Her 
mother resides with a daughter, Mrs. Henry Mills, 
of Deerfield Tp. Of this marriage seven ciiildren 



have been born, recorded as follows : Asenath A., 
born April 15, 58; J5ertha A , July 17, '60; Lizanna 
A., Oct 29, '62; Elon A., March 16, '65; Earl J., 
May 7, '67 ; Sarah E., Sept. 21, '54 (died Aug 15, 58); 
John E., March 3, '56 (died Aug. 21, 58). The 
deaths occurred but si.x days apart. 

Mr. and Mrs. Losie are members of the Baptist 
Church, and in politics he is a Rei)ublican. 




W dwin Cannon, manufacturer at Big Rap- 
ids, is a native of England, and a son of 
Charles and Nancy (Matthews) Cannon. 
He was born in Buckinghamshire, Nov. 17, 1837. 
His father came to the United States in 1847, 
accompanied by his two sons, [George and Ed- 
win, the latter a lad of ten years. They went to 
Lenawee Co., Mich., where, two years later, Mr. 
Cannon (Sr.) bought 80 acres of land in a wild state. 
The wife and mother joined her family in Blissfield 
Tp., about this time, bringing with her the remaining 
< hildrcn, Jane and James. They experienced all the 
inconvcniencies of first settlers, but, api>reciative of 
their privileges under a popular government, went 
heartily to work to secure all the benefits accruing to 
them from independent citizenship. Their log cabin 
was humble and deficient in modern apjiliances, but 
it was their own, and the ])rivations of that ])eriotl 
are less in their memories than its charms and free- 
dom. Mrs. Nancy Cannon died in 1S79. At 19, 
Mr. Cannon went to Blissfield, Lenawee Co., to learn 
wagon-making, where he worked two years, and then 
engaged in agriculture four years. In 1862, in com- 
pany with Mark Cannon, a cousin, he bought a 
steam saw-mill, which they managed together about 
five years. The enterprise was jirosperous and Mr. 
Cannon sold his moiety to his partner and pro- 
ceeded to establish a new mill in the vicinity. Six 
months after its completion, he formed a jiartnership 
with James Tibbals and removed the mill and fix- 
tures to Hastings, Barry Co., Mich. This was about 
the year 1869, and the mill was utilized in sawing 
ties for the Grand River Valley R. R., then in proc- 
ess of construction. Afterward the mill did cus- 
tom work at Hastings until 1871, when a second 
transfer was made to Byers, of this county, and the 
power devoted to the same line of business. In the 



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winter of 1873 the firm took a contract to saw lum- 
ber for Charles Barstow, at Hungerford, and the mill 
was again removed. Mr. Cannon bought the inter- 
ests of Mr. Tibbals in the summer of i<S76, and 
(^. Aug. I, 1881, the mill was destroyed by fire, entail- 
ing a loss of $6,000. He came to Big Rapids soon 
after, and in partnership with Geo. M. Gotshall be- 
came i>roprietor by purchase of the manufacturing 
establishment of F. Fairman, and has since been 
engaged in constructing edgers, tram-cars, engines, 
and mill machinery generally. The annual transac- 
tions reach an aggregate value of $90,000. 

Mr. Cannon 'owns a half interest in 600 acres of 
land in Hungerford besides his residence, and eight 
city lots on S. State street at the west end of Oak 
street. • He was married at Mattawan, Van Buren 
Co., Mich., April 20, 1872, to Leavana, daughter of 
Levi Butler, a farmer and carpenter of Mattawan, 
who was born Nov. 21, 1845. Mr. Cannon is a mem- 
ber of the Order of Masonry. 






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1;^ ranklin C. Terrill, M. D., was born in 

Plymouth, Wayne Co., Mich., Aug. 3, 1849. 

/i\ He is the youngest son of Lyman and 

t Catherine (Clark) Terrill, and was reared on 
a farm to the age of 18. He attended the 
^ common district school until the age of 14, 
when he entered the high school at Northville and 
two years afterward entered the union school at Ann 
Arbor, Mich., where he pursued the English course. 

In the fall of 1869 he was chosen Principal of the 
union schools at Ovid, Mich., which position he held 
during tlie following year, when he went to Kansas 
and was elected to the same position in the schools 
at White Church. 

Dr. Terrill followed the calling of teacher, reading 
ad interim for his profession until 1875, when, owing 
to ill health, he abandoned it and returned to Ovid, 
Mich., where he embarked in the drug business with 
Geo. C. Beebe; this relation and business continued 
until the fall of 1877, when he entered the Depart- 
ment of Medicine and Surgery at Ann Arbor, Mich., 
completed the course of study prescribed, and was 
graduated June 26, 1879. He formed a partnership 
for the practice of his profession with Dr. J. W. Pat- 
tison at Millbrook, Mecosta Co., and there practiced 
until September, 1881. In that month he came to 




Big Rapids and established his business, which is now 

in a prosperous condition. 

Dr. Terrill is a member of the Union Medical 
Society of Northern Michigan, and was elected first 
Vice-President on its organization. He belongs to 
the fraternity of Odd Fellows. In 1872, while resi- 
dent at White Church, Kan., he connected himself 
with the Order of Masonry, joining Delaware Lodge, 
No. 96; he was made Senior Warden in 1872-3, and 
was elected Master of his Lodge Dec. 29, 1874, 
serving one year. 

Lyman Terrill was born March 13, 1802, in On- 
tario Co., N. v., and came to Plymouth, Wayne Co., 
Mich., where he was a prominent jjioneer. He set- 
tled on a farm, which he put under first-class im- 
provements and continued to reside there until his 
death, April 13, 1877. Mrs. Terrill, his wife, was 
born in Wyoming Co., N. Y., Dec. 13, 1810. Her 
marriage to Mr. Terrill occurred Dec 13, 1880, at 
Ann Arbor, Mich. Of seven children born to them 
six are now living, viz: Charles C. is an architect 
in California ; was a member of the Legislature of 
the Golden State for three successive terms ; Nancy 
resides at Ovid; Martha C. is the wife of Chas. M. 
Morrison, a farmer at Ovid, Clinton Co., Mich.; 
Jared D. is Chief Clerk in the Indian Bureau at 
Washington, D. C, which position he has occupied 
for 18 years. Francis G. is a farmer on the home- 
stead at Plymouth; Hobert H. is deceased. The 
mother died at Plymouth, Jan. 11, 1863. 



'.igH^9 enry D. Brown, Postmaster at Millbrook, 

was born in New York, Aug. 23, 1829. He 

is a son of Elijah and Abigail (Strong) 

yfv^ Brown, the former a native of Massachusetts, 

4v the latter of New York. They were married 

I in the State of New York and there passed 

their entire lives, the father dying at the age of 82 

years; the mother died in 1832. Mr. Brown was 

nearly 25 years of age when he took a final leave of 

his childhood's home. A brief visit to Wisconsin in 

earlier years had given him a favorable impression of 

that State, and on leaving home he made his way 

thither and remained three years, being a i)art of the 

time in the employ of his brother as clerk. In 1857 

he returned to New York, and during the ne.xt two 

years carried on the grocery trade in his own inter- 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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273 



ests. He disix>sed of his business, and in the fall of 
859 came to Michigan and located in Uranch 
County, buying a farm and there operating two years. 
He again sold out and removed to St. Joseph County, 
where he rented a farm and worked a few months. 
The continuous calls for men to aid in crushing the 
Southern rebellion awakened his patriotism, and he 
enlisted in the 17 th Michigan Vol. Inf, and served 
until the close of the war, receiving an honorable dis- 
charge at Detroit. Among the most memorable ac- 
tions in which he participated were the battles at 
Jackson, Miss., Knoxville, Tenn., battle of the Wil- 
derness and Spotlsylvania Court House. At the last 
named his regiment was nearly cut to pieces, the sur- 
vivors being few. .After tliis he was on detached ser- 
vice until the close of the war. After his discharge 
in 1865 he came to Mecosta County and settled in 
Wheatland Tp., where he bought a farm and oper- 
ated until 1878. He sold his place in that year and 
came to the village of Millbrook to live In the fall 
of 1879 lie received his appointment as Postmaster 
from President Hayes, and has since occupied the 
position. While a resident of Wiieatland he held 
the office of Township Clerk several times, besides 
other minor offices. In politics he is a Republican. 

Mr. 15rown was married in New York, to Mary E., 
daughter of Chauncey and Lorenna Hrown. Their 
\ only child died in infancy. The mother died Jan. 
3, 1853. Mr. Brown was married in 1865 to Cassie, 
only daughter of John D. and Margaret (Hopkins) 
(."lemment, and they have two children, Charlie D. 
and Lottie C. 



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rederick W. Joslin, merchant tailor, clotli- 

ier and hatter, Hig Rapids, is a son of Will- 

■yj^&'^j-- iam and Cynthia (Crecnwood) Joslin, and 

^'(fe was born in Hubbardston, Worcester Co., Mass., 

3i^^ May 25, 1845. He was reared on a farm and 

J received the education of a farmer's son until 



he was 17 years old, when he entered the Military 
.Academy at Leicester, Mass., and remained one and 
a half years. He then came West to Fort Wayne, 
Ind., and entered the employ of Messrs. Woodward, 
Young & Co., clothiers, as clerk. In 1870 he formed 
_ ^ a jiartnership with N. B. Young. This relation e.\- 
ni) isted nearly two years, when it was dissolved, and 
>^ Mr. Joslin came to Hig Rapids in 1872. Here he 



associated himself wi>h W. C. Peters in the clothing 
trade, and the firm transacted a prosperous bus- 
iness until November, 1878, when he became sole 
proi>rietor by purchase, and has since conducted his 
business alone. He carries a stock of §25,000 
value, consisting of a full line of cloaking, gentle- 
men's furnishing goods and lumbermen's wear. 
In the spring of 1882 he added merchant tailoring, 
and is doing a good business in that de|)artment. 

Mr. Joslin was married at Fort Wayne, Feb. 16, 
1 87 I, to Etta K., daughter of Isaac and Kate (Bow- 
man) Beckley, who was born Feb. 23, 1847, near 
Harrisl)\irg, Pa. They have two sons, Frederick W. 
and Roy G., the former i)orn at Fort Wayne, April 
3, 1873, the latter at Big Rapids, June 9, 1878. 

Mr. Joslin's place of business is situated on the 
cornerof Michigan avenue and Maple street, fronting 
on lioth. He owns his residence and two lots, on 
the c urner of Stewart avenue and Linden street. 




D. Moody, liveryman at Big Rapids, was 
born in Medina Co., Ohio, Feb. 25, 1844, 
■? and is a son of Daniel and Sophia (Rogers) 
p Moody. He was reared on a farm and 
came with his parents to CJrand Rapids in 
1852. In 1856 his father bought 320 acres ol 
land in .\lpine Tp., Kent Co. Mr. Moody 
enlisted, when 18 years of age, in the army, enrolling 
Aug. 12, 1862, in Co. E, Second Mich. Cav., under 
Capt. Nicholson. He went into the service as a pri- 
vate, and during his period of enlistment passed the 
various promotions to that of Sergeant He was in 
the battles of Perryville, Carter's raid in East Ten- 
nessee, Chickamauga, through the Georgia campaign 
under Sherman, at Franklin, Nashville, Wilson's 
cavalry raid, siege of Tuscaloosa, and was captured 
by the rebels at Taladego. .\s the war was practi- 
cally at an end, he was held but three days, and was 
discharged from the service in June, 1865. His 
father enlisted in the same regiment, and was killed 
at his side by a cannon shot in a skirmish near Ix)uis- 
ville, Ky., Oct. i, 1862. Mr. Moody returned to 
Kent County at the close of the war, and engaged in 
farming. In 1873 he abandoned agriculture and en- 
gaged as traveling salesman for W. C. Dennison, 
manufacturer and dealer in agricultural implements. 
In December of the same year he came to Big Rajv 



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274 



MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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ids and opened a livery barn, connecting there with 
an omnibus line. He moved to his present location 
in July, 1882, where he has as fine an establishment 
as can be found in Northern Michigan. He keeps 
about 40 horses, and connects sales and board with 
his regular livery business. In June, 1883, he sold 
out his omnibus line. On opening his l)usiness at 
Big Rapids he was associated first with L. .S. Scranton, 
of Grand Rapids, this relation existing until March 26, 
1881, when John Moore was admitted to a partner- 
ship. Mr. Moody bought his interest April i, 1883, 
and is now operating alone. He sold his farm in 
Kent County, in Feb., 1882. The building he occu- 
pies is situated on a lot 115 feet face, by 160 feet 
deep, connected with a lot in the rear, 150 x 150 
feet, whereon is located a barn. The building has a 
fine brick front and makes a creditable apjiearance, at 
the foot of Maple avenue. Mr. Moody owns his res- 
idence and several vacant lots at various jioints in 
the city. 

He was married Dec. 25, 1865, to Izora, daughter 
of John and Jane Coffee, a native of Alpine Tp., 
Kent Co., born Nov. 27, 1847. Two children were 
born of this marriage — Daniel B. and Geo. F., de- 
ceased. The mother died at Big Rapids, Feb. 22, 
1876. Mr. Moody was again married, in .Alpine, 
Sept. 20, 1878, to Viola Coffee, a sister of his first 
wife, Ijorn in Alpine and died Jan. 10, 1881, at Big 
Rapids. Feb. 25, 1883, Mr. Moody was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Currie. 



christian Johnson, farmer, sec. 36, Wheat- 
L|^g^' land Tp., was born in Germany, Dec. 30, 
^^ 1835. He is a son of Josejjh and Rachel 



pfe (Miller) Johnson, natives ot Germany, who 
nlv? came to the United States in 1839, and set- 



tled in Jefferson Co., Wis. Mr. Johnson was 
married June 25, 186 1, to Rachel, daughter of Fred 
and Laura (Boarland) Miller, natives of Germany, 
who was born in Wittenburg, Germany, March 15, 
1842. She came to Wisconsin with her mother when 
she was 20 years of age, and there lived until her 
marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson remained in Jeffer- 
son County until the fall of 1875, when they came 
to Michigan. Mr. Johnson bought 80 acres of land 
in the Township of Wheatland, on which he has 



made many improvements. He is in sympathy with 
the Republican party and acts in accordance with 
their principles. Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have had 
nine children, viz : Sophia, born March 15, 1864; 
Henry, Aug. 17, 1867; Christian, born in 1870, died 
in early infancy; Lewis, March 14, 1872; Ida, born 
Dec. 26, 1873, died June 23, 1874; Alice, Aug. 28, 
1875; Otto, Jan. 30, 1876; Irwin, .Sept. 25, 1879; 
Frankie, July 20, 1883. The family attend the Lu- 
theran Church. 



ji^ark Munn, farmer, sec. 23, Wheatland Tp., 

(S is the son of Henry and Jane (Snyder) 

liiS'"'^ Munn, natives of Pennsylvania and of 

-^ Scotch and German descent. 




'iCf'd 



He was born in 
.yi'V. Bradford Co., Pa., Sept. 12, 1857 ; received'his 
'' education chiefly in the common schools of his 
native county, and resided there until he was of age, 
when he came to Michigan. In 187S, he settled in 
the township of Mill brook, where he worked on dif- 
ferent farms for two years. In 1880 he went to 
Isabella County, and was employed on the farm of 
William Broomfield. (See sketch.) He was married 
Dec. 23, 1 88 1, to Ida B., daughter of William and 
Ellen (McLin) Broomfield. Mrs Munn was born in 
Canada, March i, 1861. Her parents came to Isa- 
bella County when she was an infant. 

After marriage Mr. and Mrs. Munn located on a 
farm in Wheatland Tp., containing 160 acres belong- 
ing to Mr. Broomfield, which they arc conducting 
with prudence and profit. They have one child — 
William H. — born Nov. 26, 1882. Mr. Munn is a 
Democrat. 



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"eonard Hyatt, farmer, sec. 26, Green Tp.,^ 
was born in Allegany Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 
1829. His parents, James and Martha 
(Smalley) Hyatt, were natives of the State of 
New York, and located in 1832, near Lodi 
Washtenaw Co., Mich. 

Mr. Hyatt grew to manhood in the manner 
conmion to the sons of farmers, being trained to 
lionest, thrifty habits, and acquiring a fair elementary 
education at the district schools. He was married in 




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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



1856 to Catherine Gallady, born May 23, 1839,111 
Stark Co., Ohio. In 1858 he entered a claim of 80 
acres of land, and proceeded vigorously with the 
work of cultivation and iini>rovcinent. 
(%. Children : Marion M., James E., Walter L., and 
Martha B. Ida May and Alice are deceased. 



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'RBB(?atrick Erikson, of the firm of Erikson & 
Iwd''*' Hoehn, proprietors of the Big Rapids City 
\^^-%- l^rewery, was horn in Sweden, Feb. 14, 1848. 
'K-0< He is a son of Cliistopher and .\nna (Peterson) 
^K Erikson, and in his native country followed the 
'r calling of a drover. He came to America in 
1872, and proceeded at once to 15ig Rapids, where 
lie settled and commenced to work on the railroad ; 
he afterward contracted to build grades. In 1S73 
he took a contract to lay the water pipes in the city, 
and in August of that year lie opened a saloon near 
his present location. In 1S75 he associated himself 
with Fred. Hoehn and built a brewery, where from 
the outset they have done a prosperous business, and 
contemplate an extension of their facilities. Mr. 
Erikson was married at Big Rai)ids, June 20, 1875,(0 
.\nna Shaw, a native of Sweden. They have two 
children, Nellie E. and .Anna. Mr. Erikson was 
elected member of the City Council in 1877, and 
filled the position four years. He operates to some 
extent in real estate. We give Mr. Erikson's por- 
trait upon the opposite i>age in this volume. 

&ohn S. Evans, dealer in musical merchandise 

T«Sfl - '^' "^'^ Rapids, was born at Ale.xandria Cen- 

wC:."4' '<^fi Jefferson Co., N. Y., July 19, 1835. His 

Jlp* parents, Columbus and Friendly (Fisher) Evans, 

«p are still living in Jefferson County, aged respect- 

(!^ ively 89 and 87 years. Both are natives of 

New Hampshire and of Welsh ancestry. .\t 

15, Mr. Evans left the farm to learn the trade of 

carpenter, in which line of employment he was 

chiefly occupied for five years. At the age of 27 he 

enlisted as a soldier of the civil war, enrolling at his 

native place, .Vug. 6, 1862, in Co. F, Tenth N. Y. 




Artillery, under Capt. J. S. Vanderberg. He entered 
the service as a private, and during the period of his 

enlistment was in 64 engagements; among them were 
Winchester, Petersburg, Bermuda Hundred on the 
James River, and at the capture of Richmond. In 
the last he was, throughout the action, involved in 
hand to hand encounters with the rebels. His regi- 
ment suffered severely in all the battles in which it 
participated, necessitating frequent recruiting. Mr. 
Evans had charge of one of these expeditions. His 
command was also engageil in the battles of the 
Shenandoah, at Newmarket and Cedar Creek, under 
Sherman, and was mustered out June 25, 1865, at 
Petersburg, Va., after three years of almost unremit- 
ted warfare. After the engagement at Winchester, 
Mr. Evans was promoted to the rank of Second 
Lieutenant. 

He returned to Jefferson County and entereil the 
employ of Butler & Co., hardware merchants, of 
Utica, N. Y, as traveling salesman, acting in that 
capacity two years. In the fall of 1865 he settled at 
Big Rapids and commenced dealing in furniture. 
He conducted tne business about four years, traffick- 
ing meanwhile in real estate to some extent. The 
crash of 1873 produced considerable stringency in 
his affairs, and shrinkage of values involved him in a 
loss of several thousand dollars. He sold his busi- 
ness in 1874 and began to read for the profession of 
law in the office of Frank Dumon. In 1877 he was 
admitted to practice, opened an office at Big Rapids, 
and, in connection with his legal operations, trans- 
acted the branch of professional business styled 
"Soldiers' Additional Homesteads." In 1881 he 
made an entire transfer of his projects and interests 
and opened trade in |>ianos, organs and all varieties 
of musical merchandise. He deals ni the pianos of 
Henry F. Miller, Harper, Chase, McPhail, Decker 
Bros., and Mathushek, and is agent for the Ithaca, 
New Era, Wesiern and Chicago Cottage Organs, etc. 
His l)usiness was small at first, averaging two musi- 
cal instruments monthly, and at jiresent (1883) 
amounts to $30,000 annually. He has established a 
branch store at Muskegon, Reed City, Cadillac, 
Manistee and Chase, and employs eight traveling 
salesmen. For variety he sometimes engages in a 
law case, but in no sense follows the profes sion as 
a business. 



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Mr. Evans was married March 4, 185S, to I'liilinda 



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S., daughter of Parley and Submit Brown, of Alex- 
andria, N. v., a native of Orleans, Jefferson Co., 
same State. Her father was a Baptist clergyman 
and an old resident of Jefferson County. George B., 
oldest son of Mr. and Mrs. Evans, is married and 
engaged in real-estate brokerage, and is a resident at 
St. Paul ; Corielle P., also married, is employed in 
the counting room of J. Cummer & Son, of Cadillac, 
Mich.; Nora S., only daughter, is a popular teacher 
in Mecosta County. 



^^f esse Williams, farmer, sec. 23, Green Tp., 
v_ was born Sept. 9, 1836, and is a son of 
% Lyman and Lucinda (Boyden) Williams. 
\fy His father died when he was but 12 years of 
age, and when he was 16 his mother died. 
From that time until manhood, his fate was 
that of those who are left to tlie cold charities of the 
wodd. He did the best he could for himself without 
guidance or care. He obtained a fair educaton, and 
was compelled to work most of the time to secure 
himself from want. He was usually employed 
as a farm assistant, and worked, as he found oppor- 
tunity, at the carpenter's trade. 

Mr. Williams was married in 1863 to Ruth E., 
daughter of Joseph L. and Johanna I. Dickerson. 
In 1865 they became residents of Mecosta County, 
Mr. Williams buying a claim of 80 acres of land, of 
which 65 are in tillage. 

Mr. and Mrs. Williams have five children: Ida I., 
L. 1)., Capitola, (ieorge and Clarence. Mr. Wil- 
liams is a Democrat. 



.s^^SFaron S. Clement, farmer, sec. 26, Wheat- 
WAW jan^ '^Yi was born in Cayuga Co., N. V. 
His parents, John D. and 



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^ Dec. 6, 1817. 
"4}^ Betsey E. (Dilch) Clement, were natives re- 
|3^ spectively of New York and New Jersey, and 
j died when Aaron was but 14 years old. 
Tiirown thus early upon his own resources, his o])- 
portunities for education were limited, his energies 
being directed chiefly to the labor wiiich earned for 
him the necessaries of his existence. He was indus- 
trious and of good habits, and readily found work in 



the section where he was born until he had entered 
inan's estate. In the autumn of 1839 he came to St 
Joseph Co., Mich., where he entered upon the career 
of a farmer. He was married July 25, 1841, to 
Sarah C, daughter of Isaac and Persis (Wayne) Wat- 
kins, natives of Massachusetts, and soon after their 
marriage went to Naples, Ontario Co., N. Y., where 
the daughter was born Dec. 3, 1820. Mr. Clement 
rented a farm in St. Joseph County for a period of 25 
years, and in the fall of 1866 removed his family to 
Wheatland Tp., Mecosta Co. They located on 160 
acres of land, one-half of which has been placed un- 
der good tillage. 

Mr. Clement is a Republican, but not an aspirant 
for official notoriety, having always persistently de- 
clined election to any position. He is a membcv of 
the Masonic fraternity. Children: Eliza Jane, born 
Nov. 2, 1842, diedAjiril 11, 1843; Mary J., April 20, 
1844; Amine P., July 29, 1846; Viralda M., Dec. 
28, 184S; Sarah E., Jan. 5, 1852; Lyda R., July 8, 
1862. 




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enjamin F. Powers, farmer on sec. 28, 
j; Austin Tp , was born near Montreal, May 






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'%'^'i 7, 1817. He is a son of William and 
§» Elizabeth (Cutter) Powers, natives of Ver- 
mont, who were pioneers of Canada, remov- 
ing to the Dominion soon after their marriage. 
Mr. Powers received a fair common-school educa- 
tion, and at 20 years of age left h's native county 
and went to London, Ont., where he was a farm 
laborer until 1849. In that year he came to wliat is 
now Newaygo Co., then unorganized. When its 
municipal condition was made self-sustaining by or- 
ganization according to law, Mr. Powers was one of 
the organizing Board. When Mr. Powers first be- 
came a resident of Croton Co. (now Newaygo) there 
was no habitation nearer than 25 miles. He exerted 
all his energies and influence for the advantage and 
and prosperity of tlie people. In 1869 he removed 
to Austin Tp., this county, and bought 80 acres ot 
land, to which he has since added 40 acres, making 
a farm of i 20 acres, with 60 under good good culti- 
vation, which places it among the foremost in the 
county in point of beauty and value. Mr. Powers 
was married Dec. i, 1840, to Martha D., daughter of 

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279 



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Garrett and Vesta (Tousley) S:evens, born near Lon- 
don, Ont., Aug. 26, 1819. Her father was a native 
of (".erniany, and mother, of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. 
Powers have had 1 2 children, six boys and six girls. 
Three sons and four daughters yet survive. Their 
births occurred in the following order: Iran C, 
March 22, 1845; Elizabeth, April 17, 1847; Lucy 
A., Jan. 20, 1849; Charlotte, Feb. i, 1851 ; Benja- 
min F., July 19, 1853; Mary A., July 13, 1856; 
Charles H., Oct. 14, 1862. The following are de- 
ceased: William, born .Vug. 28, 1841, died Oct. 29, 
1841 ; an infant child was born and died Sept. 17, 
1844; Caroline M., died eight days after birth; 
Martha, born May 25, 1859, died July 29, i<S6o. 

The family attend the M. F-. Church, and though 
not members are adherents to the principles of the 
society, ^fr. Powers is a Republican, but has always 
declined elective positions among his townsmen. 

^j'p^gwS'enjainin Dalziel, farmer, on sec. 34, Creen 
5 I %\~ Pp., was born in Ionia Co., Mich., Jan. 28, 
^\s¥ifS^ 1 84 1. He is a son of Ale.xander and 
0)'=' Jane (Marsh) Dalziel, the former a native of 
Scotland, and the latter of the State of New 
York. Mr. Dalziel was reared on a farm and 
trained to the pursuit of agriculture. He was edu- 
cated in the common schools of Ionia County, and 
there resided at home until he was nine years old, 
at which time he moved with his father to Newaygo 
County. At the age of 27 he came to this county, 
and located on the farm he has since owned, now 
containing 200 acres. 

He was married in Newaygo Co., Mich., in 1866, 
to Harriet Ellen, daughter of John and Minerva 
(Parsons) Miller, a native of Newaygo County. Her 
father was l)orn in Vermont, and her mother in New 
York. They have had three children: Jane Henri- 
etta and Minerva : the latter is deceased. 




(c^ '^^^Mo^''^^^^ Horton, f; 
?K /jlrC Anna (Kimball) Ho 



eneca Horton, farmer, sec. 25, Wheatland 
Athens Co., Ohio, Sej)!. 
parents, Daniel M. and 
lorlon, were born in New 
York, of ICnglish and Herman descent, and 
became residents of Ohio shortly after their 
Vj" ' marriage. Mr. Horton received a common 
ZL school education, and at the age of 18 years went to 



I 



Tioga Co., Penn., where he lx)ught 100 acres of land 
and entered actively \x\yo\\ the career of an agricul- 
turist. He remained five years, and in the autumn 
of 1845 went to Middlebury, Tioga Co., Penn., and 
managed a farm in that vicinity. In April, 1848, he 
sought another locality, going to Steuben Co., N. Y., 
where he purchased 70 acres of land and lived a 
year. He then returned to Tioga County, sold his 
original farm and bought another in the same county, 
where he lived about 17 years. In the spring of 
1866 he bought 120 acres ol land in native timber in 
the township of Wheatland, where he has establi.shed 
a permanent home. His farm now contains 58 acres, 
with 50 acres under tillage. 

Mr. Horton was married in Tioga Co., Penn., Sept. 
14, 1843, to Catherine, daughter of Daniel and Cath- 
erine (Wood) Buckbee, natives of New XoA. and of 
English extraction. She was born in Steuben County, 
May I, 1828. Mr. antl Mrs. Horton have three 
children: Mary, born No\-. 23, 1844; Edward T., 
Nov. 19, 1846, and Daniel D., July 6, 1S51. 'Phe 
parents gave them a good education, and have the 
great satisfaction of knowing that all are in substan- 
tial circumstances in life. Mr. Horton is a Republi- 
can and has held resiwnsible offices in his district 
nine years. Himself and wife are influential mem- 
bers of the M. E. Church. 



H yman Nethway, farmer on sec. 24, /Etna 
Tp., was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 
3, 18 10. His father, James Nethway, was 
of Engliih parentage, and his mother, Eliza- 
Ji^ belh (Neice) Nethway, was a native of Long 
[^ Island, N. Y., and was of Welsh extraction. 
Mr. Nethway received a good education in early 
life for the purix)se of becoming a teacher, and at 18 
years of age taught his first term at Perry, Genesee 
Co., N. Y. He came thence to Michigan, and taught 
during the years 1833-4. He then returned to his 
his home, and having married, himself and wife 
turned their faces westward and came to Hillsdale 
Co., Mich., where Mr. Nethway purchased a farm 
under the original land [)alent of 1835. In 1850 he 
went to Sauk Co., Wis., and there engaged three 
years in farming. Becoming dissatisfied he came 
back to Lenawee County, and settled at RoUin, in 
1853. In 1854 he decided to try the Hawkeyc State, 




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and bought a farm in Buchanan County, where he 
remained eight years. In 1856 he returned to Mich- 
igan and settled in Mecosta County. He has been 
engaged during eleven years in mercantile business 
in Morley, and upon closing his commercial affairs 
bought a farm, and now lives in retirement. 

Mr. Nethway was married Sept. 6, 1835, to Lu- 
cetta, daughter of Jonathan and Mary (Wood) Ralph, 
respectively of English and Welsh origin, and resi- 
dents of Woodstock, Windsor Co., Vt. Three chil- 
dren were born of this marriage, as follows : 
Marcellus T., born May 13, 1836: Cassius Marcus, 
born Jan. 17, 1.848, died in the army from injuries 
received at tlie battle of Bull's Gap, E. Tenn., April 
22, 1865; was a soldier in Co. D, Third Michigan 
Vol. Inf.; Florence A., born in 1849, and died March 
10, 1850. 

Mr. Nethway is a radical Republican, and actively 
engaged in all social and moral reforms. Himself 
and wife profess no particular creed, but hold to their 
innate belief that honesty and genuine morality 
are safe guides in their intercourse with the world. 

Mr. Nethway has held offices of trust in his town- 
ship for 15 years. He was Postmaster at Big Creek 
nearly three years, under Lincoln's administration, 
and was Supervisor of Deerfield Tp. several years, 
also Treasurer and Assessor several years. 



I 



^^feames Dalziel, farmer, on sees. 33 and 34, 
[t Creen Tp., was born in Westchester Co., 
N. Y., June r8, 1835. He is the eldest 
son of Alexander and Jeannette (Patterson) 
^P" Dalziel, both of Scotch extraction. They 
Y^ came to the United States in 1830, and soon 
after settled in Oakland Co., Mich., where the 
mother died, and the father sold his property, re- 
moving to Detroit with his family. 

Mr. Dalziel was then ver)' young, and after re- 
maining a year in Detroit went to Genesee County 
with a man named Jonas \'alentine. He remained 
with him one year, and then became an inmate of 
tlie family of Rol)ert Staly, a pioneer of Flint. He 
was in Mr. Staly 's charge five years, when he return- 
ed to the protection of Mr. Valentine. Eighteen 
months afterward his father came and took him to 
Michigan. He went to Big Prairie, Newaygo County, 




and there lived 12 years. His next remove was to 
Green Tp. 

Mr. Dalziel was married in April, 1858, to Jane 
Currie, a native of Canada, and daughter of Peter and 
Catherine (Sterling) Currie. Two of their four chil- 
dren are living; \V. H. and Catherine Jane. Mr. 
Dalziel is a Republican in political faith ; has been 
Supervisor three terms, and served three years as 
Town Commissioner. He owns 195 acres of land in 
Green Tp. 

^5 #^ 5- 



T^S^^i^ asard Bennett, farmer, sec. 20, Austin Tp., 

j|" was born in Essex Co., N. Y., Oct. 22, 1837, 

'son of Isaac and Mary Bennett, who were 

natives of France, and came early in their lives 

Ito the United States, settling in New York. 
Mr. Bennett commenced life as a common la- 
borer, and found various avenues of employ- 
ment for several years, finally becoming a trapper, 
which pursuit he followed for some time. He then 
engaged in lumbering, at wliich he worked until Oct. 
12, 1 86 1, the date of his enlistment in the Union 
army. He enrolled in Company K, First Vermont 
Cavalry, and his first active service was under Gen. 
Kilpatrick, in the valley of the Shenandoah. He 
was in the Sharpshooters" brigade until 1863, when 
the regiment was transferred to the command of 
Gen. Custer, with whom he remained until his dis- 
charge Oct. 19, 1864. Mr. Bennett was in all the 
principal engagements of the Rappahannock and 
Shenandoah. At the second battle of Bull Run 
he received a saber wound through the leg, and at 
the time of I,ee's attempted retreat across the Po- 
tomac at Hagi rstown, was sliot through the shoulder. 
He was promoted to Corporal for bravery in action. 

He came to Big Rapids, Mich., in the spring of 
1865, and again interested himself in the lumber busi- 
ness, which he pursued until 1869. In that year he 
purchased the place where he now lives, and took 
immediate jKJssession, proceeding to clear away the 
tinilier and otherwise make improvements; has now 
42 acres under the plow and in good tillable condi- 
tion. He also owns a half interest in 160 acres in 
Mecosta Tp. He was married Sept. 30, 1866, to 
Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and Mary Smith, who 
was born in Ireland, April 10 18.19, and died Feb. 
19, 1873, leaving three children, Charles H., born 



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281 



March 9, 1879; Ernest J., Feb. 22, 187 i ; Elizabeth 
M., Feb. 5, 1873. Mr. Bennett contracted a second 
marriage April 9, 1874, with Margaret, daughter of 
William and Lydia (Wample) Smith, born in Michi- 
gan, July 2, 1855. They have two children: Emma 
M., born Nov 9, 1874, and Minard I., May 7, 187-. 
Mr. Bennett is a radical Republican and has 
held all the important township and school offices 
until he declines farther duties. 



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?arvey O. Williams, farmer, si'C. 29, Wheat- 
land Tp., was born inKnox Co., Ohio, Dec. 
17, 1842. His parents, Louis and Olive 
(Owen) Williams, were of German descent and 
natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Ohio. 
In 1844 they settled in Kosciusko Co., Ind. 
Mr. Williams attained to man's estate in In- 
diana, and was just past his majority when the notes 
of civil war in the United States startled her loyal 
sons to activity in behalf of herthrcatened integrity. 
Mr. Williams enlisted Oct. 19, 1861, in Co. K, 12th 
Ind. Inf., under Capt. T. G. Morrison, and was dis- 
charged May 19, 18C2. Less than two months 
subseijuently he re -enlisted, enrolling July 10, 1862, 
in Co. F, in the same regiment to which he had pre- 
viously belonged. Of the acknowledged prowess of 
the " 1 2th Indiana," Mr. Williams was a part. His 
record bears the undying names of Richmond (Ky.), 
Vicksburg, Jackson (Miss.), Missionary Ridge, Rcs- 
aca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Nickajack Creek, the repulse of Hood at Atlanta, on 
July 20, 22 and 28, Jonesboro, Savannah, Gris- 
woldsville, Columbia (S. C), Bentonville and Ra- 
leigh. In these, as well as in the numberless minor 
engagements in which he was an actor, he escaped 
without injury, although his uniform frequently suffer- 
ed from flying fragments of shell and spent shot. Mr. 
Williams wasdischarged from the service at Washing- 
O ton, D. C, June 8, 1865. 

Meanwhile his parents had settled in St. Joseph 
^ * Co., Mich., and he repaired thither, remaining an in- 
(^ mate of the parental home until the f^vll of 1S67, 
^^ when he came to Mecosta county, and resided about 
(^ one year with his father-in-law, in Wheatland 
>^ Tp. In 1868 he located on 80 acres of wild land, 




where he has since resided and improved until he has 
63 acres under the plow, and good farm buildings. 
His residence, which was in every way suitable, was 
destroyed by fire .-Xug. 13, 1883, and at this writing 
is in the process of rebuilding, and will cost about 
Sr.ooo.. Another considerable addition to the value 
of the place is an orchard, containing 160 trees in 
the best condition. 

Mr. Williams was married Feb. 24, 1867, to Amine 
P., daughter of Aaron S. and Sarah C. (Watkins) 
Clement (see sketch). Four children have been born 
of this marriage; Frank A., born Feb. 13, 1868, died 
July 16, 1868; Lettie O. Oct, 24, 1869; Siddie S., 
July 30, 1872; Warren T., June 15, 1879. Mr. Wil- 
liams is a Republican and is a School Director in his 
district. He is a member of the A. O. U. W., and 
holds the office of Financier. 



2;i;tt3,£ saac W. Ferris, Justice of the Peace, 
Township Supervisor, and member of the 
Council of Mecosta village, was born in 
t'lT Sherwood Tp., Branch Co., Michigan, Jan. 
25, 1840, and is the son of John C. and Mary 
A. (Watkins) Ferris. 
At the age of 23 years Mr. Ferris went to Placer 
Co., California, and was engaged one year in farming; 
thence he moved to Omega, Nevada Co., and be- 
came a clerk in a grocery and provision store, where 
he was engaged about eight months, and then re- 
turned to St. Joseph County. He was there occu- 
pied with agriculture five years, when he went to 
Branch County and engaged in the same pursuit two 
years. He went to Vergennes, Kent Co., and in 
September, 1873, opened a grocery, which he kept 
until 1878. He sold out, went back to St. Joseph 
Co., and took an interest in the mercantile establish- 
ment of his brother-in-law, S. J. Schutt, in Leonidas. 
He sold out in the fall of 1878, and in the spring of 
1S79 went to Butler Co., Kansas, and, after a brief 
stay at Eldorado, came, in August, 1S79, to Mecosta 
village, then comprising three houses, two saloons 
and a grocery. He erected the Iniilding where he 
operates, and owns n lots on Main street, on the 
west side of the river; also 80 acres of land on 
sec. 14 of Morton Tp. He was elected Justice of the 
Peace in the spring of 1S80, which jwst he has since 



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held, and was elected Member of the Village Coun- 
cil in the spring of 1883. In the spring of 1881 he 
was elected Township Treasurer. He is a charter 
member of the A. O. U. W. 

Mr. Ferris was married at Union City, Branch Co., 
Dec. 10, 1868, to Carrie, daughter of Leonard and 
Thankful (Havens) Wilson, born in the Tp. of Naples, 
Ontario Co., N. Y., Aug. 20, 1842. Of this marriage 
two children have been born, as follows : Eva, in St. 
Joseph Co., Nov. 17, i86g, and Georgia, in the same 
place, Sept. 7, 1879. 



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1? athan Denney, Postmaster and jeweler, 
ii^S? Remus, was born in Jay Co.,Ind., Nov. 25, 
1849. His parents, James M. and Lois E. 
(Scranton) Denney, were natives of New Eng- 
land, the father of German and Irish lineage, 
the mother of Welsh and Scotch. They settled 
soon after their marriage, in the State of Indiana, 
and in 1864 removed to this county. On reaching 
the period of his majority Mr. Denney learned the 
carpenter's trade, which he pursued up to the date of 
his appointment to the office of Postmaster. With 
his official duties he combines the business of a sil- 
versmith, the details of which he learned when 16 
years old. 

Mr. Denney was married in Millbrook, Jan. 16, 
1872, to Ella, daughter of David H. and Sarah (Al- 
bert) Humphrey, born in Knox Co., Ohio, Oct. 
26,1844. Her parents were natives respectively of 
Virginia and Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Denney have had 
three children, one daughter and two sons, all of 
whom died in infancy. Mr. Denney is a member of 
the Order of Good Templars, and himself and wife 
are members of the Church of Christ, in which he 
occupies the position of Elder. 




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15 wen Shantz, farmer, sec. 26, Wheatland 
; Tp., was born in Ontario, Can., near the 
' city of Guelph, Jan. 27, 1S50. His parents, 
saac Y. and Catherine (Clemence) Shantz, 

were natives of Pennsylvania. 

Mr. Shantz received a fair education in the 

common schools of his native province, and 



when 20 years old, Feb. 27, 1870, was married to 
Sarah, daughter of George and Nancy Shoemaker, 
natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. 
The year following his marriage, Mr. Shantz resided 
with his father, moving upon a farm in the vicinity 
at the expiration of that time. Meanvhile he came 
to Mecosta County and bought the farm on which he 
now resides, and where he located in 1880. Nearly 
one half of this is now improved. Mr. Shantz is a 
progressive farmer, and is making rapid progress in 
putting his place into the best possible condition for 
agricultural purposes. Although his residence in the 
county has been brief, his persistent efforts to advance 
its place and position have made known his value to 
the community to which he belongs, and he is secur- 
ing a firm hold upon the respect and consideration of 
all. 

Mr. and Mrs. Shantz have five children, born as 
follows: Addison M., May 22, 1871; Nancy, Feb. 
22, 1873; Ellen, Jan. 11, 1877; George, Nov. 2, 
■ 1879; Lizzie, Nov. 30, 1882. The parents are mem 
bers of the old Mennonite Church. Mr. Shantz is a 
Republican in politics, and is present Assessor, an of- 
fice he has held for several terms. 



Mf «E5]||.harles W. Calkins, Clerk of Mecosta vil- 

3l^Hk^ ^^S^' ^"^ dealer in all kinds of furniture, 

il'l^" coffins, caskets and undertakers' goods. 

^fe) was born in Ypsilanti, Mich., May 15, 185 1. 

y^ His parents, Lorenzo and Lurena (Payne) 

\ Calkins, removed to Ann Arbor when he was 

1 1 years old, and he there had the advantages 

of the schools of that place. Tliey made another 

transfer of their interests four years later, going to 

London, Monroe Co. There his father was a farmer, 

and also worked at his trade of carpenter and joiner. 

When Mr. Calkins was 20 years old, he left school 

and learned his father's trade, under his instructions. 

He followed the business several years, coming to 

Mecosta in tlie fall of 1879. He establislied himself 

as a mechanic, and after working at his trade two 

years, founded his present business. He keeps a 

stock that includes all merchandise common to his 

lines of trade, and is prospering. He became agent 

for the American Express Co. Dec. 16, 1881. On 

the incorporation of Mecosta village he was elected 






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Clerk of the Board. He served as Township Clerk a 
part of the year 1881, in 1882 and 1883. Mr. Calk- 
in.s owns his store, fixtures, adjoining building and 
lots. 

He was married in London Tp., Monroe Co., 
April 8, 1875, to Lillie E., daughter of John and 
Harriet Taft, a native of Adrian, Mich. Mr. and 
Mrs. Calkins have one child — Mabel E. — born in 
Ix)ndon, Monroe Co., Mich. 

f'illiam Warren, farmer on sec. 22, Hinton 

^(fJ!- "^P-' ^^^^ '^°'^" J"^y '^' '^^5' '" Carroll 
■? Co., Ohio. His father, Peter Warren, was 
uf English descent and birth, and both his 
parents were natives of Pennsylvania, whence 
they moved to Ohio in its pioneer days. The 
father was a carpenter and cabinet-maker, and 
followed both callings most of his life. The mother's 
name before marriage was .\nn Guthrie. The school 
IJrivileges of Mr. Warren were limited, and at 17 he 
commenced to learn the shoemaker's trade. He 
worked under the instructions of his brother-in-law, 
and continued to follow that vocation until i86i. 
He opened a confectionery establishment in Augusta, 
Ohio, which was finally extended into a general store. 
This he managed nearly si.\ years and accumulated 
$3,500, which he lost in financial disaster. In April, 
1867, he came with his family to Mecosta Co., Mich., 
and bought 80 acres of partly improved land in 
Hinton Tp., where he now resides. In ix)litics Mr. 
Warren is independent. He has held the office of 
Supervisor of Hinton T[). four years, Township 
Treasurer three terms, and School Director ten suc- 
cessive years. The years of his labor have their 
reward in the fine farm and convenient buildings 
thereon. 

He was married in Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, 
Sept. 9, 1849, to Jane, daughter of John and Han- 
nah (Shaw) Harrington. Her parents were natives of 
Pennsylvania, and went to Carroll Co., Ohio, where 
their daughter Jane was born Nov. 14, 1827. Mr. 
and Mrs. Warren have had three children: John J., 
born in Augusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, May 8, 1853, is 
the only one surviving. He was married May 8, 
1S78, in this county, to Delia .\. House, daughter of 
Elias and Mary D. (Walrath) House, and they have 



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homas Cahill, farmer, sec. 15, .-Etna Tp., 
was born in Canada, July 8, 1834. His 
parents, James and Catherine (Lebo) Ca- 
hill, were natives respectively of Ireland and 
Canada; they passed the greater jmrt of their 
lives in Canada and there died. Mr. Cahill 
spent his eaily life after the manner of fanners' sons, 
and at 16 was apprenticed to learn the business of a 
butcher. He devoted four years to the accomplish 




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two children; Ethel M. born Nov. 20, 1880, and /» 
Alice M., born March 9, 1883. Samantha A. was d 
born Nov. 22, 1850, and died Aug. 26, 185 i ; Mary 
K. was bom Jan. 10, 1863, and died Nov. 25, 1876. 
Mrs. Warren belongs to the Advent Church. 



|l|^ominick O'Brien, member of the Council 
U^ of Mecosta village, and proprietor of the 
sr(^y^ Mecosta House, was born Dec. 26, 1853, 
'''l'>\sr ;^t New Castle, County Limerick, Ireland, and 
is the son of Dorr and Mary (Coffin) O'Brien. 
His father died when he was nine years old, 
and he was reared on the farm by his mother 
until he was 17 years old, when he left the Emerald 
Isle and came to New York, making the passage on 
the British steamer " Manhattan." He landed June 
10, 1869, and was a resident of New York about one 
year, then came to Saginaw, where he engaged in 
lumbering for a period of four years, working a 
portion of the time on a section of the Chicago, Sagi- 
naw & Canada Railroad, and was also engaged firing 
on a locomotive for some time. 

He came to Mecosta village, July 12, 1879, and 
built a saloon on Main street. May i, 188 1, he pur- 
chased the Mecosta House, which he still owns and 
manages. The building is 40 x 80 feet on the ground, 
three-stories high, and with accommodations for 50 
guests. The saloon conducted in connection with 
the hotel is well fitted up, and stocked with choice 
articles common to similar establishments. Besides 
these buildings, Mr. O'Brien owns three lots in con- 
nection with them, and two lots with bams on James 
street. He transacts an annual business of $12,000. 
Mr. O'Brien was married to Maggie, daughter of 
Michael Dittell. They have one child, Johnny. 



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^ ment of his purpose, and the succeeding four years 
fM was occupied in buying stock and speculating. He 
:!^; then located at Ypsilanti, ^Vashtenaw Co., Mich., 
I and worked at his trade two years, resigning his bus- 
iness to enroll as a soldier in the Union cause. He 
enlisted in 1861, in the 24th Mich. Vol. Inf, and 
after six months service received honorable discharge. 
He went at once to Saginaw, where he found employ- 
ment as a lumberman about two years, and in the 
fall of 1863, came to this county and passed three 
years in the pineries. In 1866 he purchased 80 acres 
of timber land and proceeded to jHit it in a habitable 
condition. He built a house and cleared 70 acres. 
A later purchase of 200 acres has swelled his real 
estate to 280, acres where he is earnestly engaged in 
the prosecution of agricultural pursuits. 

He was married in Canada, Sept. 14, i860, to 
Eliza, daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Wright) 
Houghton. Of this marriage one child was born, 
— Katie, March 14, 1861. The mother died at 
Ypsilanti, Mich., in September, 1861, and Mr. 
Cahill was again married, at Detroit, Mich., Oct. 9, 
= 1864, to Mary E., daughter of Thomas and Mary 
•^ (Mitchell) Lovesy and widow of Ephraim G. Tucker, 
= who lost his life in the war of the Rebellion. Her 
Y father is an Englishman by birth and is yet livmg m 
■* this county; her mother was a native of New York 
and died in 1870. 

Mr. Cahill is a Democrat and has held the office of 
Supervisor four years. Town Clerk one year, and has 
occupied other important town and school offices. 



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oseph A. Armstrong, farmer, sec. 20, 
Millbrook Tp., is a son of Isaac and Lu- 
cinda (Hiney) Armstrong, natives respect- 
„,y ively of New Yink and Pennsylvania. Mr. 
Armstrong was born in the Keystone State, 
July 28, 1847. His mother died when he was 
very young, and for two years subsequently he was 
cared for by a friend of his parents. In the fall of 
186 1, when but 14 years of age, he resolved to be- 
come a soldier, and enlisted in defense of the Union 
in the 51st Pa. Vol Inf, Co. H. He served three 
years, and was in action at the siege of Richmond, 
f® at Fredericksburg, and in the battle of the Wilder- 
ness. He received a wound in his right arm in the 





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fight at Fredericksburg, and was incapacitated for 
duty three months. He received his discharge at 
Washington, D. C, and returned to Pennsylvania, 
where he continued to reside until the fall of 187 1, 
when he came to Millbrook, and bought 160 acres of 
land. He now owns no acres, under partial im- 
provement. 

Mr. Armstrong was married in Millbrook, Sept. 22, 
1872, to Johanna, daughter of Thomas and Mary A. 
(Johnson) Histed, who was born in Bay Co., Mich., 
June 27, 1853. 

Children : Myrtle M , Nora A., Sarah J., Joseph 
N. and Gertrude B. In political sentiment and ac- 
tion Mr. Armstrong is a Republican; has served one 
year as Constable, and three years as School 
Director. 



|f> dward Langworthy, farmer, sec. 25, 
Green Tp., was born in Saratoga Co., N. 
Y., March 5, 1825. His parents, Elisha 
^^ and Elizabeth (Guile) Langworthy, were na- 
^^ tives of Columbia Co , N. Y. The father was 
a mechanic and followed his occupation until 
1843, when he came to Michigan and located 
80 acres of land in l.apeer County, wjiere he farmed 
until his death, which occured April 25, 1845. The 
mother died March 4, 1874, in the township of Grant, 
Mecosta Co. 

Mr. Langworthy was 17 years old when he accom- 
panied his parents to Michigan, and until he reached 
man's estate, gave his father all the assistance in his 
power, during the "seed time and harvest" seasons, 
attending school winters. Soon after attaining his 
majority be became a farmer on his own account ani.' 
owned 120 acres of land in Lapeer County, where he 
was a resident about 25 years. He sold his place 
and went to (lenesee Co., Mich., and settled near 
Flint. Six years after, in the spring of 1875, he bought 
the property he now owns in Green Tp., consisting 
of 80 acres of land, which he has put under good 
improvements. He is an adherent of the Republi- 
can party; was elected Justice of the Peace in 1877, 
and has held the office continuously since. His posi- 
tion in the community is one of credit to himself as a 
man and citizen. 

Mr. Langworthy was married Dec. 25, 1865, to 
Maria Perkins, a native of Canada, born Jan. 31 



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ajf 1828. They have six children; Willard E., Albert 

(^ H., Harvey J., Minerva, Susan and Ophelia. Aniiin- 

C!^ da and Charles are deceased. The parents are nieni- 

j bers of theM. E. Church, at Big Rapids. 




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, oaglas Roben, of the firm of Roben, Ben- 
jf' nett iV Gill, insurance, real-estate, and loan 
^ agents, of Big Rapids, was born May 4, 
1847, near Mount Gilead, Ohio; he is a son 
of Matthew and Esther (Albach) Roben, a grand- 
son of Walter Roben, Esii-, of Ryegate, Vt., and 
a great-grandson of Matthew Roben, of Ren- 
frew, Scotland, a gentleman of means and influence, 
who was one of the chief founders and early pioneers 
of the Scotch colony in Caledonia Co., Vt. On his 
father's side, Mr. Rol)en is descended from an excel- 
lent Scotch stock, whose line of descent is traced 
back several hundred years, and is allied to various 
fy^ Lowland families of distinction. 

S His maternal grandfather was John Albach (or 
^ AUpaugh, as the name was formerly and more cor- 
° rectly spelled), a prominent and wealthy citizen -of 
^ Northumberland Co., Penn., who was of good Hol- 
S land Dutch ancestry. His father, Matthew Roben, 
' . j was a native of Ryegate, Caledonia Co., Vt., a teacher, 
and after- ward a merchant by occupation. (See 
sketch of Matthew Roben.) 

Mr. Douglas Roben, the subject of this sketch, ob- 
tained a good education in the public and high 
schools of Mount Gilead, and at 15 received an ap- 
pointment to the U. S. Naval Academy, then located at 
Newport, R. I., and passing the initiatory examina- 
tion, entered u])on his academic course as niidship- 
nTan in 1862. In 1863, his class (126 in number) was 
dispatched to the East Atlantic on a practice cruise, 
stop|)ing at various ports of England, France, Spain, 
Portugal, and the Madeira Islands, sailing from the 
latter place to New York. Several other practice 
cruises were made on the coasts of the United States, 
during the course of studies at the Academy. Mr. 
Roben was distinguished while at the Naval 
Academy for proficiency in mathematical studies, 
and graduated high in his class, in 1866, at Annapo- 
lis, Md. 

1-' Soon after graduation he was ordered to join the 
^^ U. S. steamer " Ossipee," then at Philadelphia, for 



duty on the Pacific station. The " Ossipee " left the 
United States in November, 1866, crossed the At- 
lantic to the Madeira Isles, and after a brief visit 
there went south to the Cape de Verdes, thence to 
Rio Janeiro, and finally through the Straits of Magel- 
lan to the Pacific Ocean. After a visit to various 
lX)rts in Chili, Peru, and the Isthmus of Panama, Ihe 
" Ossiiiee " reported at San Francisco, in August, 
1867. Soon after arriving on the station, the " Ossi- 
pee " was ordered to convey the U. S. and Russian 
Commissioners to Alaska, that territory having recent- 
ly been purchased by our Government. 

Mr. Roben was a participant in the ceremonies of 
transfer, the hauling down of the Russian flag from 
the Governor's palace, the hoisting of the stars and 
stripes, and the firing of the international salutes. 
His name apiiears as a witness on the deed of trans- 
fer of the Territory, executed and delivered at Sitka, 
whereby Alaska became part and parcel of the 
United States. The "Ossipee" relumed with the 
State papers to San Francisco, encountering a terrific 
storm a short distance out from Sitka. She was then 
ordered to the South, to visit all ports on the Pacific 
coast of Mexico and Central America. This she pro- 
ceeded to do, calling at each important harbor in 
succession, till she reached the southernmost ix)rt of 
Costa Rica. 

Returning north to Nicaragua, the yellow fever 
broke out on board the " Ossipee," and a number of 
men and officers died of the disease, Mr. Roben 
fortunately escaping the contagion. The ship pro- 
ceeded to Acapulco, in Mexico, on her way to San 
Francisco. At Acapulco, Mr. Roben received the 
news of his i)romotion to the grade of Ensign, together 
with orders to proceed south by mail steamer to 
Panama, and there to join the U. S. ship " Cyane '» 
(originally a British vessel, and captured by the 
"Constitution" in the war of 181 2). During Mr. 
Roben's service on board the " Cyane," she was the 
greater part of the time stationed at Panama, to ob- 
serve the progress of a rebellion then existing in the 
United Stales of Colombia, and to guard the interests 
of our countr)'men on the Isthmus. 

Returning to San Francisco in the " Cyane " a few 
months later, Mr. Roben received his second commis- 
sion as Master in the Navy, together with three 
months' leave of absence. 

The Union and Central Pacific Roads having just 
I been completed, he crossed the continent by rail. 



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At the expiration of his leave he was ordered to 
join the U. S. ship "Supply," at Boston, in the 
capacity of Navigator. The " Supply " went to Eu- 
rope for the purpose of establishing a U. S. naval 
storehouse and depot at Spezzia, Italy ; but on arrival 
there, diplomatic difficulties were found to be in the 
way, and the depot was finally placed at Nice, France, 
where it still remains. The expedition occupied 
nearly a year, including time spent in various other 
Mediterranean ports, and Mr. Roben received his 
third commission as Lieutenant while in Europe, 
dating March, 1870, he being then only 22 years of 
age- 
After arriving at home he was ordered to join the 
U. S. steamer " Severn," flag-ship of the North 
Atlantic Squadron; but a serious difficulty having 
developed itself in Mr. Roben's eyes, during the 
last cruise, arising from the use of astronomical 
instruments in taking solar observations, he re- 
quested to be assigned to duty on shore, and 
was accordingly ordered to the naval station at 
Mound City, 111., as executive officer, where he re- 
mained four months. He was then ordered to join 
the (J. S. steamer " Shawmut," at New York, for a 
cruise in the South Atlantic. When the vessel reach- 
ed the AVest Indies, the trouble in Mr. Roben's eyes 
having become much worse, he was granted " sick- 
leave," and brought by the "Shawmut " to Pensacola, 
Fla., where he landed and proceeded home to Ohio. 
In the month of November, 1S72, he was summoned 
before the Retiring Board at Washington, and after an 
examination of his eyes by the medical officer's of 
that Board, he was placed upon the retired list, 
with the rank of Lieutenant, for " disability received 
in the line of duty," which position upon the retired 
list lie holds at the present time. 

Krom Wasliington he went to Cassopolis, Cass Co., 
Mich., where he resided until May, 1873. While at 
Cassopolis he passed a successful examination for 
admission to the bar, and was admitted to practice in 
the State courts of Michigan. In May, 1873, he 
came to liig Rapids, and opened his office, practicing 
as an attorney, and giving his attention chiefly to 
real-estate cases. In 1876 he formed a partnership 
with E. J. Marsh, under the firm name of Roben & 
Marsh. This relation continued two years, and in 
August, 1878, he associated himself with A. W. Ben- 
nett, in insurance, real-estate, ar.d loan business. 




(See sketch of A. W. Bennett.) In June, 1883, John 
G. Gill was admitted lo the concern, which since 
its inception has been transacting a successful and 
extending business. 

Dec. 26, 1876, Mr. Roben was married to Stella, 
daughter of Judge William P. Bennett, of Cassopolis, 
and a grand-daughter of Rev. Cephas Bennett, a 
pioneer Baptist missionary at Rangoon, British Bur- 
mah, who has done missionary work there for the 
past 55 years, and has charge of the Baptist mission- 
ary press of Burmah ; she is also a great-grand- 
daughter of Rev. Alfred Bennett, one of the early and 
leading Baptist ministers of New York State. She 
was born in Cass Co., Mich., March 3T, 1859. A 
son, Donald B., was born to Mr. and Mrs. Roben, 
July iq, 1878; a daughter, named Pansie — an 
exceedingly sweet and beautiful child — was born 
May 10, 1882, and died March 26, 1883. 

Mr. Roben is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. 






*'elkirk A Stewart, farmer, sec. 14, Wheat- 
land Tp., is a son of Neil and Angeline 
(iISS^^ (Baker) Stewart, natives of New York, and 
|\ of Scotch and Irish descent. He was born 

in Genesee County, N Y., Sept. 14, 1826. He 
commenced a life of active toil at the age of 1 1 
years, leaving the homestead of his parents 
and engaging in the capacity of a farm laborer. He 
continued to work in various localities, until the 
spring of 1844, when he went to Waukesha Co., Wis., 
and there engaged in agriculture in a similar manner 
until his marriage, Nov 5, 185 r, in Waukesha County, 
to Angeline H., daughter of Isaac and Jerusha (Estc-. 
brooks) Wood, who was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., 
Dec. 5, 1832, and went to Wisconsin with her parents 
when she was eight years old. The latter were 
natives of the Empire State. Mr. Stewart took 
farms on shares, until the fall of 1862, when he re- 
moved with iiis family to Michigan, and purchased 
240 acres of land on sec. 26, Wheatland Tj). He 
made consideralile progress in improving his land, 
but sold it finally, and bought the homestead, con- 
sisting of 160 acres, where he has since resided. 
Seventy-five acres of this he has improved, and has 
one of the best of farms as to quality of the land, etc., 
in Mecosta County. It is traversed by a stream of 
flowing water, fed ijy living springs. Mr. Stewart is 









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making preparations to build a new house, and ex- 
l>ects to invest about Si, ooo therein. He is a Re- 
publican in i)olitical faith; has been Township 
Treasurer three years, Justice of the Peace three 
years, and held other minor offices. 

Mr. and Mrs. Stewart have been the parents of 
(our children — Clara A., born Feb. 2, 1853; Cora E., 
July 31, 1855 ; Mary F., iiorn July 28, i860, died 
Feb. 31, 1874; Ida A., born Oct. 31, 1S66, died Oct. 
7, 1879; Edward H. (son by adoption) was born 
Aug. 2, 1869, and died i^ept. 14, 1879. 



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"l^&li^ eorge W. Precious, Millbrook village, 
=||^M^i ^^''** born in Canada, Aug. 27, 1850. His 
■^Iv^ parents, M'illiam and Eve R. (Jones) 



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''/;'* Precious, were natives respectively of Eng- 
j^ land and Germany, and are both deceased. 
\ .About 1863 Mr. Precious came to this State 
and located in Washtsnaw County, going afterward to 
Detioit. He came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., Mich., 
in 1872, where he lived until 1879. In the suiTimer 
of that year he made his entry into the village of 
Millbrook, and embarked in the livery business, 
which he continued to operate until May, 1883, when 
he sold out and established himself in a saloon. 

He was married April 22, 1874, to Laura A., 
daughter of Orrin N. and A. Jane Hoisington. Her 
parents were natives of Michigan, and she was born 
Oct. 7, 1859, in Montcalm County. Of two children 
born of this marriage but one survives, Cora A., 
born Set t. 7, 1882. One child died in infancy. Mr. 
Precious is a Democrat. 

^f^^> phraim J^a Grange, liveryman at Me- 
costa, Morton Tp., was born in Albany Co., 
N. Y., Nov. 1, 1833, and is a son of 
Christopher and Jane (Blessing) I,a (Grange. 
About the age of 13 he began to drive stage in 
the State of New York, and made that his 
business for .about 22 years. In .\pril, 1873, he 
came to Stanton, Montcalm Co., and there engaged 
in the livery business one year, and afterward ran an 
omnibus line, transporting mail and express matter, 
and passengers. This he continued two years, and 





then engaged in drawing lumber. In 1879 he came 
to Morton Tp., and cut the timber on the site of the 
village of Mecosta, and i)ut it into the mill of 
George Webber. He built the Mecosta House, which 
he managed two years, and finally exchanged with 
1). O'Hricn for his residence and the adjoining store 
building. Immediately upon his arrival here he 
established the livery business, and has continued it 
since. He added the drug trade to his store for six 
months, but sold the stock, and is now exclusively 
attending to his affairs as liveryman. He has usual- 
ly eight horses in his stables, with all necessary livery 
adjuncts. He is Street Commissioner, and belongs to 
the A. O. U. W. 

Mr. La Grange was married in Schoharie Co., N.Y., 
to Mary Townsend, a native of New York. Rufus, 
elder child, is now clerk in the Mecosta House. 
Mary L., only daughter, is the wife of Henry Wal- 
ler, M. D.. of Mecosta. 

51? gQry c. Evarts, farmer on sec. 28, Green 
" Tp., was born in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 
19, 1S33. His father Shadrach Evarts, was 
,;jC born near Sariitoga, N. Y. ; was a farmer by vo- 
cation, and in 1845 came to Grand Rapids and 
there engaged in agriculture. He is yet living^ 
in the care of his daughter, Mrs. C. H. Patten. The 
mother, Eunice (Plumb) Evarts, was a native of Con- 
necticut, and died in November, 1879. Mr. Evarts 
was educated in the common and high schools 
of Grand Rapids, residing with the family of Porter 
Reed uniil lie reached man's estate, after which he 
engaged in summer in the vocation of a farm laborer 
and taught school two winters. He came to Big 
Rapids in June, 1856, and entered 160 acres of land 
under the gradation act, and in M,irch, 1858, began 
to Ituild, and otherwise improve the land on which he 
has since made his home. 

He enlisted as a soldier for the Union soon after 
the outbreak of the rebellion. He was enrolled in the 
Third Michig.an Cavalry Oct. 12, 1861, remaining in 
the service four and a half years. He was in action 
at Corinth, luka. New Madrid, etc. He obtained 
the commission of Second Lieutenant, for meritorious 
services, and nine months later was promoted to the 
rank of First Lieutenant, serving until the end of the 




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war, in the Fourth U. S. C. C. Cavalry, stationed at 
Port Hudson, and was mustered out at New Orleans. 
He came back to his farm and has since personally 
supervised the same. He is a Republican and has 
held the posts of Town Clerk and School Inspector. 
Mr. Evarts was married Jan. i, 1858, to Martha J. 
Boynton, a native of Jackson Co., Mich., born March 
4, 1833, and died June 26, 1867, leaving one child, 
Mary L. Aug. 28, 1867, Mr. Evarts was married to 
Hannah A., daughter of Jeremiah and Mary Boyn- 
ton, natives of Vermont. She was born in Grass 
Lake, Jackson Co., Mich., June 8, 1843; the follow- 
ing are their children : Edgar C, Lizzie B., George C, 
and Willie H. 

Herbert P. Blanchard, of the firm of P. G. 
Blanchard & Son, dealers in lumber and 
^^ brick, Blanchard, Isabella Co., Mich , is the 
son of Philip G. and Caroline M. (Touns) 
Blanchard, and was born in Pennsylvania, 
April 30, 1856. The parents are natives of 
Maine, and early in life settled in Michigan. 
Mr. Blanchard came to Michigan in the fall of 1872, 
and' located at Grand Rapids, remaining there 
nearly three years. In the spring of 1876 he came 
to Blanchard, where he has since been a citizen. He 
is a Republican in politics, and has served in the 
capacity of Treasurer of the village three years, and 
Supervisor one year. 

He was married in Grand Rapids, May 13, 1880, 
to Nora, daughter of John and Johanna Condon. 
Mr. and Mrs. Blanchard have two children — Belle 
and Edith. 

■g^I^Slr ranklin M. Williams, liotel proprietor, 
'* 'p ^\ Remus, was born in Knox Co., Ohio, Nov., 
J rjc 27, 1843. His parents removed to Kos- 
ciusko Co , Ind., the year following his birth. 
4L,. He received his education there and resided 
{ with his parents until he v/as 18 years old, at 
which time he enlisted as a soldier for the Union in 
the I 2th Ind. Vol. Inf., enrolling in Co, F. His com- 
mand was attached to the Army of the Tennessee 
and was under fire in 28 engagements, among which 
were the battles of Richmond, Ky., Missionary Ridge, 
Jackson, Miss., and the fight at Atlanta. Through- 
out his entire period of service he escaped all 




wounds and casualties. After three years of hard 
fighting he was discharged at Indianapolis, June 20, 
1865. During the war his parents had removed to 
St. Joseph Co., Mich., where he rejoined them and 
resided two years. In the spring of 1866 he went to 
Missouri, where he passed a summer, returning at its 
close to his parents' home. In March, t867, he 
came to Wheatland Tp., and passed two years in 
farming in the vicinity of Bloomfield. He purchased 
80 acres of land in sec. 26, preparatory to the es- 
tablishment of a home. March 4, 1869, he was mar- 
ried to Elizabeth, daughter of David and Mary 
(Smith) Ruxton, who was born in Waterloo, Can., 
Feb. 17, 1847. Her father was a native of Scotland 
and her mother of Pennsylvania, of German descent. 
Elizabeth was educated in the Dominion, and was 
for several years a teacher in the common schools of 
Michigan. Mr. and Mrs. Williams have two chil- 
dren ; Ralph, born Aug 4, 1876, and Maud M., Aug. 
18, 1878. Mr. Williams is a radical Republican and 
has been Supervisor five years, Tp. Clerk several 
terms and held other minor offices. 

The hotel kept by Mr. Williams at Remus is one 
of the best country establishments for public en- 
tertainment in Northern Michigan. Its cost was 
about $3,000. The house is well furnished and has 
a good run of custom, which is constantly increasing. 
Mr. Williams took [possession of the hotel in Jan., 
1882. 



•*^ 




\\ harles W. Clifton, farmer on sec. 3 1 , Green 

/ Tp., was born at Cleveland, Ohio, Feb. 10, 

Iij5?^ 1838. His father, William Clifton, WIS an 

Sfe Englishman by nativity, and came to this 

country when about 22 years old; located at 



I Cleveland and married .\bigail Locke ; re- 
sided on a farm near the city during eight years, and 
in October 1845, came to Kent Co., Mich., and set- 
tled on a farm. He was crushed to death April 10, 
1848, by a falling building. The mother died at 
Clinton, Lawrence Co., Dec. 28, 1882. 

Mr. Clifton obtained his education at the public 
and high schools of Grand Rapids. He was trained 
to the pursuit of agriculture, but in 1861, when the 
country was plunged into the abyss of war by the in- 
sane South, he became a soldier. He enlisted in the 
First Michigan Regiment of the Engineers and Me- 



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chanics, and served three years. He participated in 
several engagements, and was mustered out at Nash- 
ville, 'I'enn. On his return North he came to Mecosta 
Co. and spent 10 months in the employ of T. Lazell, 
of Big Rapids. He then became a resident at 
Grand Rapids, where he was married, Oct. 2, 1866, 
to Julia E. Sunderland, daughter of Myron and 
Louisa (Searles) Sunderland, a native of Kent Co. 
Mr. Clifton was a farmer near Grand Rapids two 
years, and then bought 160 acres of land in Green 
Tp., where he has since resided. The family in- 
cludes six children : Frank S., Effie L., George M., 
Grace, Lois and Charles E. 



ilbert S. Palmer, farmer, sec. 14, Green 
_ Tp., was born Feb. 8, 182 1, and is a son of 
J~^ Nile and Catherine (Wing) Palmer, the 
^ 7^ former a native of Vermont, and the latter of 
^' Elizabethtown, Canada. Mr. Palmer was 
\ reared on a farm, and, when 16 years of age, 
went to Elizabethtown to learn the shoemaker's trade, 
which was his business in life for many years. He 
was a resident of the Dominion until the spring of 
1867, when he became a citizen of Mecosta County, 
buying 80 acres of land, which he has increased to 1 20 
acres. 

He was married in 1842 to Maiy, daughter of 
William and Lydia (Lee) Robbins, who was born in 
Canada and died in July, 1847, leaving one child, 
Anna E., wife of Waller Clow, residing in Linn, Can- 
ada. For a second wife, Mr. Palmer married Me- 
lissa, daughter of Reuben and Hannah (Graham) 
Moot. Siie and her parents are natives of the Do- 
minion. Mr. and Mrs. Palmer have six children, 
Mary A., Charlotte O., Hannah P., George M., Wil- 
liam H. and Nile E. 




>.^ 5- 



illiam Davidson, farmer on sec. 1 2, 
I'^tna Tp., was born in England, July 16, 
**;, I "^lo- His parents, Joshua and Sarah 

'^1^' Davidson, were also natives of England, and 
"''^" emigrated to Canada about the year 1842, 



and remained there until their death. Mr- 
Davidson resided in the Dominion until he was 23 



years of age, when he came to Newaygo County, and 
three years later bought 135 acres of land in Mont- 
calm County, on which he lived 12 years. In the 
fall of 1 87 I he came to ^iJtna Tp. and bought 1 60 
acres of unimproved land, where he settled and be- 
gan to make improvements. He sold 40 acres, and 
retains 120 acres of his original purchase, with 70 
acres under advanced culture, having in late years 
built a good frame house in which he now lives. 
Mr. Davidson is a Democrat and has been School 
Treasurer 1 2 years. 

He was married in Canada in the fall of 1851,10 
Mary, daughter of Kmber and Valina (Smith) Smith, 
natives of Vermont: the father is deceased, and the 
mother resides with a daughter in Deerfield Tp. 
Mr. and Mrs. Davidson have had 10 children: 
Abraham, born Aug. 18, 1852; William, Sept. i, 
1854; Joshua, Aug. 18, 1853; Chauncey, Oct. 18, 
i860; Henry, Dec. 0, 1863; Elmer, June 18, 1866; 
Mary, Sept. 8, 1868; Jehu, Aug. 8, 1S70; Alonzo, 
born Oct. 18, 1858, died July i, 1880. One child 
died ill infancy. It was supposed that Alonzo died 
from the effects of poison. 



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"'"^^'■ichard Vandewater, farmer, sec. 22, Hin- 
ton Tp., is a son of Peter and Catherine 
|]T^^" (K^'t^") Vandewater, natives of New Jer- 
fji^v^ sey and of Holland descent. They were pio- 
\X^ neers of Washtenaw County and afterward 
!• removed to Barry County, where the mother 
died. The father lives in Adrian, with a 
daughter. Mr. Vandewater was born in New Jersey, 
Dec. 19, 1821, and accompanied his parents to 
Michigan. They were in limited circumstances and 
the son felt it his duty to contribute to the relief 
of the household. He did this many years, even 
after he was legally released from obligation, 
was married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., Feb. 28, 

1847, to Nancy Jane Fuller, who died in June, 

1848, leaving one child, George W., born June 
28, 1848. Mr. Vandewater was again married 
in 1850, to Elvira J. Heath, a native of the State 
of New York. Of this marriage one child was 
born, Catherine E., who died when about two years 
old. The mother died, and Mr. Vandewater was 
again married May 28, 1864, to Esther A., daughter 




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of David and Sarah Ann (Bennett) Moulter, who was 
born March 31, 1844, in Chemung Co., N. Y. Of 
this marriage were born Peter E., April 6, 1865; 
Sarah E., Nov. 25, 1869; Elvira J., March 2, 1S77. 

In August, 1863, Mr. Vandewater was drafted to 
serve during the war. He served nineteen ar.d one- 
half months, was honorably discharged Feb. 12, 
1866, at Newberry, N. C. He was assigned to the 
23d Mich. Vol. Inf., and was afterward transferred 
to the 28th Mich. Inf. In justice to Mr. Vandewater 
it should be said that he was prevented from enlist- 
ing by the smallness of the number of settlers in the 
township and his feeling thai he was needed at home. 
He was in the battle of Franklin, Tenn., and when 
Hood was captured his regiment pursued the rebel 
general until his surrender. 

Mr. Vandewater originally purchased 40 acres of 
wild land, and later on, another 40. He has now 33 
acres cleared and under tillage. In the spring of 
1883 he sold 40 acres. Both himself and wife are 
members of the Second-Advent Church. Mr. V. 
was one of the earliest settlers and circulated the peti- 
tion for the division of the four townships : Hinton, 
Deerfield, Millbrook and ^tna. On the organization 
of Hinton Tp., in January, i860, he was elected first 
Supervisor. He has since held various offices, among 
them that of School Treasurer, to which position he 
has been three times elected and of which he is the 
present incumbent, In politics he is independent. 



&ohn R. Snyder, farmer on sec. 32, Green 

JC. Tp., was born in Barton Tp., Canada, July 

'^% 27, 1836. His father, Abraham Snyder, 




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was born in Maryland, and was of German de- 
scent. He went to Canada and followed agri- 
culture for a livelihood. He married Mary 
Rammage and died in 1876. His wife died in 1861. 
Mr. J. R. Snyder resided in Canada until he was 19 
years old, then came to Mecosta County and located 
the farm which he now owns — a soldier's claim of 
the war of 181 2, owned by his father — to which he 
has added another 80 acres by purchase, and has 60 
acres under tillage. 

Mr. Snyder was married March 12, i860, to Sarah 
A., daughter of William and Abigail Clifton, who was 
born in 1843, at Cleveland, Ohio, 'i'he children of 



this marriage are ten in number: William C, Sarah 
A., Grant, Fred, Nellie M., Glenn W., Mary and 
Martha (twins), John and Dora V. Politically, Mr. 
Snyder is a member of the National party. 



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^W^M- ohn P. Runyan, fanner on sec. 19, Deer- 
wM. fi<^ld Tp., was born in Franklin Co., Ind.^ 
■ IS?'*^ Aug. 18, 1822. He is a son of Thomas 
^1^ and Hannah (Stein) Runyan, both natives oi 
New Jersey, where they were married. In the 
year 1812 they removed to Indiana and there 
resided 14 years, going thence to Ohio, wliere 
they remained till death. Mr. Runyan was born 
two years before the admission of Indiana into the 
Union, and accompanied his parents to Ohio. He 
was at home until the age of 19, attending school 
and working on the farm with his father. At that 
age he was employed on the public works, building 
locks three years. Afterward he followed the occupa- 
tion of carpenter and joiner until 1878, with the ex- 
ception of the period spent in the Union army. In 
May, 1861, he enlisted in the 14th Reg. Ohio Vol. 
Inf., Co. A, and was in the service four years, receiv- 
ing honorable discharge in October, 1865. Among 
other engagements he was on duty in the battle of 
the Wilderness, siege of Richmond and before Peters- 
burg. He received a slight saber wound by accident, 
which was his sole casualty. 

Mr. Runyan came from Ohio to Michigan in 1878 
and bought 40 acres of land, which had been partly 
improved, on sec. 30. This he afterwards sold and 
bought ])roperty in Morley, of which he retained pos- 
session but a short time. In politics he is a Rejiub- 
lican, and is a member of the ( )rder of Odd Fellows. 
He was Deputy Sheriff while in Ohio and tilled sev- 
eral minor offices. He was married in Indiana, Oct. 
5, 1S44, to Lizzie, daugliter of Piatt and Orilla 
Squires. She died Sept. 18, 1881. Two children 
born of this marriage are both deceased. He was 
again married June 29, 1882, in Big Rapids, to Sarah 
J., daughter of Jolni H. and Minerva (Bullock) Un- 
derwood, and widow of Krastus .\. Watrous, who 
died Aug. 19, 1880. The parents of Mrs. Runyan 
were natives of New York, where the mother died, 
in Chautauipia County. The father died near Peters- 



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burg, Va. Hale S. Watrous, born May 18, 1880, was 
the only issue of the first marriage of Mrs. Runyan. 
She is prominent in the Baptist Church. 




ustice W. Tenney, deceased, was a native 
& of Livingston Co., N. Y., born Sept. 28, 
181 1. His father, William Tenney, was of 
English e.\traction, and a farmer by occupa- 
tion. Mr. Tenney remained at home until 
the age of 20, when he came to Walled Lake, 
Oakland Co., Mich., where he was married, in 
1839, to Marilla Loomis, a native of Michigan. Af- 
ter their marriage they moved to Kent Co., near Grand 
Rapids, and lived on a farm. Mrs. Tenney died in 
1853. In 1856 Mr. Tenney came to Green Tp., and 
settled on sec. 30, where he purchased 300 acres of 
land. He was again married in 1857, to Mrs. Maretta 
Willis, widow of George S. Willi;, of Muskegon 
County, who died in 1853. Slie was born in Water- 
ville, Lamoille Co., Vt., June 4, 1833, and is a daugh- 
ter of John and Mary (Lowater) Millington, the 
former a native of England and of Scotch-Irish an- 
cestry; both parents are deceased. Of her first 
marriage, one child was born, Lyman G. The children 
of Mr. and Mrs. Tenney are Herberts., Minnie M., 
Frank J. and Charles H. ^\'illian1 is deceased. Mr. 
Tenney died March 8, 1859. Mrs. Tenney is living 
with her four children on the homestead, consisting 
of 105 acres of land, a large proportion of which is 
under tillage. Mr. Tenney's children by his first 
wife are, Orlando L., Maynard T., Harriet M. and 
P^lla M. ; Alonzo and Frederic are deceased. 



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\ aniel Horton, book-keeper and clerk in the 
|[f mercantile house of T. C. Gardener at 
Remus, was born in Tioga Co., Penn., July 
1;, 1850, and is a son of Seneca and Catherine 
(Uuckbee) Horton, the father a native of Ohio, 
and the mother of New York. The family came 
to Michigan in 1864 and settled in Wheatland Tp. 
Mr. I lorlon passed the first 20 years of his life after tlie 
method of farmers' sons generally, and was married 
Fel). 4, 1870, to Mary, daughter of Ezra and Jane 
(lirown) Mansfield, who was born Feb. iS, 1S54, in 



GeneseeCo., N. Y., of which State her parents were na- ^ 
tives. She accompanied them to Michigan when (juitc (4 
young. Mr. and Mrs. Horton settled on a farm of *-:^' 
40 acres on sec. 25, Wheatland Tp. On this Mr. 1 
Horton labored until he had put 20 acres in a fit con- \ffj 
dition for cultivation. He operated as an agricultur- 
ist some years, eventually leaving his farm to engage 
in the general store of his brother at Millbrook, 
where he remained until February, 1881, the date of 
his entering upon his present duties in the establisli- 
ment of Mr. Gardener. He has the entire manage- 
ment of the business at Remus, and enjoys the un- 
restricted confidence of his principal, who is a non- 
resident, he having during the current year {1883) 
fixed his dwelling place at Big Rapids. Mr. Hoiton 
is a Republican in politics, and has been for some 
time Township Clerk. 

Mr. and Mrs. Horton have had four childien, viz.: 
Orville E., born June 15, 1871; Fred E., Sei)t. 21, 
1874; Effie J., Oct. I, 1876 (died Nov. 4, 1S.S7); 
Carrie M., Oct. 15, 1882. 



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Ijfj^tephen A. Gates, M. D., practicing phy- 
\gf- sician, Millbrook village, was born at Al- 



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W*^ bany, N. Y., Sept. 7, 1855. His parents, 
A A. A. and Jane (Averill) tiates, were natives 
\ of Otsego Co., N. Y , where the mother died 
when the son was but two years of age. The 
father died in 1872 Mr. Gates attended the 
ward schools of Albany until he was 17 years of 
age, after which he was a student at the high school 
of Otsego, and was engaged in the jirofession of 
teaching nearly three years. On reaching man's 
estate he began the study of his profession in the 
office and under the direction of Dr. J. W. Still, of 
Morris, Otsego Co., N. Y., where he read medicine 
one year, going thence to Buffalo, to attend a course 
of medical lectures. He ne.vt went to Albany for the 
same purix)se, and studied in the office of Dr. J. S. 
Mosher until the spring of 1878, when he comi)leted 
his studies and received his diploma. He remained 
in Morris during the first year after entering ujwn the 
career of a medical practitioner, and met with flatter- 
ing success; but owing to ill health, relinipiished his 
business, with all its promise, to seek another field 
I better adapted to tlie exigencies of the case. In 



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1879 he came to Michigan and engaged in teaching 
in Ionia and Montcahn Counties, where he was occu- 
pied nearly two years, when he resumed the practice 
of medicine in Ionia County, coming shortly after to 
Mecosta County, and fixing his residence at Mill- 
brook in the fall of 188 1. His business has increas- 
ed satisfactorily from the outset, and he has an 
extending practice and a permanent place i)i the con- 
fidence of the community that patronizes him. 

Dr. Gates was married in Ionia County, July 21, 
1882, to Arminda E., daughter of John and Eliza 
Taft, who was born in Ionia County, whither her 
parents removed from New York, their native State. 
One child was born of the marriage of the Dr. and 
Mrs. Gates: Myrtie M., born July 8, 1S81, and died 
July 16, 1883. 

Dr. Gates is an adherent of the Republican party, 
and himself and wife are members of the M. E. 
Church. 



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r fffUA',^ aleb V. Hane, druggist, Remus, was born 
t' Lk-il )''^ '" Williams Co., Ohio, Feb. 14, 1853. He 
%^^^ is a son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Barron) 
|JlV| Hane, natives of Pennsylv,Tiiia. In 1855 the 
W parents came to Lebanon, Clinton Co., Mich., 
where the son attended the common schools 
until he was 15 years old. He finished his educa- 
tion at the graded school at Maple Rapids, where he 
was a pupil three years. On completing his course 
of study he entered the drug store of Mr. McDon- 
ald at that place, where he was a clerk three years. 
In 1873 he returned to Lebanon and worked two 
years on a farm. He was married in Clinton County, 
March 26, 1875, to Flora, daughter of Albert and 
Lydia (Anersley) Cross, natives respectively of New 
York and Ohio, and of English and Welsh descent. 
Mrs. Hane was born in Madison Co., Ill, April 18, 
1854. Her parents removed to Maple Rapids when 
she was eleven years old, where she was educated. 

Mr. Hane passed the year succeeding his marriage 
on a farm. The next year he went to Maple Rapids 
and operated a few months in the grocery business, 
going thence to Pompei, Gratiot Co., and there em- 
barked in the drug trade. He ct)ntinued to carry on 
his affairs there until the fall of iSSo, when he went 
to Fowler, Clinton Co., and a short time after founded 
his present business at Remus. His stock includes 




all druggists' goods and is valued at $r,5oo, with an- 
nual sales aggregating $2,000, and business interests 
constantly increasing. 

Mr. Hane is a Republican and is Clerk of the vil- 
lage of Remus. One child is included in the family 
circle, Jessie, born June 28, 1876. The property of 
Mr. Hane embraces 120 acres of partly improved 
land in Isabella County, 80 acres of timber land on 
sec. 21, 40 acres on sec. 16, of Wheatland Tp., Me- 
costa Co., and 120 acres in the township of Sheridan. 



Vrl oseph A. De Long, fanner, sec. 22, Wheat- 
^ffl,'_ land Tj)., is the son of Martin and Mary 
?^/;Pn' (Edmonds) De Long, natives of New Eng- 
land, and of French descent, who located in 
the State of New York soon after their mar- 
riage. Mr. De Long was born in Erie Co., 
N. Y., July 31, 1826. In 1830 his parents removed 
to Victoria Co., Can., where he was married May 20, 
1847, to Almira, daugliter of David and Anna 
(McKague) Brintnall, who was born Oct. 18, 1826, 
in Northumberland Co., Ont. Her parents were 
natives respectively of Vermont and Ireland. Mr. 
De Long was occupied in farming in various locali- 
ties until the autumn of 1864, when he fi.xed his resi- 
dence in Wheatland Tp., on 80 acres of wild land, 
where he has since lived and [irosecuted his farming 
and other interests. 

Mr. De Long is a Republican, and himself and 
wife are members of the M. E. Church. Children : 
Laura, born June 16, 1848; Eliza A., Nov. i, 1850; 
Almeron, May 18, 1852; Clarissa, March 13, 1854 
(died Jan. 2,. 1858); Harrison, March 10, 1856; 
William, April 20, 1858; Melissa, June 29, i860; 
Benjamin, Sept. 24, 1862; John, March 18, 1865, 
and Martin, Aug. i, 1S67. 



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athan Swishei', farmer, sec. 21, Wheatland 
Tp., resident at Remus, was born in Allen 
Y^ Co., Ohio, Nov. 5, 1837. His parents, 
Michael and Salome (Stukey) Swisher, were 
4 natives of Pennsylvania and of German descent. 
' Previous to their marriage they were residents of 
Ohio and removed tlience, later in life, to Whitley 




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Co., Ind. Mn Swisher enlisted when he was 24 
years old as a soldier for the Union. He enrolled 
in the 17th Ind. Vol. Inf., Aug. 28, 1S62. Hisioin- 
niand was attached to the Army of the Cumberland, 
and during his period of service he participated in 
42 imiwrtant actions, besides taking part in numer- 
ous minor affairs. Among the [jrincipal battles were 
Hoover's Gap, Duck River, Columbia, Tenn., and 
Nashville, Farmington, Lookout Mountain, etc. He 
went through all without wound or capture, though 
his clothing was more than once riddled with bullets, 
and a horse was shot under him on- one occasion. 
He was honorably discharged in August, 1865. On 
his return from the war he was married in Van \\ert 
Co., Ohio, Nov. 29, 1865, to Esther, daughter of Lot 
and Margaret (Arnold) Meeker, natives of New 
York. After farming two years in Ohio, he came to 
Michigan and bouglit a farm containing 80 acres of 
forest in Wheatland Tp., now the site of the village 
of Remus. Later he bought 120 acres additional, 
making 200 acres, which is in good condition. Mr. 
Swisher is erecting a substantial residence, at an ex- 
penditure of $1,500. 

Mr. and Mrs. Swisher have had nine children: 
Joseph M., Roscoe P., Enos, I^. G., William, A. O., 
Arnold, Stukey, Nathan R. and Lou. B. Arietta M. 
is deceased. Mr. Swisher is a Republican in politics, 
and has been Treasurer of Wheatland nine years. 
He is a member of the Order of Good Templars, 
and himself and wife belong to the M. E. Church. 





!____, illiam T. Jones, manufacturer of lumber, 
>L|Uj|! shingles, etc., resident at Morley, was 
born at Waterdown, Wentworth Co., LTp- 
P per Canada, March 10, 1847. His father, 
Ezekiel Jones, was a native of Ireland, and 
emigrated to C'anada when he was 1 1 years of 
age. He readied man's estate, and married in 
the Dominion, where he resided until 185 1, in which 
year he came to Micliiganand settled in Croton, Ne- 
waygo County, where he interested himself in lum- 
bering, and kept a hotel until his death in 1854. 
This journey to Micliigan was made by Mr. and 
Mrs. Jones and family in a wagon, the distance from 



Waterdown being 400 to 500 miles. Jane (Thomp- 
son) Jones, mother of the subject of this sketc h, re- 
turned to her native i>rovince after t'r.e death of her 
husband, and is still living at Waterdown. 

Mr. Jones obtained a fair education in the schools 
of his native town, and there commenced his busi- 
ness life, working as a salesman in a mercantile house 
six years, after which he established himself in busi- 
ness with a ])artner, under the firm name of Jones, 
Burns & Co., for the sale of general merchandise. 
He sold out at the end of three years and came to 
Michigan, locating at Morley. He at once engaged 
in the lumber trade, and, under the firm name of 
Cook, Pendleton & Jones, began the manufacture of 
shingles. This relation lasted one year, when Mr. 
Pendleton withdrew, and the business was maintain- 
ed by Messrs. Cook & Jones until the death of the 
former in 18S2. Since that event Mr. Jones has con- 
tinued to conduct tlie liusiness in his own interest. 
He is also associated in the proprietorship ar.d man- 
agement of a grist-mill at Morley, with William 
Hugh. 

The personal history of Mr. Jones is marked by the 
same qualities which characterize the records of so 
many of the substantial citizens of Mecosta County. 
He inherited thrift and energy, was trained to indus- 
trious habits, and built up his business and fortune 
by economy and the exercise of good judgment in his 
operations. He enjoys the confidence of the com- 
munity where he lives, and has aljly discharged his 
obligations as the incumbent of various township 
offices. He has belonged to the Masonic fraternity 
since 1868, and is a member of the Lodge ''Strict 
Observance," No. 27, and Royal Arch Chapter No. 2, 
at Hamilton, Ont. 

Mr. Jones was married in Mecosta Co., Mich.i 
.\ug. 24, 1881, to Elizabeth, daughter of the late 
John T. and Sarah A. J. (Dow) Cook, the former a 
native of ('onnecticut, the latter born in Boston, 
Mass. Mrs. Jones was boin in Earlville, 111., Sept. 
14, ^'^Al- 

i'olitically Mr. Jones has always been a member of 
the Republican party, and has labored for its ad- 
vancement and prosperity. 

As a prominent and representative citizen of Me- 
costa ("ounly, and a gentleman worthy the position, 
we i)lace the portrait of .Mr. Jones in this Album. 













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E-ames HuUinger, druggist, Mecosta village, 
£. was born in Orleans Co., N. Y., March 6, 

[sB^'t' 1842. His father, Dr. William Hullinger, 
was a practicing physician for 40 years. He 
was a pioneer of Hillsdale Co., Mich., and was 
connected with its settlement and the found- 
ing of the village known as Basswood Corners. 
He cut seven linden trees, from which he constructed 
a house — the nucleus, as it proved, of a village of 
respectable dimensions, which received its name 
from the variety of wood which entered into the con- 
struction of the first house erected on its site. 

Dr. Hullinger was a man of adventurous character, 
and spent much lime in travel. He went to Cali- 
fornia in 1849, setting out from Reading, with four 
yoke of oxen, traveling with them on foot from Port 
Sarnia, at which place he left his company, and 
reached the land of golden promise six months in ad- 
vance of the cattle. He went four times to Califor- 
nia, once to Pike's Peak, and once to the Black 
Hills He is now living in retirement, at Munica, 
Ottawa Co., Mich. 

At the age of 17 Dr. Hullinger went to Hillsdale 
College, and after two years of study there enlisted 
in the Union army, enrolling in the Fourth Mich. 
Vol. Inf., under Col. Dwight A. Woodbury. He was 
discharged June 20, 1864. During its period of ser- 
vice the regiment to which he belonged was in 42 
engagements. He was detailed as Hospital Steward, 
and passed the lime of- his enrollment in the dis 
charge of the duties of that position. 

On his return from the war he entered upon active 
preparations for the calling of a carpenter and 
builder, and was engaged at Stanton two years in the 
manufacture of shingles. He was making fair prog- 
ress in that business, when a disastrous fire destroy- 
ed his mill, and he was obliged to seek employment 
at his trade. 

He came to Mecosta, Mecosta County, reaching 
there the 20th day of October, 1879. He imme- 
diaiely set about the erection of the building in 
which he now prosecutes the business that he 
established, on his location in the village of Mecosta, 
sheltering his stock of merchandise in a small shanty 
near his store, until the latter building was in readi- 
ness for use. His slock was valued at $600: it now 



represents $2,000, and includes all goods common to 
a first-class drug store, and suited to the local de- 
mand. His annual sales amount to $8,000. 

Mr. Hullinger was married to Vanchie, daughter of 
Z. B. and Jane A. Stillson, born in Huron Co., Ohio. 
Two sons — Bailey, born June 6, 1866, and Otto K., 
born Sept. 16, 1870 — are included in the household. 
The eldest son is his father's assistant in the drug 
store. 

Mr. Hullinger is a member of the A. O. U. W., 
and himself and wife belong to the Presbyterian 
Church. He has been Superintendent of the Sunday- 
school three years. 



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|l^^^[lexander Thompson, farmer,' sec. 14, Green 
S%#lf' Tp., was born in Scotland, July 28, 1814, 
?^ter^ and is a son of John and Jeannette (Twed- 
'aj|*,^ del) Thompson, natives of " Auld Scotia," 
;!?•*■ where they lived and died, — thefatherin 1816, 
) when the son was but two years old. Mr. 
Thompson remained at home with his mother until 
he was 34 years old, occupied with the business of 
cloth-making. He came to the American continent in 
1848, landed at New York, then went to dault, Can. 
He returned to the "Stales" at the end of the year 
and located in Mercer Co., Pa., where he found em- 
ployment at his trade. He worked there 18 months, 
then went to the factories at Indianapolis, where he 
remained four years. In the fall of 1854 he went 
back to Scotland and was there employed as a wea- 
ver. In 1858 Mr. Thompson was married to Agnes, 
daughter of James and Margaret (Richmond) Mor- 
ton, who was born in Ayrshire, Scotland, Nov. 21, 
1825. Her parents were natives of that place, and 
there lie buried. Mr. and Mrs. Thompson have had 
four children ; John, born April 12, 1859; James M., 
March 21 1861 ; Margaret M., Jan. 18, 1863 (now 
Mrs. John Lord); Jeannette, June 21,1867, died May 
19, 1882. 

Early in the fall of 1861, Mr. Thompson, with his 
wife and two children, sailed for the United States. 
They landed at New York and then went to Trum- 
bull Co., Ohio, where he followed his occupation un- 
til the spring of 1868, when he came to Mecosta 
County. He located at once upon a farm containing 









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i6o acres of land. Forty acres of his orignal tract 
are now under cultivation. Mr. Thompson is a Re- 
publican of the most faithful type. 



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^fe^B^'atthew Dopp, farmer, sec. 25. Wheat- 
/liWHTlfi ].||^^j j-jj^ ^^^ \)ox\\ July 12, 1840, in 

Ivorain Co., Ohio, and is a son of John 
5'^^ and Permelia (Reynolds) Dopp, who came 
/y!jS to ^[ichil;an in 1S43. He was cared for by 
h> liis parents until he was nine years old, when 
he went to live with a neighbor. When 11 
years old he began a life of labor, finding employ- 
ment on farms as best he could. He was just 
entering manhood when the civil war broke out, and, 
not long after he had passed his minority, he yielded 
to the influences which swayed the entire nation, and 
became a soldier, enlisting in the First Michigan 
Cavalry, Aug. 22, 1861, under Col. Broadhead. He 
saw much active service, being in action at \\in- 
chester and Cedar Mountain, as well as in numerous 
minor engagements. He was discharged Dec. 18, 
1S63 and re-enlisted within the same month in the 
same regiment, with Col. Tower commanding. He 
was in the Army of the Potomac, and was in much 
hard service, receiving his final discharge March 22, 
1866. He was wounded once, and once taken pris- 
oner, being sent to the famous " Libby " at Rich- 
mond, Va., but was exchanged after three montlis 
confniement. 

After being mustered out he came to C'ass Co., 
Mich., and July 31, 1866, was mariied to Hattie, 
daughter of W'orden and Louisa (Spicer) Wells. 
After that event he located in Kalamazoo County, 
and a year later came to Mecosta County, where he 
has since been a resident. He is a farmer, on 40 
acres of land in Wheatland i'l). Children : Laura 
J., born Sept 24, 1872 ; Mary A., May 5, 1878 ; John 
R., June 15, 1880; Hattie P., Aug 17, 1882. 

Jl^^^athaniel Mitchell, farmer on sec. 26, .'Kina 
Tp., was born July 29, 1840, in Vates Co., 
N V. He is a son of James and Susan 
(Weston) Mitchell, and until he was 21 years 
,1^ old he remained at home occupied with agricul- 
tural matters on his father's farm. In 1861 he came 
to Mecosta County, and, becoming interested in the 
fate of the Union, he enlisted Jan 4, 1865, in the 1 oth 




Michigan Infantry, and served until the close of the 
war. He was in action only twice during the period 
of enlistment. Previous to entering the army he was 
actively interested in farming projects, and on return- 
ing he again threw all his energies into the plans and 
purposes of his life. He owns 80 orres of land, with 
20 acres under tillage. He is a Democrat and is at 
present serving his township as Overseer of High- 
ways. 

Mr. Mitcliell was married in 1861, to Emily M., 
daughter of David and Electa (Woodford) Ackerman, 
of Newaygo County, who was born Feb. 24, 1839. 
Freddie O. Mitchell, adopted son, was born Feb. 15, 
1876. They are Universalists. 



^^a,; illiam H. Bump, farmer, sec. 25, Wheat- 
^^®J||^ land Tp., was born in Wyoming Co., X. Y. 



"^i^-"'"''^ Oct. 7, 1832. He is a son of William and 
'*Q> Anna (Baker) Bump, natives of New York. 
.'i\fs All the education he obtained was acquired 
before he was 1 2 years old. At that age he be- 
gan life for himself as a farm assistant, working 
for the common compensation of the kind of labor he 
was able to perform — $3 per month. Tiiis career 
was followed until the fall of 1849, when, in company 
with his |)arents, he emigrated to Waukesha Co., 
Wis. On reaching there he readily found em])loy- 
nient, and was in various positions as a farm laborer 
for the six years following. He was married Oct. 7, 
1855, to Marcia J., daughter of James and Marcia 
(Bull) Klock, natives of New York, who was born in 
Oneida Co., N. Y., June 29, 1836, and in her child- 
hood accompanied her parents to the Badger State. 
.\fier his marriage Mr. Bump was engaged in the 
hnnber trade, together with other [)ursuits, until the 
period of the .Southern rebellion. Before the revolt 
of the slavery element had attained a year's growth 
he became a soldier. He ei.listed Jan. 18, i86i,in 
the three-months service, enrolling in the Fifth Wis. 
Reg. Vol. Inf., Co. I'", Captain Bean. At the expira- 
tion of three months he returned to his former em- 
ployment as a farmer and lumberman, operating until 
.•Vug. I, 1862, when he again crlisted, in the 28ih 
Wis., Co. F, in connnantl of Col. Lewis. Aftera ser- 
vice of 13 months he was discharged fur disability, 
and on rejoining his family he resolved on a transfer 



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to the county of Mecosta. In the spring of 1863, he 
bought a farm in Wheathind Tp., containing 120 
acres of land, and moved here with his family. He 
has since purchased 60 acres additional, making a 
tract of 180 acres, 85 of which are under the plow. 
Mr. Bump is a progressive farmer, and is managing 
his agricultural interests to the best possible advan- 
tage. He is a liberal Democrat in political principle, 
and is present Constable of his township. 

Children: Fannie A., born Aug. i, 1857; Anna S., 
Dec. 24, i860; William J. G., May 18, 1861 ; Mary 
E., Sept. 22, 1867; Geo. F., March i, 1866, died 



March 23, 1866. 







^(j'f^^ewis Swarthout, farmer, sec. 36, Deerfield 
Tp., was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., June 
9, 1833. He is a son of James and Rhoda 
(Reynolds) Swarthout, natives of the Em- 
pire State. His father was a farmer and went 
to Erie Co., Pa., where he remained three years, 
then returned to Seneca Co., N. Y., where he 
died, in July, 1847. Mr. Swarthout was brought up in 
Seneca County in the manner common to farmers' sons 
of that day. After the death of his father, he in 1850 
moved to Erie, Pa., and in 1856 came to this county 
and took up a homestead under the State law of Micli- 
igan. This was several years previous to the organi- 
zation of the township, and the forest was in its 
primeval candition. Mr. Swarthout has cleared and 
cultivated 80 acres of land. 

In March, 1861, a meeting was held for organization 
purposes, in which was represented the present towns 
of Hinton, ^■Etna, Millbrook and Deerfield. The 
delegates were George Gilmore, Samuel Rose, George 
Brady, Lysander Quigley, George Quigley, Lewis 
Swarthout, Elam Sanborn, Frederick Luther, Frank 
Hinton and George Hinton, — ten in number. The 
meeting was held at the house of Frederick Luther 
(/Etna Tp), and Mr. Rose was ap^x)inted clerk, and 
also elected Township Clerk, with George Gilmore, 
Supervisor. Mr. Swarthout has held various school 
and township offices. 

He was inarried Sept. 16, 1854, to Charlotte E. 
Trowbridge, who was born in the State of New York, 
and their childien are Ch.irles E., Aliiha T., Minnie, 
Frank and Bert; James M. and Jessie N. are de- 



ceased. Mr. Swarthout has acted generally with the 
Democratic element. He now resides at Lake View, 
Cato Tp., Montcalm Co., Mich. 



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~i? 17?: (\-- dgar O. Phelps, farmer, on sec. 13, 

• I (^;j*pi^'" ton Tp., is a son of Joseph and Louisa 
; _ j^ % (Hogle) Phelps, natives of Vemiont, and 
pioneers of the State of New York. Mr. Phelps 
was born in Vermont, Jan. 13, 1830, and lived 
in the Empire State until the age of 20 years, 
when he went to Canada and there engaged in fann- 
ing about 20 years. In the fall of 1870 he came to 
Michigan and settled at Grand Rapids, working 
nearly two years in the pineries. He came to Me- 
costa County in 1872 and purchased 80 acres of 
forest land in the township of Hinton, most of which 
is now under tillage. Mr. Plielps is an adherent of 
the Democratic party and its interests. He was mar- 
ried in Canada, May 10, 1852, to Sarah, daughter of 
John and Polly (Johnson) Burrison, natives respect- 
ively of Vermont and Canada. The mother died 
Ma) 27, 1879, at the hospital at .\nn Arbor, whither 
she went for treatment for a tumor. The children of 
Mr. and Mrs. Phelps are all living and were born as 
follows: Charles E., Oct. 12, 1853; William E., 
Jan. 13, 1855; James H., in M.-irch, 1857; Edgar 
O., Jr., in 1859; Truman N., May 21, 1863. 




ll^^a/lexander N. Tompkins, lumberm2n, resi- 
dent at Allona, Hinton Tp., was born in 
'^ I'anada, Aug. 12, 1848. His father, Geo. 
!)fhs" L. Tompkins, was a native of the State of New 
||^ York, and the mother of Canada; in 1867 they 
j came to Michigan and located in Ottawa 
County, coming thence to Big Rapids, where the 
mother died, in March, 1871; the father is living in 
Wexford County. At 14 years of age Mr. Tompkins 
was apprenticed to learn the blacksmith trade, but 
after eight months was compelled to abandon the 
project on account of difficulty with his eyes, and he 
remained at home one summer. The next season he 
worked on a farm and after that was engaged in lum- 
bering for two years. When he was 19 years old, in 
the fall of 1867, he came to Michigan, and in the fall 



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of 1868, to Mecosta County, where he has since 
lived, engaging in milling and lumbering. He is now 
operating the shingle mill owned by H. J- Brown in 
Altona and employs nine men. He is working under 
a four years' contract and the mill [iroduct is about 
35,000 shingles daily. Mr. Tompkins is identified 
with the Republican party, and is a men^ber of the 
I. O. O. F. 

Mr. Tompkins was married at Cadillac, Mich., in 
November, 1877, to Martha E., second daughter of 
Levinas and Velinda (Scouten) Engle. Her parents 
were natives of the .State of New York, who came to 
Allegan Co., Mich., in its pioneer days and afterwards 
went to Wexford Connty, where they now reside. 
Mrs. Tompkins was born in Allegan County, July 24, 
1854, and after she was 14 years old supported her- 
self until her marriage. One child was born of this 
marriage — Carrie, July 23, 1879. 



orace Eoach, farmer and lumberman, on 

r sec. 19, Deerfield T\^., was born March 22, 

1820, in Argyle, Washington Co., N. V. 

He is a son of Edward S. and Betsey (Reed) 

Roach, natives of Vermont, who settled in 

New York in pioneer days. They afterward 

'came to Michigan and located in Monroe 

County, and later, in Calhoun County, going thence 

to Barry County, where after a residence of 12 years 

the father died. His death occurred in the springof 

1871 ; the mother is still living, with a son in Barry 

County. 

Mr. Roach remained uniler the care of his i)arents 
until he was [6 years of age, when he came to Mich- 
igan, and resided in Wliiteford five years, then re- 
turned to the State of New York, coming back lo 
Michigan five years later when lie purchased 80 
acres of land in St. Joseph County, for which he paid 
§3 an acre. He built thereon a small frame house 
and proceeded to improve his property. He was 
enabled two years later to purchase an additional So 
acres adjoining, which he increased in five years to 
240 acres of farming land of a high grade. This 
was his home nearly 13 years. In 1857 he exchanged 
this property for 500 acres of limber land in Cass 
^) County, on which there was a steam saw-mill, having 
^ a capacity of 12,000 feet per diem., The mill was 

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destroyed by fire a year later, and was without delay Vf 
replaced by a more valuable structure, with a ca[)ac- ■■ 



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"christian P. Mynning, Supervisor u 

f I'ifth ward at Big Rapids, and grocer by 



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ity of 15,000 feet daily. This mill Mr. Roach man- 
aged two years, employing 10 men. He made a 
second exchange of i)roperty in i860, for 200 acres of 
improved land with good buildings, and situated ad- 
jacent to his old farm in St. Joseph County. 'I'his he 
0[ierated si.x years, and sold for $13,000. He then 
removed to Ionia County, and passed six years in 
lumbering. He- made a purchase of 180 acres ot 
land in Ionia County, under partial cultivation, and 
also 640 acres of pine land in Montcalm County. 
He combined the business of a clothier in lotiia wiih 
his other interests, hiring laborers to perform the 
farm duties. 

In 1872 he disposed of his entire property by sale, 
and bought 400 acres of pine land in the townshi[) of 
-Ktna, Mecosta Co., and also a shingle mill in 
Morley, which he operated until 1879. He again 
sold out all his interests and bought 200 acres in 
Deerfield Tp., with limited improven.ents. Of this 
latter purchase 120 acres are under a good state ol 
cultivation. = 

Mr. Roach was married in Detroit, Oct. 20, 1845, '^' 
to Caroline E., daughter of Charles and Polly (Burt) =: 
Macomber, natives of the State of New York, who 
came to Michigan in 1844, locating in St. Joseph 
County, where the father died in 1S75. Her mother 
resides at Three Rivers, Mic h. 

Mr. Roach saw the first train of cars tlia» passed 
from Albany to Schenectady, and was also an observ- 
er of the first train which ran in the Peninsular State, 
going from Toledo to Adrian. The latter was ren- 
dered a conspicuous event by the f;ict that hundreds 
of Indians were present on that occasion. Mr. R. 
is an outs[X)ken, zealous Republican, has often been 
proffered offices of trust in the various localities 
where he has resided, but always declined. The 
family attend the M. Iv Church. 



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vocation, is a native of Denmark, and was ^'.' 

'ilXo ''Of" Jan. 21, 1850. He came to -America in '.y 

m the fall of 1 87 1, and located at Big Rapids, ^ 
where he was variously enniloyed until Octo- * J 

ber, 1 882, when he formed a partnership with Thomas v 



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P. Mortenson, in the grocery trade, which relation 
still exists, and the firm is transacting a lucrative and 
increasing business. Their store is owned by Mr. 
Mynning, and the slock comprises full lines of goods 
common to the trade. 

Mr. Mynning was married in Denmark, Sept. ig, 
187 I, to Johanna Sorenson. They have four chil- 
dren — Charles, Holker, Soren and Mary. 

Mr. Mynning was elected to his present position in 
the spring of 1881, and re-elected in the spring of 
1883. The family attend the Lutheran Church. 



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7(^1 rederiek Walch, farmer, sec. 13, Wheat- 

■ RS^T ''^""^ "^l'"' '^ '■'^^ *°" "^ Michael and Mar- 
\k^f^''^'<< garet (Wolf) Walch, both of whom were 
-, ^fe natives of France, and of German descent. 
yjk He was born in the Province of Auvergne, 
J ]'■ ranee A\ig. 20, 1839. He received a fair 
education in German, and was a laborer on the rail- 
road and canal which were then in process of l)uild- 
ing through the section where he was born and 
reared. He left his native land in thespringof 1857, 
and came to Ontario, Can., where he was a farm 
laborer. He was married in Waterloo Co., (Jnt,, in 
') March, 1863, to Margaret, daughter of Jasper and 
Margaret (Horn) ()tteri)eign, natives of Germany, 
where Mrs. Walcli was born, Aug. 15, 1844. Her 
parents came to ,\merica and located in Waterloo Co. 
when she was ten years old. After his marriage Mr. 
Walch was a farmer in Waterloo County until 1865. 
In that year he removed to Montcalm Co., Mich., 
and settled at Greenville. He was there employed 
four years in a saw-mill. In 1869 lie came to Wiieat- 
land T])., and bought 40 acres of wild land, to wliich 
he has since added 80 acres. Of this land he has 
l)y his own exertions placed 60 acres under the best 
im|)rovements. 

Mr. and Mrs. Walcli have buiied five of their nine 
children. Tiie four surviving are as folio »'s: I'hilip, 
born Feb. 14, 1862; Margaret, Oct. 2, 1865; Fred- 
eric, Nov. 15, 1872; Dora, Feb. 18, 1879. John 
, died in infancy; Angeline, born July 5, 1868, died in 
^ August, 1880; Michael, liorii Ocl. 2 I, 1870, died Oct. 
■',) 31, 1876; I.aura, liorn Jan. i, 1875, died July 25, 
^ 1879; Ivillie M., iiorn Nov., '76, died Aug. 1, 1879. 



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Mr. Walch has not yet procured his papers of citizen- 

■ship; himself and wife are members of the German 
Lutheran Church. 



eorge Helms, farmer on sec. 23, Deerficld 
Tp., was born in the Keystone State, Jan. 
* 3,1810. His parents, Conrad and Mary 
^ (Swaggart) Helms, were born in Pennsylvania, 
and removed to Muskingum Co., Ohio, where 
they were among tlie first settlers. They went 
thence to Whitley Co., Ind., where they round- 
ed the period of their lives. Mr. Helms passed 
nearly 30 years of his life in tlie Huckeye State. 
Removing thence, he came to Mecosta County and 
purchased 80 acres of land, with nine acres cleared, 
and an orchard of 50 apple-trees. He has been a 
thrifty and judicious farmer, and has 40 acres under . 
the plow. He afterward purchased 1 20 acres more, 
which he has since sold He has been an active 
and zealous Republican since the organization of 
the party. 

Mr. Helm was married in 1834, in Muskingum 
Co., Ohio, to Sarah, daughter of William and FJiza- 
beth ((Jougar) Linton, natives of Pennsylvania. Of 
I I children born to Mr. and Mrs. Helms, three died 
in infancy — Henry W., James H., and Wesley C. 
'I'he record of those yet surviving is as follows : 
Geo. W., born Oct. 20, 1838; Joshua H., Dec. 11, 
1840; Catherine E., April 24, 1845; Hibbard C"., 
Sept. 6, 1846; Cassius M. C., June 23, 1849; Wil- 
liam H., June 16, 1851; John L., Jan. 30, 1854; 
Charles C, April 29, 1858. 



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ohn H. Foster, mason and builder, and 

IW'' dealer in masons' supplies. Rig Rapids, 

was born l<"el). 11, 1S42, at Franklin, Me. 



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Jp" He is a son of Joseph W. and Harriet (Scani- 
nions) Foster, and after he had attained the 
age of 17, s[)ent four years in learning his 
trade under the sui)ervision of William D. Moore, in 
Franklin. October 15, 1861, he enlisted in Co. M, 
First Maine Cavalry, Capt. P. M. Brown, and was in 
the service nine months, during which time he was in 



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one of the heaviest engagenienls of the war — that of 
tlie Shenandoah Valley — during the retreat of Gen. 
Banks He was discharged at \Villianisi»rt, Md., 
and returned to his engagement with Mr. Moore. 
A year afterward he went to Calais, Me., spent a 
year there in pursuit of his trade, and worked a year 
successively at Richmond, Va., and Portland, Me. 
He went from the latter place to New York City and 
vicinity, and there and at Jersey C'ity he constructed 
a number of fine residences. 

In 1870 he settled at Big Rapids, wliere he lias 
since carried on his business, and engaged in lumber- 
ing on tracts of pine land which he purchased, and 
put the timber on the market, :uid operated to a con- 
siderable extent as a contractor, employing 50 men 
in the busy seasons. Among the buildings of his 
erection at Big Rapids, are the Baptist Church, the 
Water ^^'orks, Northern Hotel block, two Teifer 
blocks, Collins block, tlie L'nion School house, Wil- 
co.x hardware store, etc., etc. He belongs to the 
Masonic Order, has l)een Alderman five successive 
years, Superintendent of the City A\ater Works, and 
Street Commissioner two years, and is now a mem- 
ber of the School Board. 

Mr. Foster was married at Haverstraw, N. Y., 
Aug. 13, 1868, to Georgiana, daughter of 'I'homas 
ai:d Mary Dykins, a native of Haverstraw, X. Y. 
Four ciiildren have been born to them — i'ercv I., 
Howard \V., Charles and Bertie (deceased). 

wmK avid W. Barto, fanner on sec. 29, Decr- 
nJP field Tp., is a son of Orrin M. and Esther 
(.\verill) P>arto, wlio came from their native 
, X'ermont, to Kalamazoo Co.. Midi , 
111 1S40, and there jiassed the remaining 
years of their lives. David W. was born in 
Kalamazoo County, July 4, 1843. He liveil 
there the first 22 years of his life, and spent the suc- 
ceeding r8 months in Kansas and Nel)raska. He 
returned home, and remained two and one-half years, 
when he again rejiaired to Kansas and pre-empted 
i6o acres of land. He sold out at the end of four 
and one-half years, at which time he purchased 80 
acres of land in Mecosta County, now his homestead 
and under partial improvement. 

Mr. Barto was married in Barry Co., Mich., N'ov. 

?»s<4- ^»«S« — =-^m: 




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Oct. 3, 

period of enlistment, Aug. 10, 1865. Among the en- 
gagements where he was under fire were those of the 
Valley of tlie Shenandoah, Culpepper, Second Hull 
Run, .\ntietam, ("hancellorsville. Cold Harbor, Beth- 
esda Church, siege of Pelersbiirg, and a large num- 
l.'er of skirmishes. 

On leaving the army he went to Omaha and en- 
gaged in the insurance business in Nebraska and 
Iowa. He afterward engaged as traveling salesman 
for the crockery house of Egner, Foutts & Co., of 
Liverix)ol, Ohio, in which capacity he served two 
years. In l''ebruary, 1872, Mr. Beebe came to Big 
Rapids, and purchased ;i half interest in the grocery 
of John Wiseman, and six months later purchased 
the entire stock. In November, 1875, '''^ **o'<^ 'o C. 
A. Stickney & Co., and in April, 1876, bought out the 
business of J. H. Kilburn, which he managed until 
Jan. 9, 1S78, when he formed a co partnership with 
J. G. Gill, and established his stand where he has 
since transacted business. May i, 1883, he pur- 
chased the interest of Mr. (lill. He carries a stock 
of fancy and staple groceries, flour; feed and grain, 
valued at $5,000, and transacts an annual business of 
§65,000. 

Mr. Beebe was married at Lo<kport, N. \'., Jan. 



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14, 1872, to Fani.ic A., daughter of J. W. and Mary 
A. Miles, natives of Ohio, who emigrated thence to 
Barry County, and later to Kansas, whence they re- 
turned to Michigan, and are now resident at Manistee. 
Mr. and Mrs. Barto have two children — Ella P., 
born March 4, 1876, and Lina B., Sept. 21, 1877. 
Mr. Barto is an adherent of the Republican party. 



IpSl^: elson H. Beebe, grocer at Big Ra[)ids, was 
i-''l(il" '""'" '" Newfane, Niagara Co., N. Y., Dec. 
- ■< 2, 1843, and is a son of Aaron and Sarah 
A. (Strickland) Beebe. His father was a 
farmer and mill-owner. Mr. Beebe was a stu- 
dent at school principally, until the breaking 
out of the civil war, and he was among the earliest to 
enroll as a defender of the l'nion flag. He enlisted 
at Lockport, N. Y., .April 29, 1861, in Co. K, 28th 
N. Y. Vol. Inf., and served until the end of the war. 
His regiment was mustered out June 2, 1863, and he 
re-enlisted Sept. 3, in the .Second N. Y. Mounted 
Rifles, He received his Lieutenant's commission 



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1864, and was released by the close of his JO; 



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25, 1870, to Amy L. Pollard, born at M^ilson, Niagara 
Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Beebe liave three children 
— Kern, Elmer and Nellie. 



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'T^^*ames T. Huntei', farmer, sec. 30, Mecosta 
"irrfi ^ Tp., was l.iorn Dec. 21, 1S57, in Essex Co., 
1(3???'^ N. V. His parents, Robert and Sarah 
(Curry) Hunter, were born in Ireland, of Scotch 
ancestors, and soon after their marriage came 
to Essex Co., N. Y. When Mr. Hunter was 15 
years old he came vvith his parents to Big Ra|)ids, 
and thence, in the fall of 1872, to the township of 
Mecosta. His father located a tract of land, where 
he proceeded to found a home for his family. He 
died in the winter of 18S1, and Mr. Hunter of this 
sketch received by will 60 acres of this farm, 50 
acres of which is in fine farming condition. Mrs. 
Mary Hall, his sister, acts as the housekeeper and 
manager of the domestic department. 

Mr. Hunter is a young inan, but is already estab- 
lished as a citizen and farmer. His future is promis- 
ing and he seems destined to a fair rank in the 
community to which he belongs. He holds to the 
Presbyterian faith in religious views. 



filliam H. McPherson, farmer on sec. 1, 
Hinton r|)., is a son of Cyrus and Mar)' 
^i^^^^yryu: L. (Pamfrey) McPherson ; the father a na- 
'S^^Otive of Maine, and the mother of New Bruns- 
wick, where they were married; they fixed 
their place of residence in Maine and still 
live there. William H. was born June 2, 185 i, in 
New Brunswick, where he lived until he was 19 years 
of age, occupied winters in the lumber woods and 
spending the summer seasons in the slate ipiarriesof 
the section where he was reared. For about six 
years, until he was 25 years of age, he was engaged 
i solely in the cpiarries. In the spring of 1875 he 
•,','.' came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of land 
S'. in this township, which is now his homestead, with 
^ 32 acres now under advanced improvement. Mr. 
*) McPherson is a third-degree member of the ()r(!er 
^ of Masonry and in [lolitics is a Republican. 





He was married in Maine, March i, 1870, to Sarah 
E., eldest daughter of Luke L. and Hannah H. 
(Daniels) Perry. They were natives of Maine, where 
Mrs. McPherson was born Sept. 8, 185 i. The house- 
hold includes four children : Mabel L., born Feb. 
2, 187 I ; Melissa E., Aug. 4, 1873 ; Cyrus F., Oct. 3, 
1879, and William H., July 21, 1S82. 

^ Egff^ dward Gilchrist, farmer on sec. 28, Me- 
l^^^f costa Tp,, was born in Canada, May 28, 
1855. He is a son of Philip and Paulina 
'^i{£ (Rake) Gilchrist, natives of the Dominion. 
His i)arents came to Saint Clair Co., Mich., 
when he was one year old. After a few years 
they returned to Canada. They afterward came 
back to Michigan to make a permanent settlement, 
and located near Port Huron, going thence three 
years later to Sanilac County, remaining about six 
years. Edward Gilchrist continued to reside there, 
antl in the summer of 1871 began to interest himself 
in lumbering, where he was occupied until 1876. In 
that year Mr. (Gilchrist bought 40 acres where he now 
resides in Mecosta Tp. It was then a dense forest 
and required laborious and unremitting exertion to 
reduce it to a condition suitable to comfortable sup- 
port. The place has 15 acres under tillage. Mr. 
(iilchrist is a Democrat of but moderate pretensions. 
He is now Director of School District No. 5; has 
liberal religious views. 

He was married in February, 1878, to Emma, 
daughter of Jacob and Lydia (Wadsworth) Mong. 
Her [larenls were natives of Pennsylvania, and of 
German descent. The daughter was born in Ve- 
nango Co., Pa., Aug 31, 1859, and came with her par- 
ents to Michigan in 1869. The tivo children of Mr. 
and Mrs. Gilchrist were born as follows: Jt)hn J., 
Sept. 9, 1876, and Pearl, Sept. 27, 1880. 

rfjU^^jr enry B. Wolcott, farmer and lumberman, 
* T' sec. 15, Millbrook Pp.. was born in iSrad- 

vl'S^"* '°'^*^ ^'"■' '''^■' •'■'"■ '^' ''^--1' '"^'^'^ '^ '^ ^°" '^^ 
A Benj. and Betsey (Merrell) Wolcott, the father 

"r a native of New York, the mother of Pennsyl- 

I vania. The family went to the State of New 

N'ork when Mr. Wolcott was 22 years of age, and he 



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remained an inmate of the household four years 
longer. He was married at the age of 26 and con- 
V, tinned to carry on the business of farming there 
y until he was 31 years old, when he came to Michigan 
-< and settled in Shiawassee County. He remained 
^^ there 18 months and went to De Kalb Co., 111., and 
engaged in farming three years. His health becom- 
ing impaired he went back to his native Stale. Dur- 
ing tne six years of his residence there he held the 
]X)sitions of Constable and Collector, and passed the 
remainder of the time in farming. He came again 
t to Michigan in 1866, and settled in Millbrook Tp., 
r where he entered 160 acres of land under the pro- 
^ visions of the Homestead Act. f)n this land he 
erected the second frame house built in the town- 
ship, and set about clearing the land for agricultural 
purix)ses, working three years without a team. The 
results of his persevering energy are manifest in the 
ap|)earance of his farm, no acres of the original 160 
acres being under excellent cultivation. Although 
^ ^ lie has bought and sold several hundred acres of 
land in the townshi)), he has always held his first 
claim as a homestead. 

Mr. Wolcott was married in Bradford Co., Pa., 
Nov. 8, 1849,10 Ruth, second daughter of WnLi.. 
and Sally (V'osbinder) Taylor. The parents were 
natives of New York, and settled in Bradford County, 
where they passed the remainder of their lives. Mrs. 
Wolcott was born in Tioga Co., N. Y., March 22, 
1832. Of 14 children of Mr. and Mrs. Wolcott, 
eight are still living, born as follows : Sarah S., Oct. 
30, 1850; Lewis E., May 7, 1852; Benjamin L., 
Dec. 5, 1853; Betsey E., Feb. 29, 1856; Ettie L., 
Dec. 4, 1863; Ruth A., June 16, 1869; Maurice D., 
Feb. 26, 1872; Alice M., Nov. 8, 1876. The de 
ceased are as follows: Ceorge J., born Feb. 17, 
1858, died Sept. 19, 1863; Laura L., born June 17, 
i860, died Sept. 17, 1863; Emma E., born Dec. 30, 
1861, died Sei)t. 22, 1863; Charles A., boin April 9, 
1868, died April 11, 1868; Mary E., born July 8, 
1874, died Feb. 3, 1881; William H., born Dec. 24, 
1865, died Nov. 7, 1881. 

iMr. Wolcott has held the office of Justice of the 
.,,. Peace four years. Road Commissioner three years. 
School Director nine years in succession, and lias 
been a member of the School Board nearly every 
, year. Both himself and wife are active and prom- 
^ ment members of the M. E. Church. Mr. Wolcott 



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was four years a circuit preacher, was regularly or- 
dained and has officiated two years as a local 
jireacher. His impaired health compelled him to 
abandon circuit work, but he is still engaged in his 
ministerial labors and expects to be so occupied 
tlie remainder of his earthly life, believing that if he is 
faithful to the end a crown of eternal happiness will 
be his reward. 



*'amuel L. Newton, of the banking house 

_ of I'airuum \- Newton, Big Rapids, and 

|;-S^^ whose portrait we place in this work, was 

^ born at Hagersville, Ont., Aug. 6, 1861, and is 

;Y^ a son of Luther G. and Mary J. (Waters) 
Newton. In 1865 his parents went to Buffalo, 

' N. Y., where his father associated with his 
uncle, J. S. Newton, embarked in the lumber trade 
and carried on an extensive business under the style 
of J. S. & L. G. Newton. Mr. Newton was a pupil 
at school in Buffalo from four years of age until the 
second removal of his family to Adams, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., where he was again placed at school, and 
remained a student there until he was 17 yeais old. 
In 1877 he began a course of study at Hmigevford 
Collegiate Institute, where he remained four years. 
At the expiration of that period he came to Big 
Rapids and engaged as book-keeper in the banking 
house of Ferdinand Fairman, his guardian. In C)c- 
tober, 1881, Mrs. Newton purchased an interest in 
the bank with Mr. Fairman, which her son in turn 
bought from her on reaciiing his majority (.\ug. 6, 
1882), becoming owner of halfits business relations. 
In every respect he seems fitted for the honorable 
and imiKjrtant |)rofcssion wliich he has chosen, [hjs- 
sessing all the essential characteristics reipisite to the 
calling. 

The house ol Fairman & Newton ranks among the 
most solid and reliable of the banking institutions of 
Northern Michigan. Its affairs are conducted with 
a sagacity and business acumen which secures the 
confidence of the public and amplifies its financial 
relations. The Fairman & Newton block, ranking 
among the most substantial buililings in Big Rapids, 
is owned by the firm whose rame it bears. The 
building on Michigan avenue, occupied by the Mich- 
igan Cigar Co., is the private properly of Mr. Newlor. 



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f ffe^^h^?iUiaiii Corbett, fanner, sec. 22, Mecosta 
Tp., is a native of Scotland, wliere he was 
born Dec. 7, 1849. His parents, James 
and Elizabeth (Spears) Corbett, were also 
atives of "Auld Scotia," and came to this 
ntr)' with their family, settling in Canada in 
53. Si.x years later they came to Michigan. 
Mr. Corbett was but a lad when he was brought to 
this country, and was still in early youth when he be- 
came a resident of the Peninsular State. Until 1873 
he worked at various places as a farm assistant, and 
in that year purchased 120 acres of land ni the town- 
ship where he is now a citizen, which acreage he has 
increased by purchase until he now owns a valuable 
farm containing 160 acres, with 140 acres under cul- 
tivation and in extraordinarily good condition for agri- 
cultural purposes. He has made rapid strides in 
the improvement of his place, and has already erected, 
in modern style, all buildings necessary to first-class 
"^ farming, except a suitable residence, vi'hich will soon 
^ be added to the substantial attractions of the place. 
^ Mr. Corbett was married at Hastings, Mich., May 
19, 1877, to Esther J., daughter of Jonas and Re- 
becca A. (Stanley) Hall. She was born Jan. 17, 
1856. Mr. and Mrs. Corbett have three children, 
born as follows: George, Sept. 27, 1879; May E., 
May 12, 1881 ; Maggie M., Oct. 5, 1882. 

Politically Mr. Corbett is a Democrat and has held 
various offices in the gift of his townsmen. The 
family altend the Presbyterian church. 



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'jharlesW. Kelley, farmer, sec. 3, Millbrook 



Tp., was born in Canada, Jan. 16, 1845. 

H'ffr'"*" ^^ '^^^ '"* °^" fortune to carve, and at 

^ ^ the age of 13 commenced the struggle for 

o|^ home and the future. He was employed as 

\ a farm laborer, and durnig the first year received 

fsix dollars a month. He passed some years in this 
manner in Canada, and in the fall of 1864 came to 
Ionia, Mich., returning three months later to the Do- 
minion. After spending a winter at home he re- 
^ turned to Ionia County, and not long after, in the 
\~^ autumn of 1865, came to Mecosta County and 
r bought I 60 acres of timbered land in Millbrook 'i'p. 



He has made such good use of his energy and labor 
that he has put 65 acres in a good state of cultiva- 
tion. 

Mr. Kelley was married in Millbrook, April 17, 
1870, to Mary E., third daughter of James E. and 
Rosanna (Purceley) Riley, who was born in New 
York, April 5, 1854. Her parents came from Ireland 
and settled in the Empire Slate. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kelley have had six children, five of whom are liv- 
ing: Rosa M., born Feb. 20, 1872; Myrtie I., March 
10,1874; Nora B. Sept. 24, 1876; Ada, March 19, 
1877; Eva, Jan. 9, 1879. Rosanna died in infancy. 
Mr. Kelley belongs to the Republican party. He 
has held important official po.sitions in the affairs of 
his township, and himself and wife are members of 
the Wesleyan Methodist Church. 

^^^^^*^ 

Henry Mansfield, farmer, sec. 35, Wheatland 
Tp., was born in Genesee Co., N. Y., Aug. 
II, 1818. His parents, Josiah and Lucre- 
tia (Byani) Mansfield, were natives of Massa- 
chusetts. He passed the years preceding his 
majority under the care and supervision of his 
father, attending school and receiving the training 
and instruction necessary to fit him for his life's 
work. On leaving home he spent the next four years 
as a farm laborer. At 25 years of age he was mar- 
ried to Charlotte, daughter of Elijah and Abigail 
Brown, that event taking place at Byron, N. Y., Dec. 
15, 1842. Mrs. Mansfield was a widow, and survived 
her second marriage until Dec. 6, 1847, when she 
died, in Genesee County. Her illness was long and 
involved her husband in debt to a considerable ex- 
tent. He was again married May 25, 1848, in Gen- 
esee County, to Caroline M., daughter of Chauncey 
and Lorena (Wells) Brown, natives of New England, 
and respectively of Irish and English extraction. 
Mr. and Mrs. Mansfield lived on a farm in the 
county where they were married until 1867. In the 
spring of that year they settled on the farm where 
they are still resident, containing 1 20 acres of land, 
with 70 acres under advanced cultivation and sup- 
plied with necessary and suitable farm buildings. 
The family includes three children, as follows: 
Chauncey R., born July 12, 1849; Evert J., Jan. 26, 
1852; Mary A., May 8, 1855. 
The parents are in advanced life, but an 




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life has kept them young in piiriwse and stimulated 
their ambition to keep pace with the progress of the 
age. Mr. Mansfield has always acted with the Re- 
publican party; has served his township as Treasurer 
seven years. He and his wife are zealous ineiiilicrs 
of the M. E. Church. 



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K. Wolcott, farmer, sec. 2, .MiUbiook '['[>.. 
is a son of Benj. and Betsey (Merrill) Wol- 
cott, the former a native of Pennsylvania, 
and the latter of Connecticut. In early life 
they settled in Bradford Co., Pa., where they 
lived more than 40 years. In the spring of 
of 1856 they came to Shiawassee Co., Micji., 
.uul after a brief stay went to Illinois. Five years 
later they returned to the same i:ounty in Michigan 
and remained three and one-half years, going then 
to Pennsylvania, and residing there until the fall of 
1868, when they came to Millbrook, and lioth died 
here in the spring of 1878. 

Mr. Wolcott was born in Bradford Co., Pa., I'tb. 
20, 1831, and was the support of his parents as long 
as they lived. On coming to Milll)rook he entered a 
claim of 120 acres of land under the homestead a< t, 
and afterward, in 1869, l)ought 80 acres of land ad- 
joining. In 1878 he sold 40 acres of this land and 
in April, 1883, he sold 80 acres; he still holds a valu- 
able farm containing 80 acres under good improve- 
ments. He was married in Bradford Co., Pa., Oct. 
27, 1881, to Countess 1)., daughter of .A. P. and Es- 
ther Wolcott. Her parents were natives of Pennsyl- 
vania, where Esther was born Mr. and .Mrs. Wol- 
cott had one child, Viola, born May 5, 1883, and 
died Sept. 10, 1883. Mr. Wolcott is identified with 
the Democratic party, and lias been Scliool Assessor 
ten years. 




dward Harmon, landlord of the Millluook 

hotel, Millbrook village, was born in 

Maine, Feb. 14, 1832, and is a son of John 

and .\nn E. (Martin) Harmon, natives of 

Maine. The father died in California in 1867' 

and the mother resides at Boston, Mass. At 

the age of 16 Mr. Harmon engaged as a lumberman. 




and also in the river service, which he pursued as a 
vocation 25 years. In 1859 he left Maine and came 
to Clearfield Co., Pa., and there engaged in lumber- 
ing 14 years. He left the Keystone Stale in the fall 
of 1873 and came to Mason Co., Mich., pursuing the 
same business at which he had spent so many years 
of his life, about iS months, during which time he 
also kept a boarding house. At the termination ol 
the period named, in 1875, he came to Blanchard, 
Isabella Co., Mich., and, forming a jjartnership with 
H. P. Blanchard, continued to jirosecute the lumber 
trade. At the end of one year this connection closed 
antl Mr. Harmon .:ame to Mecosta County, and in 
December, 1876, located at .Millbrook and estab- 
lished himself in the hotel business, which still 
monopolizes his time anil energies. His house is the 
leading one in tliat section antl is the only one in 
town. 

Mr. Harmon was married in Pennsylv.inia, May 
24, 1861. Mrs. Harmon was born in Center Co., 
Penn. She has one child by a former marriage, Deb- 
orah. Mr. Harmon is a Democrat. He has been 
connected with the Order of Odd Fellows about 20 
years; has held the office of Dei)uty Sheriff two and 
a lialf years, and been Constable one year. 



Olson Whitbeck, farmer, sec. 22, Mecosta 
I'p., was born in Wayne Co., N. V., Jan. 26, 
1834. His parents, Jasper and Mary 
"^^rrx' {'^"I'P) Whitbeck, were natives of the State of 
(, New York His mother died in Michigan, in the 
'P spring of 1878, aged 93 years. His father died 
in Oakland Co., Mich., in the fall of 1882. He was 
a centenarian, and distinctly remembered the first 
election of Washington to the Presidency of the 
United States by ballot. He was a soldier of 181 2, 
and lived to see the fifth generation of his descend- 
ants grow up about him. The family removed from 
Xew York to Michigan, leaving the Empire State Nov. 
4, 1838, where the boyhood, youth and early man- 
hood of .Mr. Whitbeck were passed. After reaching 
his majority he attended to the conduct of his father's 
farm, and fnially the old homestead (lassed into his 
[jossession. In the fall of 1882 he came to Mecosta 
Tp. and bought 160 acres of land, with 120 acres in 
good condition ^or farming i)urposes. On this Mr. 




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VVhitbeck is at present engaged in progressive farming. 
He was married March 19, 1857, to Sarah, daugh- 
ter of Horace and Annie (House) Atwood, of Rose, 
Oakland Co., where she was horn June 16, 1838. 
Her father was born in New York and is still living. 
The mother was a native of New Hampshire. Ada 
G., born Apiil 27, 1859, and Howard M., born Feb. 
I, 1S52, are the two children of Mr. and Mrs. Whit- 
beck. 



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ames Stephens, tarmer, resident on sec. 34, 
Hinton Ti). (P. O., Lakeview), is a son of 
^^r?% Ebenezer and Sarah (Vincent) Stephens. 
They settled in Canada, where James was 
born, Jan. 25, 1836. There he resided until 
Y December, 1865, and then lived in Ottawa 
Co., -Mich., two years. In the summer of 1867 he 
bought 80 acres of wild land, of which he has since 
sold 40 acres, with 18 of the remaining 40 under till- 
age and on which he lives. He is a Republican in 
jjolitics. 

Mr. Stephens was married in Canada, Nov. 10, 
1864, to Annie, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Bar- 
ton. The father was born in England, and the 
mother is a native of Pennsylvania Mrs. Stejihcns 
was born in Canada, May 2r, 1844. The five chil- 
dren of whom slie is the mother are all living, born 
in the following order: Sarah, April 7. 1867 ; Jesse 
M., Nov. 30, 186S; Abigail, Dec. 21, 1870; Ebene- 
zer J., Nov. i6, 1873; Allen J., Dec. 21, 1881. 




^^Pjggj harles Main, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook Tp., 
^^l^^^iF is a son of George and Margaret Ann 
pfi^" (Chandler) Main, and was born in Canada, 
|A^ May 3, 1 84 1. He came to Michigan in 
*!j<.' the spring of 1865, when nearly 23 years of 
J age, to prospect and locate land, and in the 
s[)ring of the following year came to Montcalm 
County, and was there engaged two years in farming. 
In the spring of 1868 he came to Mecosta County 
and bought 100 acres of land, with some improve- 
ments, in Millbrook Tp. He conducted affairs on 
this place nearly two years, sold it and purchased 
another, containing 100 acres, which he likewise sold, 




and in the spring of 1872 moved into the village of 
Millbrook to engage in a general mercantile business, 
having previously formed a partnership with E. S. 
Decker, under the style of Main & Decker. After 
conducting their business a year, another partner was 
admitted and the firm style became Main, Decker & 
Co. This connection existed five years; during a 
portion of this period Mr. Main was also interested 
in the lumber trade. Becoming embarrassed finan- 
cially, the firm closed its affairs, and Mr. Main again 
turned his attention to farming; is also keeping a 
hotel at West Milbrook, which he built in 1882. He 
is a Republican in politics and has served three years 
as Supervisor of his township. 

Mr. Main was married in Canada, Sept. 26, 1864, 
to Sarah, daughter of Henry and Rachel (Hunter) 
Long, all natives of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. Main have 
had three children, but one of whom, Irving H., sur- 
vives. Blanche and Richard A. died in infancy. 



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^^gj' ichael Degear, farmer on sec. 28, Deer- 
i;.&g4," 'ntXd Tp., was born in the Dominion of 
i> Canada Feb. 6, 1822. His parents, Mich- 
WW\" ael and Charity (Cupps) Degear, were also 
born in Canada, where the former died, in April, 
1857, and the latter Aug. 15, 1847. Mr. De- 
gear remained at the home place until the age of 20, 
and was variously employed about nine years. He 
then bought a farm containing 47 acres, which he sold 
ten years later and removed to the township of Lan- 
caster, Canada, there renting a farm wliich he car- 
ried on three years. At the end of that time he 
went with his family to Kent Co., Mich., and soon 
afterward selected his present location in this county. 
He purchased 80 acres of uncultivated land, which 
he has increased by the addition of 120 acres; he 
now has 84 acres under tillage. Mr. Degear is an 
active member of the Republican party and himself 
and family belong to the Metliodist Church. 

He was married in the summer of 1S52 to Eliza- 
lieth, daughter of Amos and Sarah (Drake) Kitchen, 
natives of New Jersey and residents of Canada. 
She was torn Jan. 10, 1822. The father died in 
1824, the mother two years later. Three of the chil- 
dren of Mr. and Mrs. Degear are living, and were 



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born as follows: Berthelda, Sept. i, 1857; Reuben 
J., Feb. 22, i860; Henry K., Sept. 24, 1861. Sarah 
died aged 1 2 ; two children died in infancy. 



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rederick R. Luther, farmer on sec. 30 
.,-Ktna Tp , was borii in Clinton Co., N. Y., 
Sept. 18, 1808, antl is a son of William 
and Eunice (Allen) Luther. He was under 
the paternal roof until 23 years of age, when 
he came to Michigan and settled in the vicinity 
of Detroit, and was there engaged in various kinds 
of farm labor three years. He then went to Wash- 
tenaw Co., Mich., but reniainetl only a short time, 
and settled in Lenawee Co., where he pursued farm- 
ing for five years. In 1839 he went to Ingham 
County, where he was the first settler in Delhi 'I'p. 
He was engaged in fanning there until 1869, when 
he came to Mecosta County and settled in ^Ktna Tp. 
He owns 160 acres of land, with 60 acres under good 
improvement. In politics Mr. Luther is a Democrat, 
and in religious views he is a liberalist. 

He was married in September, 1835, '" Cornelia, 
daughter of Peter and Clara (Frisby) Lamoreau.v, 
natives of New York, born June 19, 1814, and 
died Aug. 24, 1856. Mr. Luther was married again 
in Lenawee Co., April 10, 1858, to Mrs. Margaret 
Priest, daughter of Robert and Phebe (Denney) 
Shultz. By this marriage one child was born, Aug 21, 
1859. Mrs. Luther, by a former marriage, has five 
children. 



jj'''obert D. Parks, of the firm of Parks Bros., 

Mecoslu village, Morton Tp., was born at 

t^A South Lyon, Oakland Co., Mich., .\pnl 2, 

1^^ 1847, and is a son of William R. and Ann E. 

(Dunlap) Parks. He remained on his 

father's farm until jo years old, when he 

Iwas occupied about two years as a farm assist- 
ant, and then learned the carpenter's trade at .South 
-•'- Lyon, which he pursued about four years. In 
company with Robert Dunlap he built a saw, grist 
and cider mill, which they managed together imlil 
1% 1879, when Mr. Parks sold his interest and resumed 
^ farming, buying 120 acres of land in Lyon, on which 



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he resided until May 21, 1883. He then sold out 
his agricultural interests, came to Mecosta and 
[luri based the interest of his brother's partner, and 
has since been engaged in managing the business 
devolving upon him as half owner of an e.xtensive 
trade. 

Mr. Parks owns, besides his property at Mecosta, 
two village lots in South Lyon. 

Mr. Parks was married at South Lyon Dec. 9, 1879, 
to Sarah A., daughter of Walter and Henrietta Bow- 
ers, born in New Hudson, Oakland Co., Mich. They 
have two children — Floyd, born at .South Lyon, Sept. 
21, 1880, and Stanley, born in Mecosta, June 3, 
■883. ^ 

tn'r. I, aniel H. Ruger, farmer on sec. 32, .Ivtna 
Ij^^f* Tp., was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., Feb. 
^f^^r^ 22, 1 814. His parents were David and 
j^^ Elizabeth (Hagaman) Ruger, and were na- 
X tivesof New York. When Mr. Ruger was two 
i years old his father died, and his mother was left 
with the care and responsibilities of maintaining and 
educating her children, which she did in the most 
creditable manner. When Daniel H. was 16 years 
old he was apprenticed to Wm. Phillips, of his na- 
tive town, and remained in that service until the 
death of Mr. Phillips, which occurred in the winter 
of 183 1. Soon after that he went to Poughkeepsie, 
N. \'., where he stayed but a few months, then set 
out to pursue his trade on the "trami) journeyman" 
plan. I-n 1848 he came to Cass Co., Mich., and pur- 
chased property in Edwardsburg, where he remained 
four years following his profession, and was justly 
considered the leader in the calling which he pur- 
sued. He next went to Elkhart, Ind., and was there 
settled until 1863. In that year he enlisted in the 
Union army, enrolling in the First Michigan Sharp- 
shooters. He reached a Sergeant's rank and was dis- 
charged July 23, 1865, having been in si.x severe 
engagements, each time escaping unhurt. Leaving 
the army he went to CassoiX)lis, this State, resumed 
his trade and operated there seven years. In 1S72 
he came to .Etna Tp. and settled on 160 acres of 
land on sec. 32, where he has since operated in farm- 
ing and lumbering. 

Mr. Ruger was married in Ontario Co., N. Y., 
March 13, 1.S36, to Mary I,., daughter of Newbery 






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and Mary (Smith) Lay. The parents were natives 
of New York, where Mrs. Ruger was born, July 6, 
1818. Of 13 children born of this marriage, seven 
are living: Catharine, born May 21, 1838; Mary 
E., May 2, 1840; Arabella, Jan 7, (842; Alice A., 
Jan. 5, 1844; Edna, Jan. 30, 1852; Lillian A., Jan. 
lo, 1854; Clementina A.. Oct. 10, 1856. Silas H., 
born April i, 1837, died in infancy, Anna, born 
March 25, 1840, died in July, 1872; Daniel Smith, 
born Dec. 10, 1850, died in 1852 ; Dan S., born July 
6, 1858, died May i, 1859; Louis, born March 15, 
i860, and Josepliine A., born Feb. 2, 1848, are 
deceased. 



,'■ f P-'|>)^harles Wilkinson, farmer, sec. 25, yfctna 
1 Lliyf^ I'P-) ^V'ls born June 28, 1833, in Harrison 
ij|»#3^'*' Co., Ohio, and is a son of Philander and 






^fe) Thankful R. (Leach) Wilkinson. On attain- 
p^ ing his majority, Mr. Wilkinson took his final 
i leave of the paternal home, and sought his 
fortune in the Peninsular Slate, and made his first 
essay in business for himself in Hillsdale <.'ounty, 
finding employ on a farm for some months. He went 
thence to Barry Co., Mich., where he made another 
investment, and secured a wife — Harriet, daughter of 
Peter and Susan Mosier, who died April 8, 1882. Of 
this marriage three children were born : Francis L., 
Sept. 19, 1857; Emma R., Oct. 31, 1S59, and Ella 
v., Aug 23, i860. 

Mr. Wilkinson was engaged in fanning in Barry 
County until the fall nf i860, when he went to St. 
Joseph Co., Mich. On tiie first call for troops in 
1861, when the cry of an im]nigned nation rang Hke 
a trumpet blast over a startled world, Mr. Wilkinson 
enlisted in defense of that nation's integrity, enrolling 
in the Sixth Mich. Vol. Inf., for three months, and on 
the expiration of that period again recorded his name 
on the list of defenders of the Union. He enrolled 
Aug. 20, 1862, and was in the service eight months. 
After a brief stay at home when his [leriod of enlist- 
ment had expired, he re-entered the army as a hired 
substitute, and served until the close ot the war. 

June 19, 1864, he was again married, to Mrs. 
Wealthy Day, and immediately came to -Etna Tp., 
since which time tliey have resided on a farm of 40 
acres near Morley. Of the second marriage four 




children have been born, as follows: Franklin H., 
March 10, 1S65; Elmer E., Sept. 30,1867; \Villie 
C, born Oct. 8, 1877, and died Nov. 14, 187S; Nora 
died in infancy Mr. Wilkinson is a Republican. 



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fff^? awrenee Sours (derman, Sauers), larmer 
t on sec. 36, A'Ana. '!"p., was born at Battle 
Creek, Mich., April 24, 1850. His parents, 
Mungus and Teresa (Boteshaim) Sours, 
were of Cierman nativity. When Mr. Sours was 
but a child, his parents went to the wilderness 
of Wisconsin, but remained only a few months, 
going thence to Rochester, N. Y., and residing there 
until 1867. In that year they came to Kent Co., 
Mich., where they engaged in farming and lumbering 
three years. 'I'hey went to Montcalm County, where 
they lived one year, coming thence to this county, 
settling in the township of .I'Una. They bought 200 
acres of heavily timbered land on the bank of the 
Muskegon River, and have 70 acres improved. 

The father of Mr. Sours was born Sept. 5, 1818, 
and was killed near Morley, Sept. 5, 187 8, by 



V^ 



^l^^lhomas E. Crocker, overseer for Crocker, 
Hudnutt & Co., builders at Big Rapids, 
was born at Milwaukee, Wis., March 18, 
1854. He is a son of William H. and Mary 
»i" (Holloway) Crocker. ^Vhen he was four years 
I old his parents removed to Manitowoc, Wis., 
where his father was engaged in the occupation of a 
builder, and constructed several fine buildings there 
and at Milwaukee, being also engaged in building 
steamer cabins for Goodrich, Ward & Co., at 
Manitowoc. 

Mr. Crocker was a school-boy until 14 years of age, 
when he commenced learning his father's trade, 
virhich has been the calling of his life. He came to 
Big Rapids in 1874, and was for a time connected 
with his brother in building. When the firm of 
Crocker & Hudnutt was formed in 1877, he took 
charge of their outside business, and has since super- 
vised the construction of a number of the principal 
buildings of the city of Big Rapids. (See sketch of 
John M. Crocker.) 



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a passenger train on the (1. R. & I. R. R. 'l"he 
mother was born April 25, 1820, and is still living 
witli her son. The latter has thus far devoted his 
life to the care of his parents. He is now owner and 
manager of the homestead. The family iielono; to 
the Catholic Chunh. 



..^ amuel W.Rose, farmer, sec. 22, Hinton 
Tp., was horn in New York, March 20, 
1829, and is a son of Williani and Sarah 

(Elmondorph) Rose; the former was a native 

of the Kmpire State, and died in March, 1876. 

The latter was born in Holland, and died in 
the State of New York. Mr. Rose came to Mecosta 
Co., Mich., in 1853, and was married Oct. 23, 1856, 
to Elizabeth, daughter of Jolin and Phebe (Rihble) 
Hinton. Her father was horn in Wales, and her 
mother in Germany. Mrs. Rose was born Feb. i3, 
1835, and died May 12, 1866, leaving five children, 
born as follows: James E., Sept. 3, 1857 ; Mary E., 
Nov. II, 1858: John E., Feb. 26, i860; William. E., 
Se[)l. 21, 1862; Absalom E., Oct. 29, 1864. Mr. Rose 
contracted a second marriage in Mecosta Co., July 4, 
1867, with Lydia A., daughter of Thomas and Ann 
(D.ay) Thomas, natives of England; her father is 
still living. She was born in Canada, Aug. 30, 1850. 
Mr. and Mrs. Rose have five children : Hubert E., 
born Aug. 29, 1868; George E., Jan. 4, 1870; Addie 
E.,Jan. 5, 1872; Alice E., Feb. 3, 1874; Lottie E., 
May 18, 1877. 

In 1S77 Mr. Rose bought 80 acres of land, on 
which he resides. He has held the office of Town- 
ship Clerk and Highway Commissioner. 



1^ illiam Lowe, farmer on sees. 32 and 2,2,, 

Green Tp., was born in Oxford Co., Eng- 

*?r«S>^ land, June 3, 1828. His parents, George 
X^> ^"d Elizabeth (Athaway) Lowe, lived and 
died in their native country, the father 
(lying when William was a child of seven years. 
He remained with his mother until the age of 
15, when he went to London, and there was em- 
ployed as gardener by a Mr. .\nderson, where he re- 
mained three years. 

Me was married in London, June 3, 1851, to Sarah 




Beasant, born in Wiltshire, Eng., July 26, 1829. She 
is a daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Gay) IJeasant, 
natives of the same county of England. 

In 1852, William Lowe came to the United States, 
and first settled in Dunkirk, Chautauqua Co., N. Y., 
where he operated as a gardener. He came to Mich- 
igan in the full of 1853, and resided in Newaygo 
County for 16 months, and in 1854 < ame to Mecosta 
County, where he located land in Green Tp., under 
the Gradation .\ct, buying 80 acres, for which he 
paid 75 cents per acre Here he built a house and 
began to improve his land. He now owns 140 acres 
in sections 32 and 33. 

The children of Mr. and .Mrs. Lowe are: Eliza, 
now -Mrs. C>eorge E. Moore; Louisa, wife of Fred. S. 
Dickerson ; Anna, William T., Alice M., Oscar L. 
and Chancey E. Mary A. and Emily are deceased. 
Mr. Lowe is a Republican. 



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T. Horton, merchant, Millbrook 
\iilage, is a son of Seneca and Catharine 
(iiuckbee) Horton, the former a native of 
^ii^ i)liio, the latler of New York. The parents 
X came to Michigan in the spring of 1866, and 
I settled in Wheatland Tp., where they still re- 
side. Mr. Horton was born in Pennsylvania, 
Nov. 19, 1847. He accompanied his parents to this 
State, and was reared under their supervision to the 
age of twenty years. The year preceding his ma- 
jority he spent in various occupations, among them, 
one term as teacher of a district school. The next 
three years he passed in the employ of W. S. Howtl, 
general merchant at Milbrook. In r87o he went to 
Eaton Co., Mich., and bought a third interest in a 
planing mill. He entered vigorously into the prose- 
cution of his business venture, but at the end of two 
months a distressing accident resulted in the loss of 
his right hand, and he sold out anil returned to Mill- 
brook, lie then formed a partnership with his 
former emiiloyer, W. S. Howtl, which existed two and 
one-half years. In 1873, associated with A. J. 
Howd, he purchased the interest of W'.S. Ilowd, and 
the new firm transacted business one year, when Mr. 
Horton became sole owner, his partner retiring, and 
he continued the prosecution of his mercantile inter- 
ests two years; at the end of that period of time he 
again connected himself with a jiartner, Mr. T. C. 

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Gardner. This relation was of brief duration, the 
latter gentleman selling to Mr. Horton, who has since 
managed the business alone. His trade is in a thriv- 
ing condition, necessitating a stock worth $15,000, 
comprising aline of merchandise adai^ted to the local 
demand. 

Mr. Horton was married in Hillsdale Co., Mich., 
Oct., 17, 1875, to Elizabeth, daughter of Charles and 
Electa Tiney, who was born in Ohio, whither her 
parents removed from New York, the State of their 
nativity. Of this marriage one child has been born, 
Thad S., Sept. 21, 1880. 

Mr. Horton is widely known and universally es- 
teemed for his business integrity, as well as for his 
personal traits, which render him a popular and val- 
uable member of society. His industry and atten- 
tion to his business interests have brought him sub- 
stantial results, and though he is yet a young man 
he has attained an enviable and permanent place 
among his fellow men. Himself and wife are ac- 
tively interested in religious matters and belong to 
the M. E. Church. Mr. Horton is a Republican and 
has held various offices in the township. 







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tohn Maguire, farmer on sec. 24, Green 
\, T])., was born near Prescott, Can., in Octo- 
ber, 1812. His father, ISartholomew Ma- 
guire, was a native of New York, and was in 
the war of 181 2. His grandfatlier was in the 
Revolutionary war, in which he fought five 
years; he settled in the State of New York and mar- 
ried Eleanor Bresee. 

Mr. Maguire was married in the Empire State in 
1855, to Mary Miller, removing soon after to Penn- 
sylvania, where he bought a farm and resided six 
years. He then sold liis jjroperty and returned to 
the State of New York. Three years later he went 
to ("anada West and remained 12 years near Port 
Harwell, Elgin Co., where he was engaged in lumber- 
ing. In i860 lie located in Greenville, Montcalm 
Co., where he remained a year, and in the winter of 
1862 came to this C'ounty, where he passed a year 
on the farm of A. Clark. Meanwhile he honiesteaded 
80 acres of land and now has 45 acres under tillage. 
The children of Mr. and Mrs. Maguire are these: 



Hugh, Francis, Emma and Amanda E ; two are de- 
ceased. Mr. Maguire was one of the early settlers 
and is a Democrat. 



Moyd Palmer, farmer, sec. 22, Green Tp., 
was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 
24, 1830, and is a son of William and 
,^te Elizabeth (Lowry) Palmer, natives of New 
u^^ York. His father was a soldier of the war 
I of 181 2, and was stationed at Sackett's Har- 
bor. His maternal great-grandfather was a na- 
tive of Germany and was kidnaped by a press- 
gang in 1732, when about the age of 18, and brought 
to this country. He was compelled to labor during 
his passage, and on landing upon the American 
continent was sold for a pretended balance due for 
his transportation. He died at 100 years of age. 
The Palmer family can only be indefinitely traced to 
English origin. William Palmer came to Michigan with 
his family in 1835, and settled in Washtenaw County, 
going afterwards to Ionia County, where the son was 
reared and educated. When Floyd was 13 years old 
his mother died, and since that time he has been the 
architect of his own fortune. In 1858 he was mar- 
ried in Washtenaw County, to Eliza A., daughter of 
Samuel and Maria (Masten) North, born in October, 
1830, in Ulster, N. Y. Her parents were born in 
New York, and settled in Washtenaw Co., Mich. Mr. 
Palmer sold his interests in 1881 and bought a fine 
farm of 95 acres in Green Tp., Mecosta Co. Mr. 
and Mrs. Palmer have had six children, of whom five 
survive: Alice M., Arthur E., Helen O., Wilsey C. 
and Jennie I. Nettie S. is deceased. 



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; 'y'f''^\, arrison J. Brown, miller at Altona, Hinton 
Tp., was liorn in Warren Co., Pa., Nov. 11, 
1S35. His parents, Peter and Mary (Lib- 
m by) Brown, were natives respectively of Con- 
j necticut and New York. Tjie father died in 
I Pennsylvania, in 1855 ; the mother is still living, 
with lier son at Altona. Mr. Brown was a lumber- 
man in Warren County until 32 years of age; two 
years he was owner and operator of a steam saw-mill. 



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'^ When 18 years old he commenced to labor in the 
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putting in timber in the winter and rafting it 
V, down, in which business he continued for three years. 
^ In the spring of 1865 he was drafted for the Union 
service and procured a substitute, to whom he paid 
^1,000. Nine days later Lee surrendered at Appo- 
n'.attox Court-House. Mr. Hrown came to Micliigan 
in the spring of 1867, and spent some inonths in 
prospecting in Flint, Chesaning and Greenville; ami 
then came to Saginaw Co. and bought a farm of 100 
acres. The summer following he built a house and 
laliored in clearing and improving his land. This 
l)lace he owned two years, when he settled in Me- 
costa Co., in 1S6S. In the summer of tliat year he 
built a flouring-mill on the Little Muskegon river, the 
first in the township. In later years he bought a 
saw-mill of \\m. Egbert, and is now operating both 
and employing 12 men. He has recently refitted his 
shingle-mill, its capacity being now 35,000 per diem. 
The full product of the flour mill is 20 barrels daily, 
besides feed grinding. 

Mr. Brown was married in New York, June 9, 1H65, 
^ to Mar)'ette E., daughter of Thomas and Susannah 
^\ (Stewart) Thomas. Mrs. iSrown's father was born in 
t^ Pennsylvania, and her mother in ("anada Flie 
daughter was born March 26, 1842, and is a member 
of the M. E. Church. Mr. Bro« n is a Reiniblican, 
and comes of patriotic ancestry, his grandfather 
Libby having been a soldier of 1812. 



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^-ames N. Decker, farmer, sec. 10, Hinton 

_ Tp., is one of the pioneer settlers of Me- 

f'fX'^^ costa County, and was born in Greene Co., 

]^ N. Y., Sept. 8, 1 8 19. He is the eldest son of 

Gilbert D. and Mary (Stanley) Decker, both 

natives of New York, who moved to Canada in 

the fall of 1833, where the mother died. The 

father came to Michigan to pass the closing years of 

his life with his children, and died at the home of his 

son, Edward S., in Millbrook, Sept. 20, 1869. 

Mr. Decker passed his youth in the care of his 
parents, and while in Canada was engaged in farm- 



ing. In the summer of 1865 he came to Michigan, Vf 
and bought 160 acres of land, principally in an un- ^' 
cultivated state, paying therefor S750. Its value and *■,."• 
appearance have been so enhanced by cultivation , 
and improvements, that it is held now to be worth v^ 
$10,000. The convenient and suitable buildings 
lately erected are a great ornament to the place. 
After the purchase of the land he returned to Canada, 
and passed the winter of 1865-6; and in the following 
spring he came back with his son, built a log house, 
and made such improvements .as were possible, 
clearing about seven acres of land, which was sown 
witli wheat. He brought his family in the fall of the 
same year, and before winter, was finally settled in 
the Peninsular State. Mr. Decker relates graphic- 
ally his pioneer experiences, and the clearness of his 
reniemljrance, with the interesting character of the 
numberless incidents, entirely divest the recital of 
uniformity and tameness, though the tale is one olt 
repeated. 

Mr. Decker shipped the first wheat from Mecosta 
County over the G. R. & I. Railroad, and in 1873, 
harvested the heaviest crop ever raised in the county 



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soo bushels froni 10 acres. He has been Town- 



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ship Clerk two years, Highway Commissioner three 
years. Justice of the Peace 11 years, Townshii) 
Treasurer one year, and was elected Drain Commis- 
sioner in the spring of T883, to serve two years. In 
politics he is a Republican. 

Our subject was married in the township of Hope, 
Canada, Nov. 4, 1S40, to Catherine, daughter of 
James and Mary (Walker) Flanagan, born July 20, 
I S I S, in Canada. Her parents were of Irish nativity, 
and settled in Canada in its pioneer jjeriod, and died 
there many years ago. 

Mr. and Mrs. Decker have buried three of eight 
children : Nelson, born Sept. 26, 1841, died Oct, 23, 
1870; Elizabeth, born Sept. 2, 1843, died Nov. 20, 
1870; Catherine, born Nov. 23, 1851, died Nov. 12, 
1881. The loss of their children has had telling 
effect upon the parents. All had reached mature 
years, and their lives were full of promise. The liv- 'f 
ing children are: Elir.a, born June 2, 1S45; Hester y 
A, June 23, 1847 ; Matilda, .April 12, 1S49; Mary ,-' 
J., Jan. 25, 1854; Amelia R., July 9. 1858. Mr. i/ 
Decker's father has about 112 living descendants, [i' 
priui ipally in this lounlry "^ 

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MECOSTA COUNTY. 






As one of the leading agriculturists of this County, 
and a gentleman altogether worthy the position, we 
."vji* present the portrait of Mr. Decker in connection with 
? this sketch. 




7ci3 il^s Bi'own, farmer, sec. 15, Green Tp.,was 



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"^^ !^ born in Knox Co., Ohio, Jan. 30, 1838, and 
'- . was the fifth child of his parents. His 
father, 'I'liomas D. Brown, was a native of 
Pennsylvania, and a farmer by occupation. 
His mother, Elizabeth (Adams) Brown, was 
also a native of the Keystone State, and she and her 
husband were among the first settlers of the section 
where they resided. She died when her son was but 
18 months old. Her successor reared her little 
children with care, and Mr. Brown remained at 
home until he was 16 years old, when he went to 
Toledo, Ohio, and obtained employment in a dairy, 
remaining there two years. Coming thence to Clin- 
ton Co., Mich., he bought 80 acres of land, and after 
farming thereon two years, returned to Ohio. 

He was married in 1859, to Emmeline, daughter of 
Valentine G. and Margaret (Stanley) Smith, natives 
of Pennsylvania, who was born Jan. 19, 1837, in 
Ohio. Four of their children are living : Emma E., 
Annie M., Maggie and Eugene. Two are deceased, 
Martha A. and Eddie. 

In i860, Mr. Brown returned to Clinton Co., Mich., 
residing there about si.x montlis He went back to 
Ohio, and after a residence of five years came to Me- 
costa County, where he resided a year at Big Rapids, 
moving thence to Paris. Six months later he settled 
on the farm he now occupies, consisting of 60 acres 
of good farming land. 




i ra A. Ford, fanner, sec. 26, Green T 



P-, 



son. He was an inmate of his father's house until 
after his marriage, which took place Dec. 6, 1874, to 
Carrie, daughter of Samuel and Sarah A. (Cronk) 
Reed, born in Defiance Co., Ohio, June 18, 1858. 
Her parents were natives of Ohio, and removed to 
Mecosta County, where they still reside. Soon after 
marriage Mr. Ford located on 80 acres of land, 
which he has since improved and cultivated. He 
has placed 30 acres under fair improvement. 

Mr. and Mrs. Ford have one child, Bertie J., 
born Aug. 10, 1877. Mr. Ford belongs to the Re- 
publican party. 



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^^ohn Sweet, lumberman and farmer, sees. 

14, 15, 22 and 23, Colfax Tp., was born 

W^^W^ April 8, 1835, in New Brunswick, and is a 

son of John and Joanna Sweet. In 1849 



was born in Kent Co., Mich., July 3, 1850^ 
and is a son of Richard and Lucinda (God- 
frey) Ford. The father was born in Ontario, 
Can., Jan. 18, 1825 ; the mother was a native of 
New York. Ira A. was reared to the pursuit of 
agriculture, and received the education of a farmer's 




^p- Mr. Sweet came to the "States" with his 
tb father and eldest sister, his mother having pre- 
viously died. They settled in Milwaukee, 
where Mr. Sweet passed the remainder of liis minor- 
ity. When he reached the period of his legal free- 
dom, he came to Michigan and embarked in the 
lumber business, operating alone three years. He 
then entered into a partnership with his brother 
Benjamin, and, with their combined facilities, they 
proceeded to construct one of the largest sawmills 
at Manistee. This relation existed about ten years, 
when it was dissolved. Mr. Sweet remained at 
Manistee, operating in lumber, until November, 1881, 
when he took up his residence at Grand Rapids, 
where he now lives, still retaining his lumber inter- 
ests at the former place. 

In January, 1883, Mr. Sweet bought 840 acres of 
land in the township of Colfax, of which 600 acres 
are under the best type of cultivation. He has a 
large boarding house, with accommodations for 40 
workmen, a good, frame dwelling-house, a large 
store-house and two barns, ranking as the best in 
Mecosta County, capable of containing 300 tons of 
hay, with stone basements, where 1 25 head of cattle 
can be stabled. The farm is at present stocked with 
sheep and cattle, and among the latter are some e.x- 
ceptionally fine thoroughbred Short-Horns. 

Mr. Sweet has also extensive lumber relations in 
Colfax, and is now engaged on a contrai't to " put in " 
the Muskegon River 150,000,000 feet of pine lumber. 






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To facilitate his operations he has built a nanow- 
gaiige railroad, 1 1 miles long, with steel rails, and 
employs two locomotives in running the logs to the 
river. He also owns a half interest in a new shingle 
mill in Rodney, built at a cost of $7,000. It is fitted 
with a fifty-horse-power engine, and has a capacity of 
130,000 shingles daily. Mr. Sweet owns, in connec- 
tion with his other property, a store of general mer- 
chandise, at Rodney, in which the postofficc is 
established and is managed by Uenjamin W. Sweet, 
eldest son of the proprietor. 

Mr. Sweet was married in 1857, to Ahnina Rogers, 
of .Manistee, who died in 1866, leaving four children: 
B. W., Emma, William J. and Edwin. Mr. Sweet 
was married again in 1868, to Susan E. l\irr, of Wis- 
consin. Two children have been born of this mar- 
riage : Dora and Bertie. 

In ixjlitical connection, Mr. Sweet is a Republican. 
He held the office of City Treasurer of Manistee, 
and is a member of the Masonic fraternity, of the 
Order of Odd Fellows, and Knights of Honor. He 
is a communicant in the Episcopal Church, and Mrs. 
Sweet is a Baptist. Residence, No. 41 Sheldon St., 
Grand Rapids. 



4 



>, harles H. Montague, farmer, sec. 27, 
.^^ Green Tp., was born in Vergennes, Kent 



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Co., Mich., Dec. 13, 1848, and is a son of 
|(fe James and Laura L. (Hungerford) Montague, 
y^ The father was born Dec. 12, iSio, in Maine, 
I and is a son of William and Anna (Crawford) 
Montague, natives of England. William Montague 
removed with his family to New York and left them 
there while he participated in the war of 1S12. .After 
its close he removed to C"anada, where he passed tjie 
remainder of his life. Jan.ies Montague went to 
Lowell, Kent Co., Mich., and iinjiroved a I'arni of 160 
icres, which he sold in the spring of 1856 and came 
to Mecosta County, where lie entered 1 60 acres of land 
under the homestead act, on sec. 27, his i)resent es- 
tate. He has at various times handled lands to con- 
siderable extent, and has been the proprietor of 1,000 
acres ; is still holding 500 acres. His wife died Dec. 
5, 1875. She was the mother of i i children: Will- 
iam J., Abigail, Laura E., Chades H., Mary, Joseph 
K., Helen M., John T., Samuel H. and George W. 
Mr. Montague married Mrs. Sarah Wheeler for a 



second wife, and, after her death, was married to Mrs 
Polly Tanner. 

The suljject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
receiving a fair education, and remained under the 
parental roof until he was married to Elizabeth Mc- 
Gill, May 26, 1871. She was born in Canada, 
March 28, 1849, and of daughter of Malcolm ami 
Mary E. (liurt) McGill, the former of Scotch lineage 
and the latter a native of Canada. Mr. and Mrs. 
Montague have four children, viz : Minnie L., Ixjrn 
June 17, 1872; Nellie, June 2, 1874; James H., Nov. 
2, 1876; George H., May 22, 1880. Mr. Montague 
is a Republican in politics, and is the proiirietor of 
140 acres of land, now his homestead, with 71 acres 
under cultivation. 




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[-ulius R. Borst, proprietor of the shingle 
mill on sec. 16, Hinton Tp., was l>orn June 
29, 1838, in New York. His parents, 
Henry J. and Anna (Vandebogart) Borst, were 
natives of the State of New York, where his 
y father owned and managed a saw-mill, and 
brought up his son to the same vocation. Until he 
attained his majority Mr. Borst alternated study at 
the common schools with the labors of the mill, and 
for the nine years that followed he was employed in a 
lumber mill. He then moved to Pennsylvania where 
he was employed at Corydon's Dane, on the Alle- 
gheny River, in a Imnbcr and shingle mill. Five 
years later he went to Allegheny City and passed iS 
months there in the satne business. He located in 
Kent Co., Mich., in the spring of 1875, and pursued 
his occupation about two years, and bought out the 
mill owned by Peter Benson, located on Pine Lake, 
five miles west of Cedar Springs. He operated this 
mill five years, then removed it to Mecosta Coimty, 
loi ating on sec. 16 in Hinton Tf) , and has since re- 
sided there, still running the mill, which has a capac- 
ity of 40,000 feet daily. He has 20 men in his em- 
|)loy and is doing a thriving business. By undeviat- 
ing attention to business, Mr. B, has earned the 
reputation of running his mill more continuously 
than any other mill-owner in the < ounty. He owns 
200 acres of timber lanil in Hinton T[). 

Mr. Borst is a Democrat in [xHitical faith. His 
earnest devotion anil loyalty to his country was 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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proven Dec. 19, 1863, when he enlisted in Co. A, 
50th N. Y. Engs' Reg., which consisted entirely of 
skilled mechanics. He served until the close of the 
W war, a period of 19 months, and received honorable 
i discharge Jane 28, 1865, at Fort Barney, Va. He 
^^ belongs to the Masonic Order, and is a member of 
Cedar Springs Lodge, No. 213. He was married at 
Ceres, Pa., Dec. 6, 1861, to Mary, daughter of Henry 
and Ann (Marilla) Knight, born in Chemung Co., N. 
Y., Dec. 6, 1840. Her parents were natives of the 
Slate of New York, wjiere her muther died. Her 
father lives with her, a hale old gentleman, aged 76 
years. Mr. and Mrs. Borst have had tliree children : 
Julius T., born April 29, 1864; James H., July 13, 
1866. One child died in in.fancy. 



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anson F. Corey, Supervisor of Grant Tp., 
I and farmer on sec. 12, was born in Craw- 
ford Co., O., April 7, 1841. He is a son of 
Enos and Eliza Corey, both natives of the 
Buckeye State. His father died July 17, 1S60, 
and his mother still resides in Ohio. 
Mr. Corey was reared to manhood in his native 
State, and was a citizen of the same until his removal 
to Michigan in 1S66. In that year he entered and 
proved a claim under the homestead law, consisting 
of 80 acres of land, on which he has since resided, 
and which he has put in first-cla.ss condition, and fur- 
nished with good and suitable farm buildings. He 
owns an additional 40 acres on sec. 10. Mr. Corey 
was a soldier of the war of the Rebellion, and en- 
listed in Seiitember, 1861, in Company K, 23d Ohio 
Vol. Inf, under Capt. Sills. His first engagement 
was at I'erryville, and afterward he ])ai-ticipated in 
the fights at Resaca, I'cach-Tree Creek, Stone River, 
Chickamauga, Ixjokout Mountain and many minor 
skirmishes, to the siege of Atlanta, where he was 
wounded. He was then in hospital at Jeffersonville, 
Ind., until witliin a few weeks of his discharge, which 
took place in June, ICS64, at Camp Dennison, Ohio. 

Mr. Corey was elected Sui)ervisor of his township 
in 1.S67, and re-elected in 1883; he served as Town- 
ship 'I'reasurerin i88i-2;as Road Commissioner from 
1867 101874 inclusive, and as Justice of tlie Peace 
from 1S67 to 1S71. He belongs to the G. A. R. 
He was married Nov. 17, 1863, to Margaret, daugh- 



ter of Samuel and Sarah English. Her parents are 
natives of Pennsylvania, and arc both living. Of 
this marriage si.\ children have been born, namely: 
Naomi A., William Harvey, John Franklin, Sarah 
Eliza, Samuel Wesley, and Zoe Luella. Mr. and 
Mrs. C. are members of the United Hretliren Church. 



f^^"| yman Nethaway, farmer on sec. 24, /Etna 
^ ']"[)., was born in Ontario Co., N. Y., Feb. 3, 
1 8 10. His father, James Nethaway, was of 
English parentage, and his mother — Elizabeth 
J^ (Neice) Nethaway, was a native of Long Island, 
[_ N. Y., and was of Welsh extraction. 

Mr. Nethaway received a good education in early 
life for the purpose of becoming a teacher, and at 18 
years of age taught his first term at Perry, Genesee 
Co., N. Y. He came thence to Michigan, and taught 
during the years 1833-4. He then returned to his 
home, and having married, himself and wife turned 
their faces westward and came to Hillsdale ('o., 
Mich., where Mr. Nethaway purciiased a farm under 
the original land patent of 1835. In the year 1850 
he went to Sauk Co., Wis., and there engaged three 
years in farming. Becoming dissatisfied he came 
back to Lenawee County, and settled at RoUin, in 
1853. In 1854 he decided to try the Hawkeye State, 
and bought a farm in Buchanan County, where he 
remained eight years. In 1856 he returned to Mich- 
igan, and settled in Mecosta County. He has been 
engaged during eleven years in mercanlile business 
in Morley, and upon closing his commercial affairs 
bought a farm, and now lives in retirement. 

Mr. Netliaway was married Sept. 6, 1835, to Lu- 
cetta, daughter of Jonatlian and Mary (Wood) Ralph, 
resi)ectively of English and Welsli origin, and resi- 
dents of Woodstock, Windsor Co., Vt. Three chil- 
dren were born of this marriage, as follows : Mar- 
cellus T., born May 13, 1S36; Cassius Marcus, born 
Ian. I 7. 1848, died in the army from injuries received 
at the battle of Bull's Gap, E. Tenn., April 22, 1865: 
was a soldier in Co. 1 >, Third Miciiigan Vol. Inf.; 
Florence A., born in 1849, and died March 10, 1850. 

Mr. Nethaway is a radical Republican, and actirely 
engaged in all social and moral reforms. Himself 
and wife profess no particular creed, but hold to their 
innate belief that honesty and genuine morality are 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 




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safe girides in their intercourse with the world. 

Mr. Nethaway has held offices of trust in his town- 
ship for 15 years. He was Postmaster at Hig Creek 
nearly three years, under Lincoln's administration, 
and was Supervisor of Deerfield Ti). several years, 
also Treasurer and Assessor several years. 



' Grace F. Richardson, Township Clerk of 
JE'" Colfax, and farmer on sec. 21, was horn 
f*** Oct. 21, 1S4S, in Genesee Co., N. Y., and 
in 1856 came with his parents to Michigan and 
i settled at Benton, Katon Co. 
I Mr. Richardson came to Colfa.\ 'V\>. in 1S71, 

and is chiefly engaged in lumbering interests and 
managing shingle mills. He was married in 187 i to 
Mary, daughter of John and Lydia Teachout, of 
Grand I.edge, Eaton Co., Mich. Of this marriage 
one child — Clyde E. — has been born. 

Politically, Mr. Richardson is a Republican. He 
was elected to his official position in 18S3. P.O., 
Big Rapids. 



avid H. Sanford, dairjman at Big l\.a[iids, 

was born at Vermontville, Eaton Co., 

^F^ Mich., Sept. 26, 1836. His father, Reu- 

f'f^ ben Sanford, came to the township of Ver- 
montville, with a colony from Vermont, in June, 
; 1836 — at so early a period that they were 

obliged to cut roads through the woods for their 
teams, the distance of 17 miles. The mother, 
Susannah Sanford, was the first white woman who 
went to Eaton County, and she had to do the house- 
keeping for the settlers. 

Mr. Sanford, of this sketch, was born soon after 
their arrival, and was the pioneer white baby of the 
township. On reaching their destination, a log cabin 
was hastily constructed, the weather was warm, and 
the " chinking " altogether deficient. Ventilation 
was perfect, and the father said the new comer 
could easily be thrown through the cracks in the 
wails of the cabin, which was reared in the woods 
remote from the advantages of civilization; and David 
H. had few privileges until 25 years of age, save 
the rude experiences which have so often made bet- 
ter men than have the comparative ease and facilities 
of older communities. 







His hard, laborious life fostered in him a spirit of 
independence which found vent in a promjit re- 
sponse to the call of his country in her bitterest 
trial, and he enlisted in Marshall, Calhoun Co., 
Mich., Oct 21, i86i,in Co. C, First Mich. Engs. and 
Mechs, and was discharged April 13, 1862, at Louis- 
ville, Ky., on account of physical disability. The 
first two summers thereafter he worked as a farm 
assistant, and went to school winters. In the spring 
of 1864, his father having sold out in Vermontville, 
settled at Lowell, Kent Co., and bought a farm, 
whither his son accompanied him, and was epiployed 
in the Grand River Valley nursery one season. In 
1865 he went to Greenville, Montcalm Co., where he 
spent a year in agricultural pursuits, and then turned 
his attention to carpentry, which occupied his time 
for six years at Greenville, after which he went to 
Cedar Springs and followed the same calling three 
years. He tlien bought 40 acres in Algona Tp., 
Kent Co., and there resided three years. At that 
time he experiem ed a severe loss by fire, which con- 
sumed iiis i)arn, one horse, and his farming imple- 
ments. He then gave u[) farming and went to 
Greenville, where he commenced the business of a 
draymaster, and continued in that vocation until 
September, 1877. He then came to Big Rapids and 
established himself in the same calling, and is now 
running three drays steadily, and increasing his 
draught facilities on occasion. Mr. Sanford has 
served four terms as Deputy-Marshal of Big Rapids, 
and one year as Constable. He is a member of the 
I. O. O. F., Royal Arcanum Ins. Co., and also be- 
longs to the Encampment. 



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Mr. Sanford was married at Lowell, lulv 



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to .\rthalinda Tanner, born in Ontario, .Ai)ril 3, 1848 
and tliey have four children: Emerson, Mar^', Susie 
and Mina. 'I"he parents and eklest daughter are 
memliers of the M. E. Cliurch. 



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olson Van Alstine, farmer, sec. 15, Grant 'T 



Tp., was born June 14, 1843, in Wolcott, 



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^ \\'ayne Co., N. V. About the year 1857 

his parents settled in Shiawassee Co., Mich., 

jiKi where they resided 14 years, the father dying in 

1861 ; the mother resides in Grant Tp. 

Mr. Van Alstine began his career as an agricul- 












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322 



Affi COSTA COUNTY. 



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fturist in Shiawassee Co., in 1864, where he lived five 
years, then sold his farm and made a homestead 
.r^^ claim of 80 acres on sec. 10 in Grant Tp., on which 
f he resided five years. In 1875 ''^ bought 40 acres 
of choice land on sec. 15, where he is engaged in 
farming, and is still proprietor of his original tract of 
land. His farm is well improved and valuable. 

Mr. Van Alstine was married Dec. 26, 1864, to 
Sarah Elizabeth Blyth, of Wolcott, N. Y., and of their 
marriage five children have been born : James E., 
William H., Nettie O., Robert Emmet and Dora Isa- 
bel. Mr. Van Alstine is a Republican in political 
relations, and has been Constable two years. His 
paternal and maternal grandsires were both soldiers 
of the Revolutionary war. 



p.7j_' rank G. Rice, farmer, sec. 5, Green Tp., 



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; \L%\ ^ was born in Burr Oaks, St. Joseph Co., 
|;iife? "S" Mich., Feb. 9, 1836, and is the son of 
^^ Gershom and Sarah (Boyden) Rice. His 
S^ father was a native of Massachusetts, and was 
^ a clothier in his native State. He came to 
Michigan in 1835 and engaged in farming, an occu- 
pation he followed until 1883, when, having reached 
the age of 78 years, he retired. The mother was 
born in Vermont, and died in 1872. 

Mr. Rice remained with his father on the farm 
until 1862, when he enlisted in the 19th Mich. Inf., 
Co. E, and was in the service until the close of the 
war, receiving his discharge June 25, 1S65, at Wash- 
ington, D. C. Following are the principal battles in 
which he was engaged: Thompson's Station, Re- 
saca, New Hope Church, Peach-Tree Creek, siege of 
Atlanta, siege of Savannah, etc., etc. He did not 
receive a bodily injury, but has a piece of a rebel 
shell that startled his peace of mind for a short time 
and concentrated his thoughts upon the question of 
his personal security. He was taken prisoner March 
5, 1863, and confined at Libby for a few days, being 
exchanged May 30, 1863. Mr. Rice is a member of 
the Union Prisoners of War Association of the State 
of Michigan, and was a delegate to the Convention. 
After his return he remained in St. Joseph County 
until the spring of 1867, when he came to Mecosta 
County, and worked for some time at the masons' 
trade at Big Rapids, after which he located on his 
l)resent farm, containing 160 acres of land, with 70 




acres under improvement. He was married at South 
Albion, Calhoun Co., Mich., April 19, 1866, to Al- 
meda, daughter of Samuel W. afld Sarah (Parsons) 
Hamilton. She was born Jan. 13, 1836, in Bellevue, 
Mich. Her parents were natives of Massachusetts, 
came to Michigan in 1835 and resided in Homer, 
Calhoun County, until their death, — that of the 
father occurring in 1851, and that of the mother in 
July, 1864. Mr. and Mrs. Rice have four children : 
Boyden H., Jasper F., Frederick E. and Edward H. 



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''^l. pjfl- eorge E. Hatfield, farmer and miller, sec. i, 
: H (V? Wheatland Tp., was born in Schenectady 
.:^ K Co., N. ¥., .Sept. 29, 1829. He is the son 
\ of Stephen and Phebe (Priest) Hatfield, 
natives of New York, of English descent. Mr. 
f Hatfield was educated in the State Normal 
School at Albany, N. Y., where he was fitted for the 
profession of teacher, a calling upon which he 
entered when 20 years of age, and pursued until he 
was 40 years old. He was married Feb. 10, 1853, in 
Wayne Co., N. Y., to Lois J., daughter of Orrin and 
Betsey H. (Reed) Lapham, of New York. She was 
born in Wayne County, Sept. 28, 1832, and was edu- 
cated at Elmira, N. Y., preparatory to becoming a 
teacher, which calling she followed but a brief period 
before marriage. 

Mr. Hatfield was engaged in agriculture summers 
and in teaching winters, in his native State, until the 
spring of 1858, when he came to Allegan Co., Mich,, 
there resuming the same alternation of employment. 
In i860 he made another transfer, going to Kalama- 
zoo County, where he remained nine years. In 1869 
he returned to Allegan County and embarked in the 
mercantile business at Plainwell, where he continued 
to operate until the spring of 1S78, the date of his 
settlement in Mecosta County. He located on 160 
acres of unimproved land, where he set himself vig- 
orously at work, and has brought the place to a com- 
paratively improved condition ; lias 45 acres under 
the plow, and other evidences of successful effort are 
manifest on the farm. He has erected a saw and 
shingle mill, the former having a capacity of 10,000 
feet per diem, the latter of 40,000 shingles daily. 
Mr. Hatfield is an ardent supporter of the tenets of 
the Republican party. The tendency and character- 
istics of the family are clearly proven by the stijtus 



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of the nine children, five daughters and four sons 
all of whom are following in the footsteps of the 
parents. Their births occurred as follows: Mary 
E., Nov. 7, 1853; Carrie P., Feb. 25, 1856; Win. B., 
July 12, 1858; Ellen L., Apr. 2t, 1862; Ira L., Aug. 
16,1864; Justin K., Oct. 16, 1867; Cora A , May 
23, 1870; Julius C, May 11, 1873; Charles K., Dec. 
6, 1877. The oldest child is a graduate of i'lainutll 
Academy, Mich. 



Pohn Freiberg, farmer, sec. 22, Green Tp., 

^wJ|i was liorn in Crerni any, .Sept. 21, 1823, and 

■J'S'^ is a son of Gerhart and Dora (Frenke) 

flg^ Freiberg. He was taught in the lower-grade 

'W schools of his native country, and afterward 

Y learned the tailor's trade, which he luirsued 36 

years in Germany. In 1876 he came to 

America, and made his first location at Big Rapids, 

later on buying his farm in Green Tp., where he has 

since diligently pursued the business of farming. 

Mr. Freiberg was married in Germany, in 1849, 
to Johanna, daughter of Johti and Christina (Mann) 
Bowman, born Aug. 26, 1826. Twelve children have 
been born of this marriage, nine of whom are living : 
August F., Albert J., Henry W., Hermann F., Ciiar- 
lie J., Bertie C, Ida F., Emma C. and Huldah A. 
Those deceased are Anna J., Johanna and Frank. 
The family are members of the Lutheran Cliurcb. 
Mr. Freiberg is a Democrat. * 



<^r^8kharles O. Johnson, proprietor of the bot- 
^liEi.:^ tl'ng Works at Big Rapids, was born in 

He is a son of 



''i'l/'"''^ Norway, April 27, 1852. 



* 



John and Annie Johnson, and in his native 



^ country was engaged in farming and in vari- 
< ous other occupations. In the spring of 1873 
he came to this country and settled at Big Rapids, 
where he had friends residing. He found employ- 
ment as a farm laborer, and soon after made an en- 
gagement with O. Seman to work on the farm and in 
lumbering, which lasted five years. He opened a 
bottling establishment on Hutchinson street, in Jan., 
1879, and on the 16th day of July following moved 
to his jiresent location opposite the Big Rapids Iron 



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Works. He manufactures soda water and ginger ale, ^ 
and puts up an average of 10,000 bottles monthly 'A' 
for tlie trade in this and adjoining counties/ Mr. i-;' 
Johnson was married at Big Rapids, Aug. 8, 1883, to T 
Mary Stange, who was born in Canada, April 3, 1862. ^ 



Joseph Smith, farmer, sec. 31, Green T\>., 
|fe was born near Toronto, Can., Aug. 1, 1847, 
■4" and is tlie tenth child of William and 
Esther (Caller) Smith, natives of England, who 
left the old country and became pioneers of 
York Co., Ont. The father was a farmer by 
occupation, and died July 13, 1881. The mother is 
still residing on the homestead, which has l)een in 
the possession of the family nearly 50 years. 

Mr. Smith was reared on his father's farm to the 
age of 14 years, when he commenced to learn the 
wagon-making trade. After one and one-half years' 
labor lie turned his attention to blacksmithing for 
about four months, when he resumed farming. In 
the fall of 1865 he came to Michigan and located 
first on the Big Prairie, in Newaygo County, where he 
passed ten years, going thence to Barton Tp., where 
he also purchased a farm. In he fall of 1879 the 
bought his homestead, consisting of 65 acres of land, 
of which he has 35 acres improved. 

Mr. Smith was married .\pril 13, 1866, to Nancy 
M., daughter of John and Minerva Miller, born Jan. 
17, 1847, in Kent Co., Mich. Her parents were 
natives of Vermont. The family includes an 
adopted daughter, IMabel M. (Haight) Smith. Mr. 
Smith is one of the most esteemed citizens of the 
township. Himself and wife are members of the 
Christian Church, and he is a Republican in his 
political views. 

eorge W. Heald, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook 
. T[)., was born in Oswego Co., N. Y., May 

-g)u^ 27, 1853. He is a son of William and 
*'3^> Rosetta (Fitzch) Heald, natives of New York 
and of English descent. The family removetl 
to Van Buren Co., Mich., in 1858, where 
Mr. Heald assisted his father on a farm until the 
autumn of 1S63, when another remove was made to 
Ionia County, the father and son operating there as 

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lumbermen two years. In the fall of 1865 they came 
to Millbrook, settled on sec. 2, and started the first 
grocery in the township, managing farming interests 
in connection therewith. The grocery business was 
finally suspended. 

Mr. Heald was married May 27, 1880, in Wheat- 
land Tp., to Maggie, daughter of David and Agnes 
(Smith) Ruxton, who was born in Huron Co., Can,, 



July 



1861 



her parents were also natives of 






Canada. When she was 12 years old she came to 
Michigan with an elder sister. Mr. and Mrs. Heald 
have one child, Alfred R., born Jan. 27, 1882. Mr. 
Heald is a Republican in politics, and owns a farm 
containing 40 acres of land. 




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;-ames Dixon, farmer, sec. 3, Green Tp., was 
^ born in Susse.K Co., N. J., Dec. 23, 1810. 
His father, Isaac Dixon, was born in New 
York, and died in 1813, when the son was 
but three years of age. His mother, Phebe 
(Clark) Dixon, was born in New Jersey, and 
after the death of her first husband became 
the wife of James Martin, with whom Mr. Dixon 
remained until 22 years of age, assisting in the farm 
labors and obtaining a common-school education 

He was married Dec. i, 1832, to Julia, daughter of 
John and Phebe (Mead) Adams. Mrs. Dixon was 
born in Sussex Co., N. J., Nov. 22, iSii. After 
their marriage, herself and husband removed to 
Steuben Co., N. Y.,and were occupied with the duties 
of farming about five years. Mr. Dixon then " took 
up" 50 acres of land, where he was occupied with 
agricultural pursuits until he came West to seek a 
home. In May, 1S62, he came to Mecosta Co., 
Mich., bought a farm of 80 acres and proceeded to 
establish his family and put his place in a fair condi- 
tion for the purposes of agriculture. 

Mrs. Dixon died Sept. 14, 1873, leaving two chil- 
dren, — Harrison, born Nov. 19, 1833, and William, 
born June 16, 1846. Four children preceded her in 
their deaths: Phebe, born March 13, 1836, died 
Sept. 4, 1841; May E., born Jan. 14, 1839, died 
Sept. 7, 1841; Milton, born Dec. 9, 1842, died Oct. 
9, 1870; Sarah A., born Jan. 12, 184S, died Sept. 2, 
1867. Mr. Dixon was married again May 13, 1875. 
His second wife was Mrs. Maria M. (Adams) Austin, 




sister of his first wife, and born in Sussex Co., N. J. 
Mr. Dixon is a Democrat politically. He held the 
office of Postmaster of Crapo (Osceola Co.) from 
187 1 to 1882, and is considered one of the solid 
citizens of Mecosta County. 



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^Wflleorge I- Kale, farmer, sec. 2, Grant Tp., 
' ka^ i was born March 19, 1843, in Niagara Co, 
'^r~ ^ ^- ^'-i '"^"d '^ ^ ^"" "'^ Levi and Asenatji 
r^^ Hale, both i)a rents being natives of Vermont, 
where the father was born in 1S13; he died in 
Michigan in 1883. The mother was l)orn in 
1 81 3, and is still living in Eaton, Mich. 

The parents came to this State when the son was 
but six months old, and he was under their supervis- 
ion until he was 19 years of age, when he became a 
soldier in the Union army. He enlisted August 8, 
1862, in Co. D, 7th Mich. Cavalry, and rendezvoused 
at Grand Rapids until February, 1863, when his reg- 
iment was sent to the front. Following is the list of 
engagements in which he took part: Thoroughfare 
Gap, May 21, '63; Greenwich, May 30; Hanover, 
May 30; Hunterstown, Gettysburg, Monterey, June 4; 
Covertown, Smithton, Boonesboro, Hagerstown, Wil- 
liamsport, Boonesboro (2d), Falling \\'aters, Sinker's 
Gap, Kelly's Ford, Culpepper C. H., Raccoon Ford, 
James' City, Brandy Station, Bucklin Mills, Stevens- 
burg, Morton's Ford, l^ichmond. Wilderness, Beaver 
Dam Station, Yellow Tavern, Meadow Bridge, Cold 
Harbor, Trevillian Station, Winchester, I'ront Royal, 
Leetown, Shepardston, Smithlield, Betryville, Sum- 
mit, Occoquan, Port Republic, Woodstock, Cedar 
Creek, Madison C. H., Louisa C. H., Five Forks, 
.A.piiomattox C. H., Little Laramie, Dakota. He was 
discharged Dec. 15, 1865,31 Ft. Leavenworth, Kan. 

On his return from the army he came to Grant Tp. 
and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres. Here 
he has since resided and put his place under good 
improvements. He was married July 4, 1866, to 
Alice, daughter of Gideon and Mary Bentley. Mrs. 
Hale was born in Manchester, Ontario Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 3, 1847, and is the mother of two children: 
Lawrence M., born Oct. 19, 1867, and Clarence 
G., Sept. 5, 1876. 

Mr. Hale is a Republican in political priniiple, 
has served ten years as Road Commissioner, and is 






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^ a member of the G. A. R. He is earnestly interested 
';) in the cause of education and in the schools of his 
township. 





A 



'on. Fitch Phelps was born in Guilford, 
Chenango Co., X. Y., June 30. 1831. He 
^*^ traces his genealogy to the Phelps family 
of Tewksbury, Gloucestershire, England. Wil- 
liam I'lielps, Major or Jiailiff of Tewksbury in 
1607, was born about the middle of the i6th 
century. The following entry is found in the Regis- 
ter of Tewksbury Parish, during the season of Lent, 
A. D. 1599: 

" I granted a license to William Phel) s, being then 
e.xtromlye sicke, to eate fleshe, which license to en- 
dure no longer tyme than during his sickness. 
Rkv. Curties, 

Curate of Tewksb\iry.'' 
t^ William Phelps, his son, was born at or near, 
/>; Tewksbury, about the year 1590. He emigrated 
° with his wife and five children, and his two unmar- 
Vx ried brothers, George and Richurd, sailing from 
S Plymouth, where the " Mayflower " with the loi Pil- 
grim Fathers of 1620 waved her last farewell, on the 
ship "Mary and John," March 20, 1630, and land- 
ed at Hull, Massachusetts, May 30. In 1635, he 
went to Windsor, Conn., where he won a prominent 
lX)sition in the affairs of both Church and State, and 
where he died in 1672. The family continued to re- 
side in Connecticut for six generations. Joel Phelps, 
the father of our subject, was born in Connecticut, 
but did not remain long in his native State. In the 
earlier years of his manhood, he was a lumberman on 
the Hudson River, near Glens Falls, New York. 
Later in life he removed to Chenango Co., N. Y., and 
engaged in farming. 

He married Hulda Dean, a native of New York. 

-S^ His people were highly respected for that sort of 

integrity, strength and purity of character that con- 

; slituted marked virtues among the agricultural classes 

•- in the earlier years of our country. They had a fam- 

■^ ily of 14 children, the youngest son and 13th child 

^ being the subject of this sketch. He was raised 

I- on the farm, and obtained his rudimentary education 

/: by attending the district si hool kept .1 sliorl dis- 



tance from his father's house, I'inishing with an aca- 
demic course at Richburg, Allegany C'o., N. Y. Here, 
at the age of 21, he engaged in the milling busi- 
ness for two years. He then embarked in the mer- 
cantile business, which he followed four years at 
Friendship, Allegany Co., N. Y., and at Brock- 
wayville, Jefferson Co., Penn. In the summer of 
1862 he went to California, where he spent five years 
in tlie valley of San Mateo, in agricultural pursuits 
and in speculation. In 1863, he was apixjinted 
Provost Marshal for the county, enrolling it for army 
draft. On returning, in 1868, he located in Colfax, 
Mecosta Co., Mich. Here he purchased a fine tract 
of pine land, built a mill and engaged in lumbering. 
As an adjunct to the business he has cleared up a 
large farm, making his home on the shore of Clear 
Lake, five miles from Big Rapids. 

Mr. Phelps has always been an ardent Rei)ubli- 
can, one who does not swerve from the views and 
piinciples which are promulgated and advocated by 
those acting with him in that [XDlitical organization. 
He has never been an office-seeker. His career is 
that of a practical business man, intensely devoted 
to his private interests, and participating in i)ublic 
affairs only as an incident, with no (.ffort to secure 
advancement. In 1876 lie was tlie regular nominee 
of the Republican Convention for Member of the 
Ix)wer House of the Legislature. The district com- 
prised the counties of Mecosta, Osceola and Lake. 
Elected by a handsome majority, he took a promi- 
nent part in matters before the House, and did 
thorough and conscientious work for his constituents. 
Was member of the Committees on Railroads and 
the University. In 1878 he was re-elected to the 
House from Mecosta County, the Stale having in the 
meantime been re-districted. At this session he 
was Chairman of the Committee on the University 
and member of the Ways and Means Committee , 
His second term in the House was marked for the 
active interest and zeal he manifested in working 
for the cause of temperance. His sincerity, added to 
a fearlessness of temper which never shrank from 
the expression, on suitable occasions, of his real 
ojiinions and sentiments, gave weigh' to what he 
uttered, and left no one who lieaid without strong 
convictions of his earnestness. 

In the year 1882, he was the Republican candidate 
for the Senate from the 27th District, comprising the 
counties of Mecosta, Osceola, ^\'e.\fc)r<I and Manistee. 



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It is a fact worthy of mention that he was the unani- 
•h uious choice of the Convention, there being not a dis- 
'% senting voice, and his nomination was by acclama- 
l* tion. He was elected by a majority of more than 
1,000 votes over the opposing candidate of the com- 
bined Democratic and Greenback parties. 

In the Senate, Mr. Phelps was prompt, regular 
and constant in his attendance upon the sessions 
of that body and the meetings of his committees. He 
introduced but few bills, believing that there are too 
[if many matters of little importance brought before that 
y%^ body, which serve only to pass away time and length- 
^ en the term of the session. He proposed an amend- 
ment to the State Constitution by a joint resolution 
giving members of the Legislature a salary instead 
of a per-iiievi, and forbidding the use or acceptance 
of free railroad passes. It was adopted by the Legis- 
lature, and will be submitted to a vote of the people 
) in 1884. He was Chairman of the Committee on 
> the State House of Correction at Ionia, meml)er of the 
^ Committees on Public Health, Library, Geological 
—, Survey, A[)propriations ;ind Finance. 
<^ Mr. Phelps is favored with a superb physical con- 
= stitution, and combines strictness of moral principles 
Y with energy and decision of character. He has 
made profitable investments, become interested in 
remunerative enterprises, won honorable success in 
business and secured a competence, as the product 
of personal industry and good judgment, put fortli in 
a field wisely selected. He was mariied Oct. 13, 
1857, to Miss Harriet Wellman, a woman well edu- 
cated and accomplished, a native of Friendship, 
Allegany Co., N. Y., and of English ancestry on the 
side of her fatlier, and Scotch on that of her mother. 
Her father, Arba Wellman, an enterprising and pros- 
perous merchant in Friendship, was born in Vermont ; 
her mother, Esther Burt, was born in New York 
State. 

Mrs. Phelps is well educated and accomplislied, 
amial)le and kind, and accordingly has rendered her 
home one of contentment and happiness for her hus- 
band and inviting to friends. 

As one of the most honored representative citizens 
i) of Northern Michigan, we take [)leasure in present- 
^ ing the i)ortrait of Mr. I'helps in this Album. 






^ 




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f^W, dwin J. Marsh, attorney at Big Rapids, of 
^W' ''^^ '"'^^ '^'^ (jlidden & Marsh, was born at 
Howell, Livingston Co., Mich., May 29, 
*>a. ^^i'^- His father, Z. H. Marsh, by profession 
a physician, was born in Montague, Franklin 
Co., Mass., and his mother, Luthera Marsh, was 
born in Dana, Mass. 

Edwin attended the public school at Howell until 
19 years old, when he entered Cornell University, at 
Ithaca, N. Y. At the end of the first year he left 
Cornell for Michigan University, entering the Soph- 
more Class of the Literary Department. His health 
compelled him to leave the University at the end of 
the year, and in hopes of recovering the same he join- 
ed an engineer corps of the A., T. & S. F. R. R. Co., 
and remained west until 1872. Returning in the 
winter of 1872 to Howell, he entered the office of 
H. H. Harmon and studied law; attended law lec- 
tures at the University of Michigan, and was ad- 
mitted to the Bar in 1874. In 1875 he removed to 
Big Rapids, in company with N. W. Carpenter, with 
whom he opened an office for the practice of law. 
At the end of a year he entered into a partnership 
with D. Roben, which existed about one year. Af- 
ter the dissolution of this partnership, he remained 
alone in the practice of his ])rofe5sion until 1879, 
when he became associated with D. F. Glidden, his 
present partner. 

In 1876 he was married to Alma, daughter of 
J. W. and Alvira Burr, of Ionia Cc)., Mich. They 
have one child, Frank B., born March 4, 1880. 



#^ 



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^^^ohn ]je Duke, boot and shoe dealer at Big 
Rapids, was born in East Hawkesbury, Pr. 
T-y^^.' of Ontario, Feb. 21, 1843. He was reared 
a farmer until the age of 20, when he began 
to acquire the details of the shoemaker's trade 
at East Hawkesbury. In October, 1867, he 
came to this city and commenced the prosecution of 
his trade, and in 1873 established himself at his pres- 
ent stand. He has a full line of all goods common to 
the trade, valued at $5,000, with an annual business 
amounting to $20,000. Ilisreal estate in llij; Rap- 






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ids is considerable, consisting of two stores on Mich- 
igan avenue, one ot' which is his stand of business; 
the other is occupied by Aylsworth & Ladoucer, 
clothiers ; four stores on the same block north of 
his own location, his residence on Rust avenue, and 
^ two vacant lots on Michigan avenue, near Iknilock 
street. 

Mr. Le Duke was married at Syracuse, N. V., Jan. 
2, 1867, to Julia, daughter of .Martin Harris. 

saac Wambold, farmer and cirpenter, resi- 
dent on sec. 28, Wheatland Tp., was liorn 
in Montgomery Co., Pa., Nov. 24, iS2j. 
His parents, John and Margaret (Gangler) Wam- 
bold, were natives of Pennsylvania ar.d of 
("lerman descent. They went to the State of 
New York when the son was 18 months old, and lie 
P remained under their personal supervision until the 
p age of 14, when he became assistant of an elder 
'S brother, who had assumed control of the homestead 
° farm. He worked four years as a farmer, and at 18 
*<* was apprenticed to learn the carpenter's trade. He 
= only served a part of his time, but went into business 
for himself He was married Nov. 19, 1844, to Har- 
riet J., daughter of Alonzo and Hannah Mace, and 
they have one child, Cornelia A., born April 30, 
1852. He went to Dodge Co., Wis., in the spring of 
1854, where he followed his trade ten years. In 
1864 he came to Berrien Co., Mich , and bougiit a 
small farm, which he worked in connection with his 
profession, and afterward went to Ionia, thence to 
Wheatland Tp , wliere he "took \\\" i6o acres of 
land under the homestead act, which iiad then just 
gone into effect. He has since resided iiere, and dur- 
ing the time has been twice married, botii wives dy- 
ing shortly after marriage. He was married to iiis 
present wife, Oct. 9, 1S75. ^'"^ ^^''^ Mrs. Sarah 
Schiedel, daughter of Jair.es C. and Klizabeth 
(Bear) Smith, and was born June 29, 1S32, in Water- 
loo Co., Ontario, Can., of which county her parents 
were also natives. She was an orphan at the age of 
seven years, and was cared for by an aunt until her 
marriage. 

Mr. Wambold began to teach school in the winter 
x> of 1869, in Wheatland Tp., a profession he has since 
f® pursued to some e.xtent. He is independent in i)oli- 
^ tics, has been Justice of the Peace 16 years, and 








served one term as County Superintendent of Schools. 
He has been Township Clerk, and held nearly all 
the minor local offices. He is now Justice of the 
Peace, Sujjervisor and School Inspector, and belongs 
to the Masonic Ixsdge at Hig Rainds. 



ust. Zetterstedt, dealer in foreign and dom- 
estic li(|uors, cigars, etc., at Big Rapids, 
was born in Sweden, .April 20, 1837, a son 
of Emanuel and Mary Zetterstedt. In 1852, 
when he was 15 years old, he was placed in a 
mercantile establishment to serve a regular 
term of years, under instructions preparatory to a 
commercial life, and at 21 he was at the head of an 
establishment for the sale of general merchandise, 
licpiors, and the variety usually found in th.at class 
of business in the countries. This he managed until 
1864, when the entire town (Ronneby), built wholly 
of wood, burned down, and he suffered total loss of 
everything. Mr. Zetterstedt came to the United States 
and to Big Rapids in 1871, having received while at 
home reports of the place which recommended it as 
having for him a future of promise. He was em- 
ployed on a construction corps of the G. R. & I. 
railroad, and was connected with the repair force 
about three years ; then went to Grand Rapids and 
was engaged in the freight department. In 1878 
he came to Big Rajjids and was employed by P. 
Erikson about two years. He opened his present 
business in the fall of 1880. 

Mr. Zetterstedt was married at l!ig Rapids June 4, 
1882, to Anna Pcteison, a native of Sweden, lorn 
Sept. 12, 1855. They have one child. The family 
attend the Lutheran Church. Mr. Zetterstedt is a 
member of Krunan's Collding, a Swedish society. 



^.enry T. Albro, firmer, sec. 36, Big Rapids 

Tp., was born in Greenfield, Wayne Co., 

Mich., Jan. 5, 1841. The place ofhis birth 

is now within the limits of the city of Detroit. 

He is a son of Clark and Catherine (O'Neil) 

I .Mbro, the former born July 5, 1819, at Cortland, 

N. Y., of French and English extraction. The 

mother was a native of County Tyrone, Ireland, born 

in 1821, and first came to the United States 







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very young. Her father was a sea captain, and she 
was on the Atlantic Ocean, chiefly, until she was six 
years old. She died April 26, 1883, at Detroit. 

Mr. Albro was married May 9, 1867, to Cynthia 
R., daughter of William and Rosanna Butler, of Eng- 
lish and German descent on the paternal side, and 
on the mother's, of Scotch and French origin. Mrs. 
Albro was born in Detroit, Mich., Jan. 15, 1852. 

Mr. Albro came to Mecosta County in September, 
1867, and took up t^t, acres of Government land on 
sec. 36, on which he now resides, and has a good 
portion under fine cultivation. 



^^^ 




harles Rathvon, of the firm of Rathvon 
g/ Bros., proprietors of the Mecosta Planing 




Mill, was born in W'elland, Ont., March 
II, 1850. He is a son of Jacob and Eliza- 
beth (Alward) Rathvon. The father was a 

\ carpenter and joiner, and a native of Canada ; 
he died in 1855, in his 34th year. The mother was 
a native of the Dominion, and died in Elgin Co., 
Can., July 20, 1883, aged 54 years. Until he was 
18 years old Mr. Rathvon was engaged as a farm as- 
sistant, and was after that employed with his brother 
in working as a builder, in which occupation his 
brother had extensive interests. Four years later he 
went to New York and found employment as a 
builder at Tonawanda, where he operated four years. 
One summer he spent in the employment of the 
Government, building lake shore survey stations. 
His ne.xt remove was to St. Thomas, Can., and two 
years later he went to St. Johns, Clinton Co., Mich., 
and was employed by the St. Johns Manufacturing 
Co., two years. In August, 1881, he came with his 
brother, Benjamin, to Mecosta village, and engaged 
in contracting and building. They built a planing 
mill in November, 1882, and are now turning out the 
customary products, planing, matching, siding, ceil- 
ing, moldings, etc. They generally employ about ten 
men and operate considerably in contracting and 
l)uilding. 

Mr. Rathvon was married in Welland Co., Ont., 
June 26, 1872, to Ida .\. Hershey, daughter of 
George and Sarah Hershey, born at Ix)ville, Can., in 
October, 1850. Of this marriage three children have 
been born, as follows: Cora B., at Welland, April 



Both parents 
jj^^ were natives of Ohio; the mother died July 



18, 1872; Ida May, at Tonawanda, N. Y., Feb. 6, 
1874, and Gracie, at St. Johns, Mich., Dec. 10, 1879. 
The parents attend the M. E. Church. 



'^'1^^ ! sher L. Canaan, Treasurer of Grant Tp., 
''}HBX' and farmer, sec. 21, was born March 25, 
lll^""^ 1850, in Buck Tp., Hardin Co., Ohio, son 
'''^^ of Jehu and Sarah L. Canaan. 

! 3, 1879, in Grant; and the father is still living, 
in Michigan. The latter was a soldier in the civil 
war and served two years and ten months in Co. B, 
118th Ohio Vol. Inf. 

Mr. Canaan began, when he had reached the age 
of 13 years, to grapple with the world on his own 
account, and worked nearly three years as black- 
smith. In 1874 he bought 70 acres of timber land, 
where he has since resided; has the farm partially 
cleared and in tillage, with a comfortable home. 
The place is increasing in value from the fact tliat 
it is situated in one of the best belts of country in 
Mecosta County, and the land is of the best quality. 

Mr. Canaan was married Aug. 10, 1873, to Mary 
E., daughter of Ira and Mary A. Hays. Her father 
died Feb. 27, 1881. He was a minister of the 
United Brethren Church four years, and died of a[)o- 
plexy. She was born in Canada West Dec. 28, 1858, 
and is the mother of three living cliildren, born as 
follows: Milton A., Nov. 19, 1874; Jessie A., March 
I, 1879; Ira J., Oct. 24, 1882. 

Mr. Canaan is a Republican in [jolitical senti- 
ment and has been Constable nine successive years; 
was delegate to the Republican County Convention 
and District Convention in 1882. His maternal 
grandfather was a soldier of the war of 1812. He 
and his wife are Ijoth members of the Church v{ 
United Brethren, tirant Mission. 




CvFg^jion H. Compton, farmer, sec. 31, Colfax 
sjr^^ji was born in Lapeer Co., Mich., March lo, 
'^^^^W '^57' *"*^ '^ ^ ^°" of L. and Mary (Bur- 



''Sfe*'^ nett) Compton. The father was born in Hun- 
4i ter. Green t'o., N. Y., May 10, 1859, and is of 
t Gennan descent. 'I'he mother was born in 



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Mr. Compton was married Dec. 24, 1882, to Flora 
M. McCamly, l)orn at Big Rapids, May 31, 1S59. 
He settled in Big Raimls Tp., April i, 1871, wliere 
he has since been engaged in farming generally and 
making a specialty of fruit and gardening. lie is a 
Republican in political sentiment. 



'artin Luther Briggs, farmer and iumbcr- 
man, residing on sec. 33, township of 
^ Oeerfield, is the tiiird son of Samuel and 
)/H^56' Clarissa (.Smilli) Briggs. His father was a 
■}■. native of New York and went to I'ennsylva- 




syl\ 
11'' ma about the year 1830. He settled there 
and improved a farm, and in 1832 married his first 
wife, Mary Dickens, of Tioga Co., I'a., She died in 
1849, and two years later he married Mrs. Clarissa 1), 
Hill, of the same county, and who was the mother of 
our subject, 'i'lie elder Briggs died Aug 9, 1S67. 
The mother survived her husband nearly 13 years. 
She died May 17, 1880. 

Mr. Briggs was born May 17, T853. He acquired 
a common-school education in his native State, and 
at 17 set out to begin his single-handed struggle with 
the world. He spent four years in the business of a 
lumberman and came to Mecosta Co., where he pur- 
chased the farm he now occupies, consisting of 80 
acres of wild land, which is fast reaching a good con- 
dition of improvements. Mr. Briggs passes about 
three-fourths of his time in the woods in his lumber- 
ing interests. He is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity and an adherent to the principles of the Re- 
publican party. Mr. Briggs was married Sept. 23, 
1883, to Miss Ida M., daughte; of James and Susan 
Harden, of Deerfiekl, Mecosta Co. She is a native 
of Chenango Co., N. Y., and was born May 3, 1863. 




"^t.V-."^;.!"'''^ ferson Co., N. 
;j\'->^. parents, I^lisha a 



m. E. Overton, dealer in general hardware 
at Big Rapids, was born in Henderson, Jef- 
Y., June I, 1826. His 
and Ruth ("arter, were na- 
IbT'* tives of the Emi)ire State. Mr. (Jverton was 
reared on a farm and obtained a good educa- 
. tion at the common si hools, finishing with two 

^ years study at Belleville Union .'\cademy, in his na- 



tive county. In 1846, when he was 20 years old, he 
went to New Bedford, Mass., and took charge of a 
sash and door factory owned by \Vm. Wilcox and 
David R. I'ierce. He remained in tiiis position 12 
years, returnmg tu Henderson, where, in company 
with his brother Joshua Overton, he bought 700 acres 
of land and for a period of eight years pursued agri- 
culture. He then went to Adams and established 
iiimself in the cabinet and undertaking business, 
wiiich he continued to manage until September, 
1877. He came to Big Rapids soon afterward and 
opened a hardware trade, firm of Overton iv Crenell, 
in the building now styled the Canada House. In 
the fall of 1880 the business was moved to the stand 
it has since occuined. .\pril 17, 1S81, Mr. Crenell sold 
his part of the stock to Messrs. Cox and Cole, who re- 
moved their share in about six months. The stock 
of Mr. Overton r>;presents about $16,000, and his an- 
nual business amounts to $55,000. He also owns an 
interest in the Big Rapids Waler-l'owcr Improvement 
Co., besides his residence and two city lots. 

He was married in Henderson, to Frances Salis- 
bury, born in Ohio. Hattie, the elder child of Mr. 
and Mrs. Overton, is the wife of C. D. .Slimson, lum- 
ber merchant of Muskegon ; Eugene, the only son, is 
book-keeper in the business of his father. 

Mr. Overton was elected Mayor of Big Rapid.> in 
1882, and has served two years as member of the 
School Board. 




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4\tr^Aw ames E. Philley, liveryman, Millbrook \il- 
. lage, was born .\pril 27, 1852, in the State 
" of New York. He is a son of Silas and 
.(iiO* I'atty (Thompson) Philley, who were natives of ^\^- 
■ilp" Scotland and Ireland respectively, and were 
P married in the Empire State; in 1S63 they 
came to Ohio, when Mr. Piiilley was eleven years of 
age, and he remained with them six years. In the 
fall of 1868 he came to Michigan and was in the 
employ of the (i. R. & I. K. R. Co. seven years, in 
different capacities. In the spring of 1875 he went 
to I'etoskey, Mich., and there opened a saloon, sell- 
ing out soon after and eng;iging in Imnbering, in 
which he was occupied five years. He came to 
Millbrook in the spring of 18S1 and commenced the 
prosecution of his present business, to which he has *; 
since given his energetic attention. \ 

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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



Mr. Philley was married in Hinton Tp., Oct. 14, 
1882, to Sarah, daughter of Levi and Mary Meiiera, 
a native of Canada. She came from the Dominion 
to Michigan with her parents, and before lier marriage 
was engaged as a teacher. In poHtical faith Mr. 
Philley is a Republican; in 1882 he was elected 
Constable, and in 1883 was re-elected to the same 
office. 



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^llif-acob W. Pattison, M. D., practicing phy- 
^^|[k sician at Millbrook, is a son of Oliver and 
g^iif*^ Huldah (York) Pattison, the former a native 
y of Ireland, and the latter of the Dominion of 
Canada. Tliey were married m Canada, and 
resided' there some years. During the war of 
i8i2, the father was taken prisoner and con- 
veyed to Buffalo, N. Y., where he claimed American 
) citizenship and was released. He afterwards became 
a resident of Erie Co., N. \., where himself and wife 
•^ completed their lives. 

Dr. Pattison was born in Erie County, Oct. 8, 1821, 
At the age of i r years he began life as a laborer, and 
was occupied in various ways until he was 18 years 
old. He became assistant in a hardware store, and 
was in the same employ nearly two years. The 
deficiencies of his education pressed upon Jiis under- 
standing, and lie accomplished much hard study 
nights, and at other times as opportunity presented. 
He wishes to record his sense of obligation to an 
Irish gentleman named W'lialen, who took an interest 
in his progress and assisted him with private lessons. 
At the age of 23 years he began teaching, which 
occupation he followed three years. 

Early in life he had decided upon his present call- 
ing, and devoted his leisure to preparatory reading. 
His circumstances prevented his attending lectures, 
and he turned his attention for the time being to the 
hardware business, forming a partnership with his 
brother, which relation existed two years. On its dis- 
solution lie conducted affairs alone one year, when 
he sold out and resumed the study of medicine. In 
the winter of 1856-7 he attended his first course of 
lectures, at Buffalo, N. Y., going afterward to the 
University of Victoria, Ontario, where he received 
his dii)loma and (iovernment right to practice medi- 
< ine in Canada. 

In i860 he went to .•\nn Arbor, where he entered 




the Medical Department of the University of Mich- 
igan, and in 1862-3 he again attended lectures at 
Buffalo. In the spring of 1864 he came to Bay City 
and practiced one year, going thence to Lapeer, and 
operated there a twelvemonth, when he located in 
Montcalm County, and continued to prosecute his 
profession five jears. In August, 1871, he came to 
Millbrook, where he has established an extensive 
practice, being spoken of far and near as an able and 
experienced physician. In addition to his medical 
practice, he is the sole representative of the drug 
trade at Millbrook. 

Dr. Pattison has served several appointments as 
Health (Officer, and held the position of Justice of 
the Peace one term. He was married in Canada, 
in the spring of 1845, ^o Mary, daughter of Ambrose 
Pattison. She died in the winter of 1857, leaving 
four children: Melissa, Ida, Ambrose and Appleton 
J. Dr. Pattison was again married Feb. 22, 1861, 
to Margaret Carpenter, of Buffalo, N. Y., and their 
four children are, Ida M., Jennie E., Thomas O. and 
James G. 



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■enjamin F. Corey, Justice of the Peace 
Pfi^|| and faraier,sec, 11, Grant Tp., was born 

^ 'gOG>^ Dec. 4, 1842, in Crawford Co., Ohio : at the 
^(j%2. jjag of ,0 hij became a soldier for tlie Union, 

i\ and enlisted May 19, 1861, under the first call 
for troops. He served three months and on 
his discharge again enrolled for three years' 
service or during llie war. After two years of severe 
service and hardship he contracted camp dianhea 
and was discharged for disability. He in time recov- 
ered his health to some degree, and as soon as he 
could pass muster he again enlisted, Feb. 2, 1S64, 
and was in the army to the close of the war. His 
final discharge bears the date of July 12, 1865. Fol- 
lowing is the list of his engagements: Rich Moun- 
tain, \Vinchester, Port Republic, Wilderness (seven 
days' fight), Chickamauga, Resaca, Chattahoochee 
River, Atlanta, Nashville {ie|)ulse of Hood), Savan- 
nah (with Sherman), Columbia, Fayetteville, Raleigh 
and Bentonvtlle. 

Mr. Corey was married Feb. 4, 1864, to Eli/.a E. 
Peoples, of Hardin Co., Oliio. She was born May 
15, 1844, and is the daughter of James and Nancy 
Peoples, both of whom are still living. Mr. and Mrs. 



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^ Corey have bad five cliildren : Ida Jane, horn \o\. 
/!^ 18, 1867, and died Feb. 1:, 1876; Eliza A., bom 
^ May 4, 1 866, is now the wife of W in. Downs; Wil- 
'« liam, born May 4, 1868; James, July 4, 1870, and 
J Otis F., July 3, 1878. Mr. Corey is a Repuijlican, 
- -^ and has held his present [wsition six years. He 
owns a fine farm of 80 acres, which he has i)laced in 
fair condition for farming purposes. Mrs. Core) 
belongs to the .\I. E. Cliurch. 



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(Nelson) Christianson. His patronymic arose 
from the Danish custom of connx)unding the 
1 first and last names of the father. At the age 
of 15 he shipped for service on a merchantman and 
followed tiie sea three years and four months, be- 
coming familiar with the principal [wrts of Europe. 
In the winter of 1870 lie studied chemistry, survey- 



^Kf|i'|S{ Ibert A. Vollmer, grocer, Big Rapids, is a 
*rSM.% native nf Milwaukee, Wis. His father, 
-nii?^ Francis Vollmer, was born in Baden, Ger- 
!j^!}jB many, Oct. 4, 1824. His mother, Rasina 
'■j (Grass) VoUmer, was born Oct. 4, 1827, at 
! Strasbourg, then belonging to France, but now 
a city of Alsace, ceded to Germany May 10, 1S71. 
The parents came to the United States in 1830, and 
were married at Milwaukee, Wis., April 13, 1847, ''■"'-^ 
still reside tliere. Five c;liildren were born to them: 
Joseph E., Albert A., Mary E., Isadore D. and Ivo 
V. Albert A. was born May 28, 1852, and grew to 
manhood in the Cream City He went to Evanston, 
111., in 1877, and established himself in the grocery 
business, operating with satisfactory results. In Feb- 
ruary, 1882, he settled at Big Rapids and founded 
his present business. He carries a stock of goods 
worth $5,000, and his transactions annually amount 

toS3S.o°°- 

He was married at Milwaukee, April 13, 1875,10 
Rosa M., daughter of Herbert and Margaret Reck, 
of West Bend, Wis., and they have had three chil- 
dren: Agnes M., F'rancis E. and Mary J. 



-^k^Wndrew Hanson, attorney, at Big Rai)ids, 
j^ g^JS I( was born in Jutland, Denmark, Sept. 29, 
m'w' '^S^i and is a son of Hans and Christina 



ing, etc., ai the Tainpdrdp High .Si hool, Jutland. 

He came to the United Stales in August, 1872, 
and to Morley, Mecosta Co., where he commenced to 
study under L. G. Palmer, and at the same time 
acted as night watchman for the [Jiotection of a saw- 
mill. During ,the several succeeding years he was 
variously engaged, and a.:ciiinulated a considerable 
amount of land; was in the meating business, and 
also pursued lumbering energetically, winters, in Col- 
fax Tp., where he owned 580 acres of land. He 
was overtaken by reverses, and in the spring of 1881 
lost several thousands of dollars. He engaged in 
teaching near Morley, where he was occupied three 
years. Commencing in June, 1882, he took a course 
of study in Swensberg Business College at Grand 
Rai>ids. On leaving there he came to Big Rapids 
and again became a student of law in the office of 
P.ilmer Bros., and was admitted to the Bar as an at- 
torney April 6, 1883. In June he entered the office 
of Frank Dumon, Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta 
County, as an assistant. 

Mr. Hanson was nominated on the city ticket for 
Recorder, in the spring of 1883,' but was unsuccess- 
ful in his candid.icy. While resident in Colfax Tp. 
he was Treasurer, in i879-'8o, and in the latter year 
was Supervisor. 




,~fT,^ rancis Smith, farmer, sec. 13, .Morton Tp , 



I'g t was born in {Jermany, Oct. iS, 1832. He 
"^ is a son of Phili|» and Elizabeth (Borne) 






fl^ Smith, with whom he remained in his native 
:|fe;., land and attended school until 1841. In that 
I year his father came to this country and lo- 
cated on a farm lying near the Welland Canal, be- 
tween Lake F'rie anil Ontario. This was retained 
but a short time, his father selling out and moving to 
Bruce Co., Ont., where he bought 100 acres of land 
and is still resident there. The motherof Mr. Smith 
died in Germany. She left nine children, five sons 
and four daughters. Of his brothers and sisters, 
Mr. Smith knows com[)aratively nothing. 

In 1872 he came to the State of Michigan and 
bought 80 acres of land in Morton Tp. Nearly the 
entire acreage of his land is under culture and 
is largely devoted to stock-raising, to which it is well 
adai)led. It is located one and a half miles from 



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M/iCOSTA COUNTY. 



Mecosta village, is well watered and generally is of a 
grade that compares favorably with other farms in 
the vicinity. 

Mr. Smith was married April 16, 1S60, at Formosa, 
X Canada, to Marianna Gatz. After his marriage he 
^ rented a farm there, and in five years he came to 
Michigan, as stated. Mr. and Mrs. Smith's children 
are: Mary Ann, born Feb. 8, 1861 (died in infan- 
cy); Elizabeth, April 7, 1863; Joseph, Oct. 6, 1864, 
Henry, Dec. 3, 1866; Michael, Se[tt. 26, 1876; John, 
March 28, 1870; Mary, April 28, 1872; Caroline, 
Dec. 28, 1873; Frederick P., Oct. 18, 1875; Frank, 
Aug. 2, 1878 (died two years later); Magdalena, 
June 17, 1S82. 



''*ichard Collins, of the firm of Skclton & 
Collins, proprietors of the Central Hotel, 
IJig Rapids, was born in Hastings, Can- 
ada, Oct. 24, 1847, and is a son of Richard 
and Julia Collins. The father died in Can- 
ada, in 1864, the mother in 1849. 

Mr. Collins was engaged in farming and 
clearing up land until 1 87 2, when he came to Big 
Rapids and passed five years, driving logs on the 
river summers, and lumbering winters. In 1878 he 
formed his present partnership with Thomas Skelton, 
and opened the Central House, where they are keep- 
ing a good hotel, and doing a nourishing business. 
The bar is supplied with all goods ccMnmon to simi- 
lar establishments. 

Mr. Collins owns a lot in tiie Second ward, and 
40 acres of land in the Fiftli ward of l!ig Rapids. 



VaI;, aniel C. Bullock, farmer, contractor and 
Mjfll' builder, located on sec. 26, Deerfield Tp., 
Wy^ was born in the Dominion of Canada, May 

tMiv 5' '828. I lis parents, Ira and Betsey Bul- 

^ ock, ai 

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are now residents of Canada; father a na- 
ve of the State of New \'ork, and mother of 
Canada. 

Mr. Bullock remained a resident of his native 
l)lace until 1863, the year in whicli he located in 
Deerfield T|i- He bought 40 acres of land in an en- 




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tirely uncultivated state, built a log house, and has 
so persevered in his labors that he has 31 acres under 
the plow, and has erected a good frame house, in 
which he resides. In [lolitical sentiment he is a Re- 
publican. 

Mr. Bullock was married Feb. 22, 1859, in Canada, 
to -Sarah, daughter of Ephraim and .Sarah (Roszell) 
Biirss, natives of Canada, who finally emigrated to 
.\llegan County, and there resided until the father's 
death. The mother resides with her son-in-law, 
Henry Mills, of Deerfield. Mrs. Bullock was born in 
Canada, Oct. 28, 1833. Of seven children born of 
this marriage, three are living, born as follows : Ira 
E., Dec. 10, 1859; Charlie E., Aug. 19, 1867; 
Franklin D., March 10, 1870; Minnie L., born June 
21, 1862, died July 17, 1866; Alma M., Sept. 10, 
1S64, died July 25, 1866; Eddie G., Sept. 18, 1869, 
died Nov. 23, 1869; Johnnie S., Sept. 8, 1872, died 
March 28, 1881. The eldest son is the owner of 40 
acres of land adjoining his father's farm; was mar- 
ried in Deerfield Tp, Aug. 22, 1882, to Lena, daughter 
of William H. and Martha M. (Wilson) Kuhn, born 
Feb. 18, 1862, in Livingston Co., Mich.: removed to 
Mecosta County in the spring of 1882. P. O., Rust- 
ford. 

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^^£ ames Shields, of Big Rapids, was born in 
Oif;;, Norfolk Co. Can., Nov. 27, 1845. He is a 
^,:?^ son of Archibald and Frances (Reed) 
p" Shields, and his father's calling was that of a 



wagon and carriage maker. At the age of 19 



Y he engaged as traveling salesman for a hard- 
ware firm, where he continued three years. In 1867 
he opened a hotel in Norfolk Co, which he conducted 
18 months, and then, in company with .Vndrew Lees, 
he engaged in buying lumber, ties, |)ail, shingle, cord 
wood, etc., for the market, and was thus occupied 
three years. In 1874 he came to Grand Rapids, and 
was there engaged in buying and selling garden 
(iroducts. Three years later he went to Morley for 
the purpose of buying a farm ; was there taken sick 
and continued ill about seven months. This disas- 
ter put an end to his finances and to his agricultural 
projects. His next removal was to Greenville, where 
he engaged as a farm laborer one season. He 
opened an eating house at Greenville, which he man- 
aged 18 months, going thence to Lakeview, in the 



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same county, where he built a grocery ; he ran it a 
few months, and exclianged the property for a farm 
of 80 acres in the township of Hinton. He there 
built anotliei store and conducted a mercantile busi- 
ness with a satisfactory degree of success, selling 
chiefly at auction, having a particular talent for that 
nietiiod of disposing of goods. 

Mr. Shields came to Big Rapids in the fall of 18S0, 
purchased a store on Maple street and put in a stouk 
of groceries. He continued to operate there ten 
months, whep he exchanged his business and fixtures 
for 35 acres of land in the Fifth ward, which is still 
in his ix)ssession. In the fall of 1881 he embarked 
in another grocery enter|)rise on the east side, where 
he did business nearly a year. He Iwught the site 
now occu|)ied by his store, erected the building, ]nit 
Ml a stock of groceries and operated until the spring 
of 1883, when he again sold and began to deal in 
liquor and all the articles common to a first-class 
saloon. Mr. Shields was elected Alderman of liis 
ward in the spring of 1883. He was married in Nor- 
folk C'o., Can., June 10, 1867, to Mary A., daughter 
of U'illiam and Eliza Runnings, born at IKiffalo, N. 
v., Nov. 3, 1848. Their children are Minnie E., 
Anna M., John A., J'klith M., James A., William A. 
and an infant not named. 



^*-HJH3)f^ 




l^^harles M. Darrah, of the llmi of Darrah 
^JjF liros. iv: Co., i)roprietors of the City Flour- 
\^n^ ing Mills, upper Big Rapids, and whose 
^"'p ixjrtrait we present on the opposite page, was 
'• .' !)orn in Orange Co., N. Y., town of IJeaver 
{ ]5r()ok, June 19, 1831. His parents, Robert 
and Sinah (Mitchell) Darrah, moved to Jefferson Co., 
I'a., when he was six years old. I lis father was a 
farmer and engaged to a considerable extent in lum- 
bering. Mr. Darrah was brought up to the pursuits 
of his f.ither and si)ent his youth iii the lumber 
woods, early taking an active i)art in all the matters 
pertaining to the business. At 20 he took a contract 
to manufacture lumber by the thousand, and a year 
later he bought a farm of 60 acres. In May, 1S56, 
he transferred his interests to Battle Creek, where he 
spent one summer in farming, coming to Big Rapids 
in the following fall. The intermctliate country was, 
in 1S56, chiefly in its primeval condition, and Mr. 



Darrah transported hither his family and household 
effects with horses and wagon. The drive to CJrand 
Rapids consumed three days. The route thence to 
Big Rapids was through a literally unsettled country, 
and though the horses were good the journey re- 
quired seven days. Mr. Darrah located on what is 
now sec. 6 of the townshi}) of Austin, which had no 
organized local government until 18(19, nearlv 13 
years later. 

The first winter Mr. Darrah spent in Mecosta 
County he went to work for J. H. Rodgers and was in 
his employ one year. In 1858 he bought 40 acres on 
sec. 3, Mecosta Tp., and in 1859 purchased So acres 
adjoining. On this he made a clearing and built his 
house, into which he moved as soon as it was habit- 
able. He worked several ensuing years in the lum- 
i)er woods, taking contracts to cut timber and deliver 
it at the river. From his small and arduous begin- 
ning, Mr. Darrah has grown to be a landholder of no 
mean rank. His homestead includes 400 acres, ol 
which he purchased 240 in 1865, and took jxissession 
in 1866. His aggregate landed estate includes 1,000 
acres, situated chiefly in Missaukee and Roscommon 
Counties. The home farm of Mr. Darrah is among 
the finest and largest in Mecosta County. His or- 
ch.uds and barns are a just matter of proud satisfac- 
tion to the proprietor. He has continued to pursue 
his lumber business and river driving, which he has 
engaged in extensively. In the spring of 1883 he 
eni[)loyed 150 men in his driving operations on Clam 
River. 

In the spring of 1882 he rented his farm and 
moved to the city of Big Rapids. Aug. 14 of the 
same year, associated with his brother, James M. 
Darrah, and son, Wilson E. Darrah, he purchased 
the City Flouring Mills, where the firm have since 
been engaged in manufacturing mill products. They 
have a large local and shipping trade, and employ 
half a dozen hands in their business, which aggre- 
gates about $60,000 annually. They have now in 
process of erection a new iron-roller mill, adjoining 
the old one. It will be 37 x 50 feet on the ground, 
five-stories high, and be fitted with seven sets of 
double rollers and two run of stone. The new struc- 
ture will be devoted to commercial pioducts; the old 
mill will be devoted to custom work and storage. 

Mr. Darrah was married May 26, 1853, in Knox 
Tp., Jefferson Co., I'a., to Sarah E., daughter of 






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James and Susan (Mason) Hall, born in Jefferson 
Co., Pa., May 29, 1836. Of four children born of 
this marriage three are living: Wilson E., Melvin E. 
and Charles J. James E. is deceased. 






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^aeob H. Loucks, Postmaster and merchant 
at Sylvester, Hinton Tp., was born in Lewis 
?W^ Co., N. Y., May 6, 1836. He is a son of 
Daniel and Mary (Cook) Loucks, natives of 
'•jp" New York, who came to Michigan in the spring 
'^ of 1867, with their son. The mother died 
March r, 1871; the father, July 23, 1878. In 1867 
Mr. Loucks came to Michigan and settled at first in 
Ionia County, where he lived two years and then 
bought 40 acres of land in a primeval condition in 
Gratiot County. He built a frame house and went 
on with the work of putting the land under cultiva- 
tion. He lived on the place 13 years, then rented it 
and moved to Hinton Tp. In the spring of 1882 he 
bought out the stock of general merchandise of Geo. 
W. Streeter, and has since carried on that business. 
In politics Mr. Loucks is independent. While a 
resident in (iratiot County he held the office of Jus- 
tice of the Peace three years. He was married in 
Copenhagen, Lewis Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1865, to Sarah 
A., daughter of Justus and Cynthia C. (Leonard) 
Belcher. Her parents were natives of New York, 
where her father died, in April, 1881. The mother is 
still living there. Mrs. Loucks was born Sejit 11, 
1844. She has become the mother of three children, 
born as follows : Mary C, Nov. 21, 1866; Martha 
A., Feb. 28, 1871 ; (ieo. J., Nov. 15, 1874. 

Mr. Loucks was appointed Postmaster by Presi- 
dent Arthur, in July, 1882. 



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fcenry Main, farmer, sec. 2, Millbrook Tp., 
Js was born in Michigan, Oct. 14, 1838. His 
fi/|S»" father, George Main, was born in Pennsyl- 
[Jj vauia, and his mother, Margaret A. (Chandler) 
Main, was a native of New York. Mr. Main 
I lived at home with his parents and assisted on 
the farm until he was 22 years of age, when he went 
from home and worked as a farm laborer four years ; 
then rented a farm, wliich he conducted three years; 





came to Mecosta County in the spring of 1869 and 
bought TOO acres of wild land in the township of 
Millbrook; built a board house, and proceeded to 
clear his land, to which he has added by purchase, 
and now owns 220 acres, with 120 acres under 
advanced improvements. 

:Mr. Main is a Republican in faith and act. He 
has been Treasurer of his township nine years, Con- 
stable two years, Road Commissioner one year, and 
Supervisor one year. Himself and family are attend- 
ants at the Church of United Brethren. 

He was married in Canada, April 10, 1861, to 
Roxey L., daughter of Thomas and Sarah A. (Hart- 
well) Smith, natives of Canada. Mrs. Main was 
born in Canada, Dec. 22, 1840. She was under the 
paternal care until she was fifteen, after which she 
depended upon her own resources. Mr. and Mrs. 
Main have had eleven children, ten of whom yet 
survive: Esther C, born June 5, 1862 ; Aramintha J., 
Dec. 24, 1863; Austin C, Aug. 3, 1865; Celestia A., 
Oct. 27, 1867: Lorenzo A., Aug. 14, 1869; Edward 
H., July 17, 1871 ; WaKer H., May 18,1873; I-^fay- 
ette J., April 7, 1876; Elsie M., June 9, 1877; .Sid- 
ney O., l)orn .'\pril 21, 1879, died Sept. 6, '879; 
Loren T., born Nov. 28, 1881. 



H^^Tavid L. Garling, miller, proprietor of the 
P&gjy Mecosta County Mills, Big Rapids, was 
i - Imrn at Seneca Falls, Seneca Co., N. Y., 

'-'At^ Jan. 17, 1846. He is a son of John and 
Sarah (Hartranft) Garling. The father was 
born iu Pennsylvania, in 1795, of Dutch 
parentage, and died in Cayuga. N. Y., Dec. 24, 1881. 
The mother was also a native of Pennsylvania, born 
in 1803, and died June 21, 18S3, in Seneca Falls, 
Seneca Co., N. Y. 

Mr. Garling was married Nov. 16, 1865, to Hen- 
rietta Burtnette, born in Seneca Falls, N. Y., June 
25, 1846, of English and French extraction. She is 
a daughter of William and Rachel Burtnette. Mr. 
and Mrs. Garling have four children, born as fol- 
lows: Anna R. B., Sept. 13, 1869; Johnny E., July 
29, 1872 ; Emma J., Aug. 20, 1875; Burtnette, May 
9, 1878. 

Mr. Garling came to Michigan in June, 1878, and 
made his first location at Percy, Osceola Co. In 






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1879 he came to Mecosta County, and on the first 
day of Ai)ril in that year i)urchased the mill pro|)erty, 
to the management of which he has since given his 
attention. He is a Repul>lican in political sentiment. 



eorgc Miller, farmer, sec. 18, Colfax Tp., 
was born in Delaware, Middlesex Co., Ont., 
July 6, 1849, and is a son of Thomas and 
Elizabeth Miller. The father was born in 
Perthshire, Scotland, in 1824, and in 1S45, on 
attaining his majority, came to Canada. In 
the year following he married Elizabeth Cludmers, 
born in 1827, in .Mmond i'.ank, Perthshire, .Scotland. 
She came to Canada with her ])arents at the age of 
iS years, and in 1846 was married, at Quebec. They 
settled in Delaware, where they remained until 1868, 
in which year they moved to Michigan and settled 
on a farm in Colfax T|)., Mecosta Co., locating three 
miles from Big Ra|)ids. 

Mr. Miller resided with his parents until 1880, 
when he married Klida Hallock, the youngest daugh- 
ter of Aaron E. and Harriet L. (.Stevens) Hallock, 
of Newaygo County. Her father was l)orn Feb. 2, 
1825, in New York, and settled in Barry Co., Mich., 
when 18 years of age. The mother was born Sept. 
9, 1835, in the State of Michigan. Their marriage 
occurred in 1850, and five years later they settled in 
Montcalm County, where they resided until 1862. 
They removed to Newaygo County, where Mrs. Mil- 
ler was born July 29, 1862. She remained in her na- 
tive county until she was nine years old and then 
went to Howard City, where she attended school 
until she was 17. The following year she came to 
Mecosta County, and taught school, and was married 
May 5, 1880. Mr. and Mrs. Miller have a son, born 
March 29, 1883, named George ICrnest Miller. The 
father of Mrs. Miller died April 15, 1872, leaving the 
mother with five children. She removed to Howard 
City, where she died, in November, 1S72. 

On his marriage, Mr. Miller settled on his own 
farm, lying next his father's place on the same sec- 
tion. They together had cleared 20 acres of the tract, 
entered under the homestead act by the father; and 
Mr. Miller has cleared a like (punlily on his own 
property, and has charge of l)oth places, containing 
1 60 acres. 

Mr. Miller's mother died June 9, 18S1, aged 54 





years. She was seized with sudden and violent ill- 
ness, passing within three hours into a comatose state, 
from which she never rallied, and about ten hours 
after the attack she ceased to exist. She was dearly 
beloved, not only in her own family circle but also 
by a large nimiber of neighbors and friends who felt 
her loss almost as keenly as though it were personal. 
"We had been so happy in believing that we should 
kee)) her a long time with us that we were stunned, 
by the sharpness and suddenness of the blow," said 
one to whom her loss is irreparable. She has a better 
monument than even cpieens have had. in the last- 
ing memories of tiiosc whose ha|)piness had been her 
chief care and hearty delight. 

• —^>-i---i — ■> -•:-««(j|»-^o — 4_;-<— . 

amcs S. Canaan, farmer, se< . 21, Cram 
Pp., was born July 12, 1844, in Hardin 
IjK'^*^ Co., Ohio, and is a son of Jehu and Sarah 
I .1 L. Canaan. (See sketch of .Vsher L.Canaan.) 
■jjij At the age of 11 years Mr. Canaan set out 

I to care for himself and to aid in the main- 
tenance of his father's family. Just after he was 
18 years old he enlisted (Aug. 8, 1862) in Co. li, 
iiSth Ohio Vol. Inf., and remained in the service 
until the termination of the war. He was discharged 
at Salisbury, N. C, and paid off at Cleveland Ohio, 
June 24, 1865. He was in precarious health when 
his regiment went to the front, and was assigned 
to guard duty until the date of the battle of 
Atlanta, where he was first under fire. His corps 
was aftenvards dispatched to intercept the march of 
the rebel (Jen. Hood, and he was in the battle of 
Smithville, on the Tennessee river. Hood's forces 
and the Union army under Thomas kept up an in- 
cessant skirmishing, and seven days' fighting ttwk 
place near Columbia, Tenn. Mr. Canaan was in the 
terrible fights at Franklin and at Nashville, and was 
then transferred to North Carolina. His first battle 
was at Fort Anderson, and his last at a jxjint 10 miles 
below Wilmington. He returned to Ohio and in 
()ctol)er, 1 866, settled in Crant Tp. He became a 
landholder in 1S73, buying 40 acres of choice land, 
which he has improved to the best advantage, and 
has a good frame house with all necessary farm 
buildings. 

Mr. Canaan was married Sept. 9, 1875, to Maria, 
daughter of James and lieulah Stewart, of Lake- 



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view, Montcalm Co., Mich. She was born in Clyde, 
Ohio, Dec. 8, 1847. Her father died Jan. 19, 1878, 
and her mother is still living, in Michigan. The 
three living children of Mr. and Mrs. Canaan were 
born as follows: Stewart E., June 25, 1876; Her- 
bert L., Sept. 4, 1878; Ernest J., May 16, 1883; 
Claude C, born Dec. 2, 1880, died July 6, 1881. 

Politically Mr. Canaan is a Republican, and has 
been actively interested in local affairs. He has 
served his township as Supervisor, five years. Town- 
ship t:ierk, six years. School Director, two years, As- 
sessor, three years, and was Deputy Sheriff under 
J. T. Escott, four years. He has been Delegate vari- 
ous times to the District and County Conventions. 
Himself and wife are members of the United Breth- 
ren Church. 



11 dward Fitzgerald, farmer, resident on sec. 
I^gl 29, Mecosta Tp„ was born in County Kerry, 
fl?^^ Ireland, Aug. 15, 1833. He is a son of 
'^; Edward and Bridget (Rourke) Fitzgerald, na- 

X tives of Ireland, where they passed their lives. 

', Mr.Fitzgeiakl came to America at the age of 

15, and landed at Quebec, Can., staying there a brief 
time, going thence to Oswego, N. Y , where he ob- 
tained enployment in an elevator for a short time. 
His next remove was to Defiance Co., O., reaching 
there in November, 1853. He worked on the railroad 
for a time and then rented a farm, where he worked un- 
til the spring of 1861. On the outbreak of the late 
war he enlisted in Co. C, 38th (). Vol. Inf., and his 
regiment was attached to the command of Ctcu. Sher- 
man in East Tennessee. 'I'liey marched through Sa- 
vannali, Cia., and were participants in the severe fight 
at Ionesl)oro, Sept. i,'64, where the regiment suffered 
heavy loss, but Mr. Fit/.gerald escaped unhurt. He 
was in tlie service four years and saw some of its 
severest work, but was never injured. He was dis- 
charged |uly 14, 1865, and received from his office a 
most satisfactory testimonial as a brave and good 
soldier. He returned to his rejoicing family and 
resumed farming. In the fall of 1877 he settled in 
Mecosta County and purchased a fine farm on the 
bank of Big Muskegon River, in Mecosta Tp. 

He was married Jan. 1, 1854, to Marcella, daughter 
of Patrick and Marcella (West) Fox, natives of Ire- 




land. Mrs. Fitzgerald was born after her parents 
emigrated to this country and settled in Defiance 
Co., O. Five children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Fitzgerald, as follows: Ella M., May 13, 1859; VVm. 
Nov. 13, 1861 ; Francis E., June 22, 1867 ; Anna E., 
Sept. 1,1869; Mary, born June 4, 1857, died Febru- 
ary, 1874. 

Mrs. Fitzuerald is a member of llie M. Iv Cluircii. 



^^^ohn M. Main, farmer, resident on sec. 2, 
■^1|1 Millbrook Tp., was born in ^\'alerloo Co., 
_w?;^<4' Can., Feb. 25, 1S43. He grew to man's 
sP" estate in the manner common to the sons of 
•ijif- farmers. When 2 1 years of age he rented a 
Y farm in Canada, which he conducted tluee 
years, and resolved to become a citizen of the 
U. S. He came to Michigan, landing at Detroit, 
Jan. 10, :866. He proceeded to Lakeview, Mont- 
calm Co., and was occupied in lumbering during that 
winter, and in the spring of 1867 came to Mecosta 
County, locating on 100 acres of land in Millbrook 
Tp., which had been given him by his father, to 
which he has added 40 acres, and now has 100 acres 
under improvement. 

He was mariied in Canada, Nov. iS, 1863,10 Mary 
M., daughterof Charles and Arabella (Morrison) Per- ^ ^ 
son, of English and French nativity. She was born 
in Canada, July 5, 1S47. Children: Margaret E., 
born Feb. 28, 1865 ; Melinda J., Feb. 18, 1867 ; 
James W., Feb. 8, 1869; Ferdinand O., Nov. 18, 
1870; John G., Dec. 20, 1872; Otto E., June 9, 
1874; Nelson A., Aug. 28, 1876; Charlotte B., March 
28, 1878; George W., Nov. 28, 1879; Charles H.. 
May 12,1881. 

Mr. Main is a Republican, and has been the favor- 
ed choice of his townsmen for responsible positions. 
He is a zealous member of the M. E. Church. 



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eorge A. Haggit, blacksmith, Millbrook 

village, was born in Huron Co., Can., Dec. 

5, 1857. He is a son of Edward and Eliz- 

^'^ abeth (Cockedine) Haggit, natives of England. 

Mr. Haggit learned his trade in Canada^ 

! where he remained until Feb. i, 1883, and 

worked four years. At the date named he came to 

Mecosta County and bought out ilie blacksmith shop 



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of John Mitchell at the village of Millbrook, where 
he is managin-; a thriving business, and doing the 
custom work of a large section of country. 

He was married in Huron Co., Can., Jan. 29, 18S0, 
to Alice M., daughter of John and Leah (Tremlitt) 
Muss, natives of Canada, where the daughter was 
lorn June 6, i860. They have one child, Alonzo 
\V., born Sept. 19, 1881. Mr. H. belonged in Can- 
ada to the Ancient Order of Foresters, and was also 
a member of the Reform parly. 



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eorge R. Malone, junior member of the 
firm of Northrup & Malone, lawyers and 
•%^^^ real-estate brokers. Big Raiiids, Midi., was 
^'■l?' i born near Columbus, Ohio, July 27, 1851. 
He is the son of Joseph and Maria (JilcCad- 
din) Malone, who moved from Columbus to 
Woosler, Wayne C'o., ( )hio, when he was two years 
old. His father died at that place in 1S54, after 
which his mother removed to Canal Fulton, Stark Co., 
near the home of her father, John J. McCaddin, wlio 
in his younger days was a pioneer, and afterwards a 
prominent farmer and business man in that locality. 

At the age of six years the subject of this sketch 
went to live with his uncle, where he worked on the 
old homestead of his grandfather summers and went 
to school winters till he was 15 years of age. After 
tliis his entire time for several years was devoted to 
study and teaching. He commenced teaching at 
the age of sixteen, receiving $16 a month for his 
first term in Chippewa Tp., Wayne Co., Ohio. After 
this he removed, with his mother and family, an older 
l)rother and sister, to near Lansing, Mich., where he 
continued alternately to teach and attend school till 
1871. At the age of twenty he was engaged as 
Princi|)al of the schools at Crand Ledge, Eaton Co., 
Mich., whicli position he also held during the years, 
1875-6, having spent most of the intervening time 
attending the Lansing High School and the State 
Agrii ultural College. 

Early in life Mr. Malone entertained a strong de- 
sire to study and practice law, and at the age of six- 
teen lie visited John McSweeny, a leading criminal 
lawyer of Wooster, Ohio, and completed arrangements 
to study with him; but this his friends dissuaded him 






from doing, preferring that he become a tef>cher or 
enter the ministry; however, as he always entertained a 
love for the study of law, during the last years of his 
teaching he found time to read the works of a num- 
ber of leading law writers. After closing his second 
year's work in the schools of Crand Ledge he de- 
voted a year almost exclusively to the study and 
practice of law at liell Oak, Ingham Co. .\fler this 
he spent two years in the mercantile business at Bell 
Oak; but this enterprise, not being congenial to his 
taste, did nut prove successful. 

Li the spring of 1881, he came to the village of 
Mecosta, and recommenced the practice of law. He 
was soon after admitted Jp the Bar of Mecosta 
County, and in January, 1883, he came to Big Rapids, 
and the following summer went into partnership with 
Mr. C. L. Northrup, an attorney of several years' 
successful practice in Northern Michigan. Soon 
after coming to the county Mr. Malone was elected 
member of the t'ounty Board of School Examiners 
and Secretary of that Board, which position he held 
for two years. The untiring zeal with which lie de- 
voted himself to the duties of this office, and the 
consequent advancement in educational interests 
throughout the county, so identified him with the in- 
terests of the people that his work will not soon be 
forgotten. 

Mr. Malone, though still a young man, is every- 
where known as a man of the people; he is there- 
fore an active agent in all matteis tending to advance 
the interests of the community and esjiecially of the 
young. He is an earnest ami ardent s|)eaker, and 
has presented his views u[ion leading subjects of pub- 
lic interest, not only in his own county but in differ- 
ent [jarts of the State. He is an active worker in 
the cause of temperance and a zealous advocate of 
both moral suasion anil prohibition. He is also a 
total abstainer himself, having never partaken of in- 
toxicating licpiors as a beverage in his life; neither 
has he ever used tobacco in any form. 

Mr. Malone was married in Locke T|)., Ingham 
Co., June 30, 1875, to Miss Fanny E. Atkins, eldest 
daughter of Harman A. and Harriet V. .Atkins, both 
of whom were pioneers of that county. Mr. Atkins 
is a physician, having practiced in Ingham County 
for more than thi.ty years. He is also a great reader, 
and a profound student of natural sciences, being 
the author of a work on ornithology, embodying his 
daily observations for more than a <piarler uf a cen- 



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tury. Mrs. Malone was horn in Locke Tp., Ingham 
Co., March 5, 1854. She received a liberal educa- 
tion and taught school several terms in Ingham and 
Eaton Counties before her marriage; she still enter- 
tains the same love for reading and study as that of 
her father, and so far as possible still gives her time to 
literary pursuits. Bertha E., only child of Mr. and 
Mrs. Malone, was born Dec. 29, 1S77. 

In connection with this sketchwe take pleasure in 
presenting the portrait of Mr. Malone. 



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m. Willett, farmer on sec. 5, Hinton Tp.^ 
was born in England, March 28, 1810. 
His parents were natives of England and 
came to Canada in the early days of its set- 
tlement, and there the mother, Martha (Skil- 
' ton) Willett, finally died. The father, Richard 
Willett, came to Michigan with his children, and died 
at the home of his son George. William Willett 
spent the first 23 years of his life in his native land, 
and until 14 years of age was sent to school. He 
worked four years with his father, who was a carpen- 
ter, and then set out for his single-handed life strug- 
gle. In 1833 he came to Canada and entered upon 
a life of labor, working at carpentry and milhvright- 
ing, and was thus engaged for 33 years, coming to 
Michigan in 1866. , He at once purchased 120 acres 
of land, on which he now resides and has 40 acres 
under a good state of cultivation. Mr. Willet was 
married in England, Feb. 3, 1830, to Charlotte, 
daughter of Benjamin and Charlotte (Mann) Rose. 
Her parents were natives of England, where Mrs. 
Willett was born Sejit. 21, 1812, and tiiere her father 
and motiier died. 



ohn D. Decker, farmer, sec. 14, Millbrook 
Tp., was born in the State of New York, 
March 11, 1828. He is a son of Gilbert 
and Mary (Stanley) Decker, and was reared 
under the care of his parents, living at home 
until he was 22 years old, and occupied ciiiefiy 
with farming. His father removed with his 
f.i nily to Canada when Mr. Decker was about six 




years old, who remained there until he readied Ijie 
age of 24 years, going thence to Illinois. After resid- 
ing there seven years, engaged meanwhile in farm- 
ing, he came in the autumn of 1866 to Mecosta 
County, and bought 80 acres of wild land in Mill 
brook Tp. He has since bought 40 acres more, and 
of the aggregate 120 acres has 40 acres under cul- 
tivation. 

He was married in Canada, Feb. 10, 185 1, to 
Harriet R,, daughter of David and Lena (Mirkley) 
Welch, the former a native of New England, the lat- 
ter of Canada. She was born in Upj)er Canada, 
Nov. 30, 1829. Mr. and Mrs. Decker have had nine 
children, of whom eight survive: Louisa H., born 
Jan. 25, 1852; Eva J., Oct. 25, 1856; Howard E., 
Feb. 25, 1859; Adella M., Jan. 21, 1862; William 
A., April 16, 1864; James E. C. March 12, 1868; 
Mary L., Dec 29, 187 i; Allierta E., Feb. 9, 1875; 
Edward H., born Feb. 7, 1S54, died Jan. 17, 1856. 




^& artley Davis, deceased, was born .\ug. 18, 
1832. He was a son of Francis and Mar- 
garet Davis, natives of Belfast, Ireland. 
At the age of six years he came to Canada 
'^> with his i)arents, and attended school at To- 
1 ronto until he was 13 years old. Two years 
later he began to work in a saw-mill for Jonah Ugel, 
where he continued until he was 21 years old. In 
company with a son of his employer, he bought a 
saw-mill, and they went into business for themselves, 
where Mr. Davis thus operated five years. He sold 
his interest in the mill and went to live on a farm he 
had previously purchased, which he managed until 
1 86 1. He then came to Michigan, and purchased 
80 acres of land in Hinton Tp., 70 acres of which 
were under the plow at the time of his death. Asso- 
ciated with William N. Seaton, Mr. Davis built and 
operated the first saw-mill in the township, located at 
.Altona. He was connectcil witli Mr. .Seaton two 
years, and was engaged in lumbeiing to a greater or 
less extent each winter after coming to Hinton. Dur- 
ing his life Mr. Davis was Supervisor several years. 
He tlied Feb. 13, 1879, after an illness of five years, 
of consumption. He was confined to his house but 
two weeks. 

Mr. Davis was married April 10, 1858, in Canada, 



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to Lydia M., cklcst daughter of William and (liar- 
lottc (Rose) Willctt. born Jan. 17, 1832. Her parents 
reside in Hinton Tp. Of six children born to Mr. 
and .Mrs. Davis, three survive: Newton E., l)orn 
April 12, 1S59; Ella .M., Nov. 22, 1861; Charlotte 
M., April 2, 1865. Two children died in infancy; 
E/.ra \V., horn Oct. 7, 1S60, died Fel). iS, i.S.Si. 
Mrs. Davis resides on the homestead. 



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Ejidney Haskill, painter, resident on sec. 35, 
^Etna I'l)., was horn May29, '29,in Yates 
Co., N. Y., and is son of Josiah and Chloe 
(Gage) Haskill. .\t the age of 15 he was ai)- 
prenticed to Nathan Simson, a painter of tliat 
vicinity, and as he acquired the details of the 
trade with readiness and became a skilled workman 
in much less than the time required by the terms of 
his indenture, he was released and managed his 
own business engagements for three years. He 
then spent two years on the lakes; since i860 he 
has been busy with his trade. During the time he 
was in the Empire State he worked on the N. Y. C. 
R. R. ; going thence to Kansas, he worked on the 
Union Pacific R. R., as a bridge builder. He re- 
turned to Michigan, stopped at Port Huron, and a 
few months later went to Grand Rapids, where he 
arrived in the spring of 1863. He followed his trade 
14 years in that city and then settled in .-Etna Tp., 
on a farm near Morley. Since his location in the 
township he has worked with Higbee & Co. 

He was married in 1S50, to Catherine, daui^liter of 
Samuel and Anna Duttou, at Port Hope, Pr. of On- 
tario. Children: Albert, born Nov. 25, 1857; Ro- 
sanna W., August, 1859; Frank, Nov. 5, 1866. Mr. 
and Mrs. Haskill are adherents of the M. E. Church. 
Mr. 11. is a Reiiublican. 

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"<SCSo~ 




ames A. Mills, farmer on sec. 20, Mecosta 

P'>M- ' I'-, was Ixjrn Sept. 7, 1847. He is a son 

v,'"^^ of Alexander and Sarah (More) Mills, 

Yi natives of Scotland and early emigrants to St. 

Johns, N. H., where the son was born. Mr. 

Mills took his fortunes into his own hands at 

nine years of age. He ran away to sea in the capacity 

of cabin Ixjy, and was in that [wsition two years when 




he became shipmate. He was pronioled \^ the post >& 
of second mate, and so i)erforme(l his duties that he /• 
was offered the position of first mate, but declined, -?■ 
as he had determined to withdraw from a seafaring X 
life. He hail a desire to engage in the whale-fishing j>. 
service of the Northern Ocean, and spent some months ^ ' 
in the dangers and excitements of that life. He then 
engaged in cod-fishing service and followed it on tVie 
coast of Gaspe, Can. After four months he connect- 
ed himself with a company of seal fishers and spent 
a considerable time in that region of icebergs. He 
then quitted ocean life and went to Upper Canada, 
where he remained but a brief time. His next re- 
move was to Texas, where he was occupied some 
months in herding cattle. Coming North, via New 
York, to Canada, in 1859, he visited his native place. 
He came to Saginaw, Mich., and there operated as a 
lumberman one year, and was also engaged some- 
what in river driving. 

Mr. Mills came to Big Rapids in the fall of i860, ( 
where he remained until his marriage. That event "\ 
occurred July 8, 1861, to Mary, daughter of Jesse R. 
and Lydia (Mash) Green. Her parents were natives 
of Canada, where she was born Sept. 17, 1847. Mr. 
and Mrs. Mills have had one child, Alice May, born 
May 31, 1875. Mr. Mills is a Democrat. 






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"%W^^ ' f^n^ucl J. Throp, of the firm of Fellows & 
, p ~N Throii, druggists, at liig Rapids, was born 
,it Fort Jefferson, Darke Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, 
it"^ 1845, and is a son of John A. Throp, born 
J Oct. 24, 1822, in Monmouth Co., New Jersey, 
and Catharine Throp, born Dec. 3, 1825, in 
Warren Co., Ohio. His motlier never changed her 
maiden name, yet there was no relalionshij) trace- 
able. His father was a wagon-maker, but on his 
removal to Three Rivers, Mich., in 1857, became as- 
sociated with a partnership manufacturing company, 
in building the celebrated Invincible Vibrating 



Thresher and general agricultural implements; he ^^ 

sold his interest in the factory March 15, 1881, but 1 

retained his claims in the jiatents. In 1867 Mr. f^ ' 
Throp went to Troy, 111., and engaged in the mer- 
chant flouring mill of his uncle, Thomas A. Throp, 

as accountant. The latter died in 1873, and Mr. • 

Throp was ajipointed administrator of the esialc, ^ 



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After an absence of seven years, and the affairs per- 
taining to the settlement were adjusted, he returned 
to Three Rivers, and in 1875 became secretary of a 
new incorporated company, namely, Roberts, Throp 
& Co., manufacturers of agricultural implements, in 
which his father had been actively and steadily con- 
nected for the past 25 years, being Director and 
Vice-President as well as General Manager and 
Superintendent. On account of failing health, sim- 
ultaneously with his father's active withdrawal from 
the concern, Mr. Throp and his father sold their half 
interest in the capital stock, divided the notes and 
accounts and retained their share of the same. Their 
connection therewith had been veiy laborious and 
one of great resi)onsibility, yet successful and merito- 
rious in a financial sense. They together engaged 
in the collection of their outstanding accounts, until 
September, 1882. 

During that numth Mr. Throp came to Big Rapids 
and, in partnership with his brother-in-law, C. A. 
Fellows, purchased a stock of drugs of C. P. Bige- 
low, M. 1)., which they removed to their present 
l)lace of business. They carry the largest stock of 
drugs and sundries in the city, and have the most 
complete and tastefully arranged business house, in 
their line, in Northern Michigan. Their business 
comprises wholesale as well as retail, and although 
already extensive, is steadily increasing. 

Mr. Throp was married at Three Rivers, May 28, 
1870, to Clara A., daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth 
Hiles. Mrs. Throp was born in Montour Co., Pa., 
Aug. 27, 1848. Charles Henry, only child of Mr. 
and Mrs. Throp, was born at Troy, 111., Sept. 16, '72. 



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l-ohn Bellamy, tanner, sec. 8, \\heatland 

^I^^C, Tp., is a son of John and Jane (Cathcart) 

|W;,-F"^ Bellamy, the father a native of iMigland, 

f y of mixed British and Irish blood, and tlie 

^^ mother of Ireland ; they came to America early 

Y '" life and located in Ontario, Can., where they 

were married. Mr. Bellamy was born in Waterloo 

Co., Can., Sc])!. 5, 1855, and passed the first 23 years 

of his life in school and assisting his father on the 

farm. In the fall of 1878 he came to Mecosta 

County and passed one year in Wheatland Tp., witli 

John Cringrich, his brollier-in-law. Meanwhile lie 

was married, June 14, 1879, to Leonora, daughter of 




Peter and Mary (McDonald) Gingrich, who was born 
July 5, 1 86 1, in Waterloo Co., Can., and when si.\ 
years old accompanied her parents to Michigan. Mr. 
and Mrs. Bellamy liave two children : John H., 
born Dec. 25, 1879, and William A., Nov. 18, 1881. 
In politics Mr. Bellamy is a Democrat. 




,arvey Harrington, proprietor of the hotel 
jjl' at Altona, Hinton Tp., was born in Ionia 
■■^[\^° '" County, Mich., Aug. 2, 1848. His jiarents, 
A William and Margaret (Staley) Harrington, were 
r natives of Ohio. Their first removal ihence was 
I to Montcalm Co., Mich., and successively to 
Ionia, Gratiot and Calhoun Counties, and in 1869 
went to Kansas, where they now reside. Mr. Har- 
rington was 14 years of age when his parents went 
to Gratiot County. Their stay there lasted one year, 
and they then went to Calhoun County, where Mr. 
Harrington lived with them until he was 21 years of 
age. On attaining man's estate he went to Mont- 
calm County, and there worked in a shingle-mill 
eight years. In 1873 he l)ought 40 acres of i)artly 
improved land in the township of Fairplain, in 
Montcalm Co. He took possession of this place as 
a residence in 1877, and in 1881 exchanged tlie 
property for 80 acres in Sheridan Tp., Mecosta Co., 
where he fixed his home in September, 1881. In Feb- 
ruary, 1883, he exchanged his farm for tlie hotel at 
Altona, which he is now managing. 

Mr. Harrington was married in Montcalm County, 
Oct. 24, 1869, to Lois A., yoiingest child of Nathan 
and Mary A. (Rossmore) Rose. The latter were 
natives of New York, where Mrs. Harring'on was 
born, Oct. 24, 1852. Her father died Feb. 4, 1862, 
and lier mother lives with her, Mr. and Mrs. Har- 
rington luive had one child, George N., born .April 3. 
187 I, and died Oct. t 2, 187 1. As to political issues, 
Mr. Harrington is a Reiniblican. 

Ipohn M. Sims, farmer, sec. 2, (ireen Tp., 

% was born Sept. 26, 1845, in Greene Co., 

Kf^"^ Pa., and is the son of Martin and Kliza 

Jane (Mundy) Sims. Mr. Sims is descended 

from loyal ancestry, his great-grandfather hav- 

'^ ing fought in the war of the Revolution, and 

also in that of 1812. Mis father was born in the 



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Keystone State, of Enj;lish ancestry ; was a farmer 
'n and Miillwrij;lu, and enlisted in the civil war as a 
,■:% soldier for the Union, finally locating in Van Huren 
I Co., Mich., where he died, in 1876. The mother, 
y^ born in founty Down, Ireland, died Aug. 28, 187 i. 
True to the patriotic instincts of his race, Mr. 
Sims enlisted in the war of the Rebellion to defend 
the tlag his ancestors had foiij^ht to establish, 
and is the youngest soldier recorded in this voUime. 
lie enrolled as his country's servant in the 12th W. 
Va. Infantry, Aug 9, 1869, when he was 15 years, 1 1 
months and 13 days old. He was discharged June 
16, 1865, having seen much active service in the 
memorable engagements of the war, among them the 
fight at Winchester, June 14, 1863, Harper's Ferry, 
in July, 1864, Battle of Winchester, and of Cedar 
Creek, Nov. 19, 1864, at Piedmont, Stanton, Lynch- 
burg; and when transferred to the Army of the Po- 
tomac he fought at Hatchers Run, near Petersburg, 
March 29, 30, 31, 1865, and h.\m\ i, folkjwing, at 
I'ort Grey, near Petersburg, whence his command fol- 
lowed Lee on the extreme left of the Army Corps 
until the rebel chief surrendered to the Federal 
authority at Appomatlox, of which event Mr. Sims 
was an eye witness. After Lee's cai)itulation the 
forces went from Lynchburg to Richmond, wlieve 
^ they were discharged, and were mustered out at 
Wheeling. Mr. Sims sustained but one injury during 
the entire time, receiving a gunshot wound in tlie 
left leg in a skirmish near Harper's Ferry. He was 
taken prisoner at the Battle of Winchester, June 14, 
1863, and was held in captivity three months. At 
tile end of that lime he made his escape and rejoined 
his command, after passing four days and nights 
in the mountains almost wholly without supplies. 

March 25, 1866, he came to Mecosta Co., Mich., 
and in 1868 bought 80 acres of land in Green Tp., 
where he has since followed farming. He was mar- 
ried to Kllen E. Robins in 1867 ; she was born in 
Potter Co., Pa , and is the daughter of James G. and 
Olive (Slade) Robins. Of this marriage one child 
was born, Otis Odando. The motlier died June 28, 
1868. Mr. Sims was again married in 1869, to Eliza- 
beth, daughter of John and .\my (Clark) Kitchen, a 
native of Canada, l)orn Sept. 18, 1841. Her fatjier 
■^ was born in New Jersey, and is now living near 
^ Whitehall, Mich. Her mother was a native of New 
llrunswick and died in 1873. Mr. and Mrs. Sims' 
children are, l)eli)ert, Anna H., Elsie M. and Viola. 



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heodore C. Gardner, of Big Rapids, a jior- 
trait of whom we present upon the o|)posite 
page, was born Dec. 21, 1843, in Medina 
Co., Ohio, where he was reared under his 
father's care. He is a son of Reuben and 
Mary (Branch) Gardner, natives of New York, 
and of English descent. Mr. Gardner became a sol- 
dier when he was 18 years old, enlisting April 23, 
i86r, in the iMghth Ojiio Infantry, Com|>any K, 
Capt. W. F. Pierce. His command was attached to 
the Army of the Potomac, and during the period of 
his enlistment he was in 17 actions; among the 
most prominent were the battles of Bull Run, An- 
tietam and South Mountain. From all the casualties 
of war Mr. Gardener fortunately escaped, and was 
neither wounded nor taken prisoner. He was made 
Sergeant soon after his first service in the war, and 
during the time was transferred to the Sixth U. S. 
Cavalry, in which he remained until he was mus- 
tered out, .May 26, 1864. He returned to Ohio, and 
after two months entered the servi( e of the Govern- 
ment, operating chielly as a harness maker. He was 
thus employed about si.x months, and on t,he close of 
the war returned to Ohio. Soon after he came to 
Oceana Co., Mich,, and entered 160 acres of land 
under the homestead act. 

He returned to Medina Co., Ohio, and was married 
May 22, 1866, to Lydia A., daughter of Alden and 
Lois (Morse) Apthorp, the father a native of Massa- 
chusetts, and the mother of New York. They 
moved to Medina Co., Ohio, in 1840, where Mrs. 
Ganlner was born. May 16, 1844. She was well edu- 
cated in the common schools of the Buckeye State, 
and was a teacher some years previous to her mar- 
riage. .\fler that event she accompanied her hus- 
band to Michigan, and they resided on his farm in 
Oceana County until the fall of 1870, when Mr. 
Gardner removed his interests to Millbrook, Mecosta 
County, and established a general mercantile busi- 
ness, with a stock of goods worth $600. He con- 
tinued to operate there until December, iS8f, and 
during the time his business increased until it rcai h- 
ed an aggregate of $40,000 annually. He sold out at 
the time named to E. F. Horton, and moved to Re- 
mus, Wheatland T[)., where he established a mercan- 
tile business, on a basis of $6,000. His annual sales 



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reach a figure of $50,000, and he maintains one of 
the finest stores and best assorted lines of goods in 
Northern Michigan. He moved his family to Big 
Rapids, but continues to own and manage his exten- 
sive business interests at Renuis. 

In jx)litics Mr. Gardner is a Republican, and has 
held |)osiuons of trust and prominence where he has 
resided. Cora D. Apthorp, adopted daughter of Mr. 
and Mrs. Gardner, was born Dec. 30, 187 i. 



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[lanson H. Waterman, farmer on sec. 19, 
f Deerfield Tp., was born in Massaciuisetts, 



i)^ Sept. 23, 181 7. He is a son of Oliver and 
3}&' Miriam (Jennings) Waterman, who removed 

,''^ from the Bay State to New York and thence to 

i Pennsylvania, where the mother died in 1863. 

The father returned to New York soon after, and 

in 1868 joined his wife in the land of the hereafter. 

Mr. Waterman was under the tutelage of his parents 
r.niil he reached man's estate. He went with them 
to the State of New York, and a year later to Penn- 
sylvania, where he pursued agriculture ten years, 
meanwhile arranging and preparing to enter the min- 
istry. In 1849 he returned to New York and was 
installed jiastor of the Southeast Stockton Baptist 
Churcb, and in 1850 received ordination. He re- 
tained his charge three years, at the end of that time 
accepting a call from the Baptist Church and society 
at Sheridan, N. Y., where he officiated two years. 
He resigned his iX)St two years later and was in- 
stalled pastor over the First Baptist Church at 
Aurora, Portage Co., Ohio. After a successful pas- 
torate of two years, he acccepted tlie charge at Auburn, 
O., where he remained two years ; then went to Mec- 
ca, Trumbull Co., Ohio, and was there engaged in ac- 
tive ministerial work ten years. His health becoming 
impaired in 1S69, he relincpiished his connection with 
the ministry, resigned his charge, and came to Mont- 
calm Co., Mich., where he bought 260 acres of unim- 
proved land, built a log house and underwent all the 
experiences of the pioneer. But he made marked 
|)rogress in the imiirovements on his property, and 
when he sold it in 1878, 120 acres of his farm was 
in an advanced state of cultivation. 

In 187S he came to Mecosta ("ounty and |)ur- 
chased 40 acres ol [)artially improved land, now his 



home and the place wherein he designs to pass his 
remaining life. He was married in Pennsylvania 
July I, 1841, to Mary E., daughter of Lysander and 
Elizabeth (Saltsman) Mitchell, natives respectively 
of New York and Pennsylvania. They settled in 
1878 in Montcalm Co., but returned to Pennsylvania, 
where Mrs. Mitchell died Oct. 8, 1882, and her hus- 
band followed July 19, 1883. But three of the eight 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are living: 
Frances M., born June 13, 1849; Chas. B., May 2, 
T857, and Elmer B., June 9, i86r. The parents 
gave two sons to the Union cause, and both are at 
rest in the soil which the lives they surrendered to 
save from the ruin of disunion have consecrated for- 
ever. Their honored names are Sylvester A., iiorn 
Feb. 19, 184-, and died July 18, 1864; and George 
C, born Oct. 6, 1844, and died Feb. 23, 1866. The 
following is the record of three others who are in the 
home of everlasting peace: Mary J., born Feb. 13, 
1847, died Sept. 7, 1874; Judson V., born Sept 9, 
1854, died Sept. 11, 1854; Adaline C, born June 5, 
1851, and died Sept. 9, 1854. 

After a useful and and active life of nearly 70 
years, Mr. and Mrs. Waterman are passing the sun- 
set of their life in serenity and trust. They are 
devoted to Christian work and are zealous in the in- 
terests of the Chinch of their choice. Mr. Water- 
man is a Republican. 



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;Seter Cahill, farmer on sec. 15, yFtna Tp., 



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was born Ai)ril 8, 1S41, in Canada. At 
liVI:i-!iC the age of 15 he entered upon his single- 
•^J handed contest with the wodd, and at 21 he 
•'/'yl came to Michigan, working as a farmer and 
lumberman until the fall of 1867. In 1868 
he liought 40 acres of wild land, to which he added 
by purchase 40 acres of railroad land, whereon he 
built a log house and proceeded to prepare his farm 
for the sustenance of his family. He now has 30 /K 
acres under cultivation. In political sentiment Mr. T 
Cahill is a Greenbacker, and the family are all ad- S 
herents of the Catholic Church. Mr. Cahill has ^ 
been Highway Commissioner one year and S( Imol r^ 
Director two years. He was married in the township ^ 
of .I'Una, Aug. 5, 1867, to Sarah, daughter of William 
.md Mary A. (I'limpton) Mitchell, natives of the 



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State of New York, and tlicir cliildren are,' Vesta, 
l)oni M;iy 22, i868; Alice, July 31, 1870; Frances 
\V., Oct. 17, 1876; James E., July 8, 1880. der- 
trude is ileceased. 



^'r^^P^lijah Carr, farmer on sec. 6, Hmton 1 

was born in New Jersey, Oct. 21, 1834. 
His parents, Samuel and Catlierine (Wise) 
Carr, were born in New Jersey, and were pio- 
neers in Oakland County, removing later to 
Greenville, Mecosta Co., where they died. 
Mr. Carr was but four years old when his parents 
became residents of Michigan. He obtained his 
education in the common schools, and worked on the 
fiirm until he was 22 years old. In 1856 he bought 
80 acres of timber land in Greenville, Montcalm Co., 
and soon after purchased a similar acreage. He was 
a resident of the place for 22 years. He sold it in 
1878, and bought 160 acres in Hinton Tp., now his 
residence and under his management. 

Mr. Carr was married in Oakland County, Dec. 13, 
1846, to Mrs. Mary H. Stewart, second daughter of 
John and Amanda (Jordan) Clark. Her parents 
were natives of Vermont, and in 1834 came to Mich- 
igan, settling in Montcalm County, where the mother 
died, June 5, 1849, the father dying several years 
later. Mrs. Carr was born in Pontiac, Oakland Co., 
Aug. 2, 1835. The family circle includes six chil- 
dren : Ellen K., John L., Alice M., Josei)hine H , 
Frances E. and Avery G. Mr. Carr is an adiierent 
to the principles and issues of the Democratic [jarty. 
Mrs. Carr's first husband was Charles Stewart, and 
of that marriage one child was born — Sophia A. 



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Jiii^rdii ohn B. Gingrich, farmer, sec. 8, Wheatland 

'^'li^aC' '^'P'' '^ ^ **"" ^^ Jacob and Barbara (Burk- 

|fe^^ hart) (Mngrich, who were natives of Penn- 

Iv *'y'^''*"'''» •^"'1 '" e-irly youth went to Canada, 

'|F where they were married and reared tiieir fam- 

\ ily. Mr. Gingrich was born in Waterloo Co., 

Can., May 2, 1847. Fie was married Nov. 15, 1866, 

to Mary J., daughter of John and Jane (Cathcart) 

Bellamy (see sketch), who was born in Wellington 

Co., Can., Aug. 17, 1846. Mr. Gingrich took his 



wife to the iiome of his parents and lived with them 
one year, coming in the fall of 1867 to Michigan and 
locating on sec. 8, where he secured 120 acres of 
wooded lanil, with an old log hut thereon, which had 
been previously built and which the family occui)ied 
five years. The pioneer dwelling has given place to 
one more pretentious and comfortable; and 20 acres 
have been added to the farm, which now aggregates 
140 acres, with 100 in first-class improvements and 
furnished with ample and suitable farm buildings. 

The childreii of Mr. and INlrs. Gingrich are as fol- 
lows: Barbara J., born June 17, 1867; Rebecca, 
Feb. 28, 1869; William J., born Aug. 27, 1870, died 
Sept. 2, 1871; Joseph, born July 17, 1872, died Se|)t. 
8, 1881; Susan, born July i, 1874, died Sept. 17, 
i88r. The two last named died of diphtheria, nine 
days intervening between their deaths. Mr. Ging- 
rich belongs to the Democratic party, and has held the 
])ost of Constable six years. The parents are mem- 
l.ers of the .M. E. Church. 



^"^iSyron S. Davenport, Paris, Green Tp., was 
born Jan 2, 1862, in Barton, Newaygo Co., 

y-^^^ Mich., and is the youngest son of William 
'/"[Wf" and Jemima (Stanley) Davenport. The father 
"C- was born in Wayne Co., Ind., Sept. 24, 1824, 

I and is a son of Jesse Daveni)ort, a native of 
England and a millwright by vocation. William Da- 
venport moved to Columl)ia, Fayette Co., Ind., in 
I1S45, where he engaged three years successfully in 
mercantile business. In 1856 he went to Barton, 
aiKl has since resided there, pursuing his trade of 
millwright and mechanic. He purchased a half 
section of Government land, which his sons cleared 
and placed in good farming condition, leaving him to 
pursue his trade. Jemima Stanley was born Oct. 7, 
1S24, in Richmond, Ind., of English descent, and 
was married July 31, 1842, to William Davenport. 
They are the parents of one daughter and five sons. 

Mr. Davenport, of this sketch, acipiired his ele- 
nientary education in the schools of Barton and in 
the high school of Big Rapids, finishing his studies 
at the Commercial College of Grand Rapids. In 
1881, in company with his brother, he established 
himself in business in Paris, which connection con- 
tinued nearly a year, and was brought to a close by 









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the unfortunate management of his brother, who in- 
volved their affairs in a hopeless intricacy and took 
his departure. Mr. Davenport adjusted matters as 
well as he was able, sold out the business and en- 
gaged, May 20, 1882, as salesman with D. Levy, of 
Big Rapids. A few months later he entered the em- 
l)Ioy of B. E. Hutchinson & Co., of Paris, as sales- 
man, and remained with them until Feb. 22, 1883, 
when the concern failed and he was appointed by the 
assignee to sell out the stock. After this he engaged 
witli \V. D. Hopkinson as book-keeper and salesman, 
in which capacity he is still acting. 









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r 'i^P?!'' enry H. Moore, farmer, sec. 20, Hinton 
- ^|^'/|^ Tp., was horn March 28, 1849, in the State 
^ifii^i-'* of New York, and is the youngest of a 
f\s family of seven children. His father, Hiram 
Y' Moore, was a native of New Hampshire, and 
I went to New York when a boy, where his father 
was one of the first pioneers. The motlier, Ann 
(Terrey) Moore, was born in the State of New York, 
where she was married in 1829. Her husband was 
unable to labor for 35 years before his death, having 
become disabled by over-exertion. He was cared 
for by his children during the later years of his life, 
and was the especial charge of his son, H. H. Moore, 
some years previous to his death, which occurred 
March 13, 1873, of cancer of the stomach. He was 
of a radical character, and during all his life was a 
consistent Christian man. 

Mr. Moore of this sketch was 23 years old when 
his father died, and on the occurrence of that event 
removed to Kenosha Co., Wis., and was there occu- 
pied as a carpenter six months, moving thence to 
Janesville, and tiiree montlis later to this county. 
Ill tlie spring of 1874 he bought 160 acres of unim- 
proved land in Hinton Tp., worth at that time 
§1,000. He built a frame house, and the first year 
cleared 20 acres ; lie now has 60 acres under 
improvement. 

He was married in the State of New York, Nov. 
23, 1869, to Emma L., third daughter of Asa and 
Louisa (Dow) Robbiiis, born in the Empire State, 
Jan. 26, 184S. Her parents were natives of \'er- 
mont, and were married in New York, where her 




father died Dec. 8, 1S76. Her mother is yet living, 
in Hinton Tp. 

Mr. and Mrs. Moore are both persons of stable 
character. Their tastes and inclinations lead them 
into the best avenues of thought and action, and 
they are intimately associated with all popular move- 
ments and reformatory issues, whether social, 
moral or religious. Both were school-teachers, fond 
of books, and are correspondents of several local 
papers. They belong to two distinct temperance 
organizations, and are actively interested in the M. 
E. Church, in which Mr. Moore has been a Class- 
Leader most of the time since the organization of the 
society to which he belongs. 

He is an inflexible Republican, and has officiated 
in several township offices, and failed of appointment 
to others only because of his radical temperance 
views. 





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I'^^j: eter B. Gingrich, farmer on sec. 7, \\ neat- 
land Tp., is a son of Jacob and Barbara 
,, iV3-lS (Burkhart) C.ingrich, natives of Pennsyl- 
jjp.'^j vania and of Cerman descent, who went to 
■fl^ t)ntario. Can., in their childhood, where lliey 
' ' were afterwards married. Mr. Gingrich was 
born in \Vaterloo Co., Can., .Aug. 25, 1839. He had 
fair educational advantages, and in r858 he appren- 
ticed himself to F. O. Locknar, of Hawksville, to learn 
the art of blacksmithing. After serving his full time, 
three and one-half years, he became manager in the 
same shop where he had been instructed, and con- 
ducted the business two years. He was married 
Oct. 4, i860, in Waterloo County, to Mary, daughter 
of James and Leonora (Newton) McDonald, natives 
respectively of Scotland and New York, who went 
early in life to the Dominion, where they were mar- 
ried and where the daughter was born, Sept. 3, 1841. 
After marriage Mr. Cingrich went into business on 
his own behalf in the town of Flora, Ont., where he 
pursued his trade until February, 1862, when he 
went to W'infield, Wellington Co., Ont. After oper- 
ating there for a time his health became impaired 
and he sold out, starting in the spring of 1863, on a 
prospecting tour to Michigan, and worked to some 
extent at his trade. Prospects were not very flatter- 
ing and lie relumed liome and worked on a farm un- 
til tlie fall of 1867, when he again resolved on seek- 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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355 ^ 



ing a home in the Peninsular State. Himself and 
brother exchanged loo acres of land in Ontario for 
240 acres in Wheatland Tp., Mr. Gingrich becoming 
the [xissessor of 120 acres, to which he has made an 
addition of 20 acres more. Of this, 75 acres are now 
as well improved as any- in the county, and the owner 
has recently erected some very fine farm buildings 
thereon. 

The family of Mr. Gingrich includes six cliildren, 
born as follows: Leonora, July 5, 1S61 ; Samuel A., 
Aug. 3, 1864; William A., Jan. 20, 1868; Henry W. 
B.Aug. 8, 1870; Franklin P., Jan. 31, 1S75; Lillie 
G., May 25, 1878: Lavinia N., born Aug. 3, 1873, 
died Dec. 6, i88i. 

In politics Mr. Gingriih is a staunch Democrat, 
and has held nearly every office of any prominence 
in the local government of his township. He is act- 
ively interested in the work of the society of Good 
Templars, to which he belongs, and in which he oc- 
cui)ics the chair of P. W. C. 



— 5- 






S Mi 



's) hristian W. Wernette, resident al Me- 
,/ costa village, Morton Tp., is a son of 
gjll/'''"^ John and Mary (Veitheimer) Wernette, 
ijk! and was born June 15, 185 i, in \Vaterloo Co., 
^ Canada. When he was 10 years of age his 
{ parents sent him to Berlin, in his native 
country, to college, with the view of educating him 
for a Romish priest; but his natural lastes were so 
decidedly averse to such a life tliat he left school at 
the end of the first year. In 1863 he came to Micli- 
igan and engaged several years as a farm laborer, 
and in 1865 went back to New York and enlisted 
in the State militia, but was not called into action. 
He was the youngest and the tallest man in the 
company. His regiment was mustered out of the 
service in the spring of 1866, when he returned to 
Mecosta County, and was employed about six 
months in the lumber woods. His next engagement 
was with the Chicago Lumber Co., cutting timber in 
the vicinity of the Manistee River. In 1875 he 
bought a farm of 290 acres, three miles southeast of 
Mecosta village, where he lived until that place 
was platted. Foreseeing the promising future of 
the rapidly growing and phuky little village, he 
(^ bought a lot on Main street, and built a saloon, 
^ which he still carries on, holding a stock of about 

^^ ■ — ^^#%r^ — -Hm 



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$3,000, embracing all articles common to his line of 
business, his annual sales amounting to about 
$11,000. He acceded to the possession of the 
Wilson House, Sept. 15, 1882, which he afterward 
rented to R. H. Duly for three years, and in the 
spring of 1883 he bought the building where the 
Mecosta Advaiue is published, which is rented to 
the proprietor of that journal. July i, 1883, he 
ixiught a half interest in a meat market adjoining 
his saloon, wliich is well patronized under the 
firm name of Reed & Wernette. His residence 
on North Franklin street was lately erected, at a cost 
of i|i,2oo; is handsomely fitted up with modern 
appurtenances, and is an ornament to the place. 
On his farm soutlieast of the city, he has built a 
large and commodious barn, which he has so plan- 
ned as to have one of tlic finest water privileges in 
Northern Michigan. His place is stocked with a fine 
lot of blootled cattle and China Jjigs. He owns, be- 
sides, a 40-acre farm one mile north of Mecosta vil- 
lage ; has also 40 acres of pine land, which he values 
very highly. He also owns a lilacksmith shop on 
Main street, occupying two lots near the Town Hall. 

Mr. Wernette is a Democrat in political faith. He 
has officiated as Supervisor of Morton Tp., and in 
1880 was nominated for Representative from his 
district on the ticket of his ])arty, but declined the 
position on account of ill health. Mr. Wernette has 
always been active in the interests of his township 
and of the (onnnunity of wjiidi he is a member. To 
him belongs the ( rcdit of securing the establishment 
of mail privileges at Hingen (now Remus). 

He was married July 3, 1875, at Grand Rapids, to 
Mary Pickette, daughter of a prosperous farmer of 
Kent County. Mr. and Mrs. \\'ernette have three 
children : Lillie R., Joseph W. and Jessy J. 

Among the portraits of prominent citizens present- 
ed in this volume may be fountl that of Mr. Wernette. 



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Gland D. Reed, marketman (firm of Reed 



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& Wernette), Mecosta, Morion Tp., was 

^-^rrte born in Hainsville, Medina Co., Ohio, 

^ Sept. 23, 1849. His parents, James and 

p)^ Elizabeth (Holcomb) Reed, are both deceased. 

His fiither was a notive of Medina Co., Ohio, 

was a miller by trade, and died in Ionia, 

Mich., Nov. 10, i86r, aged p years, and his mother 



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died in Nilcs, Mich., May i, 1873, at the age of 41 
years. 

In 1877 Mr. Reed engaged in the meat trade at 
Six Lakes, Montcahn County, and operated there with 
success three years, closing his business in March, 
1880. In May following he opened a similar busi- 
ness at Mecosta village. July i, 1S83, he admitted 
C. W. Wernette as partner, and their business now 
amounts to $r,ooo per month. Mr. Reed is a mem- 
ber of the Maccabees' society. He owns his shop 
and slaughter-house grounds, comprising 18 acres 
and situated half a mile from town. 

He was married March 24, 1876, to Millicent, 
daughter of Sydney and Elizabeth Edie, born at 
Lowell, Kent Co., Mich. 




rs. Mary A. Duteher, residing on sec. 29, 
of Green Tp., was born in Liverpool, Eng., 
Aug. 16, 1820. She is a daughter of 
f.^'Y\ Edward and Elizabeth (Fowie) Hudson, na- 
tives of England. They came to America iu 
1823 and landed at Si. John, New Brunswick, 
on the ninth of May. They were residents there 
until their death. Mrs. Duteher was married Dec. 
26, 1840, to Alexander McPhee, a native of Halifax, 
Nova Scotia. They went to Canada West and in 
1861 moved to Michigan, locating in Mecosta County, 
where the husband followed farming until his death, 
which occurred May 21, 1864. The widow was a 
second time married in 1866, to Simeon S. Duteher, 
a native of Cireenbush, N. Y. He died June 30, 
1880. Mrs. Duteher has been a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church for 20 years. 



if ohn Clink, farmer, sec. 33, Deerfield Tp., is 

^Mj- son of Jolin and Catherine (Brown) Clink. 

v-^- 'I'hey were natives of New York, and after 




their marriage emigrated to Tuscola Co., Mich., 
where the mother is yet living; the fatlier is 
deceased. 

Mr. Clink was born in Canada, Nov. 19, 1843, and 
there grew to man's estate. In the autumn of 1862 
he came to Deerfield township and purchased 80 
acres of unl)roken forest land, ik)w tlie homestead of 




* 



George Helms. On selling his first landed estate, 
Mr. Clink bought 80 acres, where he now resides and 
has 20 acres under cultivation. 

The marriage of Mr. Clink with Charlotte, fourth 
daughter of John and Anna (Nunn) Sanger, took 



place Feb. 



1862. I\Irs. Clink's parents were na- 



tives of Canada, and there remained resident until 
their death. The seven clrildren born of this mar- 
riage are recorded as follows: John H., born iSIay 
10, 1866; Millie, June 22, 1868; Devilo, May 24, 
1870; Thomas, April 21, 1872; Clyde, March 15, 
1875 ; Annie (dec), June 21, 1864; Wm. (dec), Nov. 
19, 1881. 

Mr. Clink has been Constable in Mecosta County 
nearly 10 years; was re-elected, and also chosen 
Drain Commissioner in the spring of 1883, but de- 
clined the positions. He is a Democrat in political 
principle. 



jVilfSSfo.harles E. Warner, farmer, sec. 20, .Mtna 

till^^Ml?' Tp-i was born in Sunnnit Co., Ohio, Sept. 

S)j^»^ 12, 1842. He is a son of Andrew and 

fjlfe Laura (Riley) Warner, who were born in New 

/,' York and recently died in Michigan. When 

'. four years old Mr. Warner was taken to the 

home of an uncle, where he remained until he was 

19 years of age, when he returned to his childhood's 

home. After a brief sojourn there, he set forth with 

strong determination to make his way in tlie world, 

and was variously occu|jied for several years, when 

he came to Michigan and found employ in the mills 

at Grand Rapids for some time. Meanwhile he took 

advantage of a good opportunity to purchase a farm 

near that city, on which he located in 1S78. After a 

few years he resolved im making another change, 

and went to Indiana, where he remained some years, 

operating summers as an engineer and spending the 

alternate winters in lumbering. He had, during this 

time, invested some money in a farm in ^^-^tna Tp., 

where he took up his residence in 1878. The place 

contains 120 acres. 

Mr. Warner was married March 26, 1866, to Etta 
A., daughter of William and Susan J. (Reed) Hill, a 
native of Massachusetts, born April 26, 1859. Their 
children are Frank E., Dora B., Wni. E., Homer R., 
Harris L., Charles C. and Bertha M. Mr. and Mrs. 
^Varner are members of the M. E. Church. Mr. 



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Warner luis been identified with the Republican 
party since tlie be^nnning of his connection nith 
lX)litics. 



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ames Mitchell, farmer, sec. lo, .^tna Ti)., 
tvi was born f'eb. 7, 1815, in the State of 
New York, and is a son of Zephaniah P. 
and Annie (Sexton) Mitchell, natives of the 
Empire State. He remained in his native 
State until the fall of 1845, when he came to 
Wayne Co., Mich., and spent five years as a farm 
laborer, coming thence to Sparta, Kent Co.; and a 
year later he went to Nottawa, St. Joseph Co., and 
bought 80 acres of land, which was in his possession 
ten years. In the spring of 1861 he came to Me- 
costa County and settled in yKtna Tp., where he 
took 40 acres of wild land under the swamp act. 
He built a log house and entered upon the labor of 
clearing the land. In 1868 he bought 40 acres lying 
adjacent to his original purchase, making an aggre- 
gate of 80 acres, 60 of which are under cultivation, 
and on which he fixed his residence. He was mar- 
ried to Susan, daughter of Jonathan Western, who 
died in 1863, and four of their seven children sur- 
vive: Nathaniel, Oliver, Asa and Adeline. In 1865 
he was again married, to Kate, daughter of John and 
Ellen Ciilluly, natives and life residents of Ireland. 
The family belong to the Catholic Chunh, and .Mr. 
Mitchell is a Democrat. 



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ohn McKewen, farmer, sec. 27, Deerficld 

''- Tp., was born in Canada, May 14, 1855. 

.Lv^i, .. 5" He is a son of Michael and Julia (Levick) 

^'Y McKewen, the former a native of Ireland and 

the latter of Canada. In 1871 the parents 

I moved to Shiawassee Co., Mich., where the 

father died, in February, 1882, when the son was r6 

years of age. Six years later, John came to Deerfield 

Tp., and bought 40 acres of land on sec. 28, then in 

a wholly unimproved condition, and has since i)ur- 

chased 40 acres on sec. 27, where he is now resident. 

He was married Oct. 30, 1880, to Mary Kli/abetli, 

daughter of John and Mary (Martin) O'Neil. In 



the following year Mr. McKewen took a journey 
West on account of the health of his wife, but all ef- 
forts were unavailing, and she died Aug. 20, 1881, of 
liver disease, from which she was ill eight months. 

In ix)lilics Mr. McKewen is independent; in re- 
ligion he is a Roman Catholic. 




<^ 






atthew Eoben, retired merchant, residing 
at IJig Rapids, was born at Ryegate, Ca]e- 
T^ donia Co., Vt., Sept. i, 1814. He comes 
of a long line of Scotch ancestry, originating 
in Renfrewshire, Scotland, and traceable for 
many generations — a family of means and in- 
fluence in their native country'. His great-grand- 
father, Walter Roben, was born in 17 19, at Renfrew, 
and died in 1784. His wife was Isabella (Gardner) 
Roben. His son, Matthew Roben, grandfather of 
the subject of this sketch, came to this country with 
his family in 1803. He was one of the original 
founders of the Scotch colony in Caledonia Co., Vt., 
which is perhaps the most extensive Scotch settlement 
in the United States. He was also a Mason of high 
degree, and a prominent organizer of Masonic lodges 
in Vermont at that early day. His wife was Jean 
(Harvey) Roben, born near Glasgow, Scotland, and 
of a family of prominence in that locality. 

Walter Roben, father of the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Renfrewshire, Scotland, near Glasgow, in 
1786, and died at Ryegate, Vt., Aug. 13, 1867, at the 
age of 81 years. He was a farmer by occupation. 
His wife, Polly (Thomas) Roben, mother of Matthew, 
was born in New Hampshire, in 1788, and died at 
Ryegate, Vt., in her 85th year. 

Mr. Rol)en was reared on his father's farm, and 
obtained a common-school education, which was 
supplemented by attendance for a considerable time 
at the Vermont Wesleyan University at Newbury. 
He came to Ohio in 1835, where he engaged in 
teaching school, at first in Tuscarawas County, and 
afterwards in Morrow (then a part of Richland) 
County. After several years he purchased a farm in 
Morrow County, near the village of West Point, and 
engaged in farming. Later, he added another farm 
to this, and built a store in West Point, where for 
some time he sold- a general stock of goods, and at 
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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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farms. In thest; business operations he was (juite 
successful. 

Having been elected County Recorder of Morrow 
'€ County, he removed to Mount Gilead, the county 
i seat, where he continued to reside during the re- 
- ^ mainder of the time he lived in Ohio, a period of i8 
years. Mr. Roben was a resident of what is now 
Morrow County about 35 years in all, and was 
thoroughly identified with the early growth and inter- 
ests of that county. 

Having contracted the asthma, and his health 
being poor, he removed with his family in 187210 
Cassopolis, Mich., where he resided one year; but 
not finding his health much improved by the climate 
of that place, he removed to Big Rapids, in. May, 1873. 
Soon afterward he built a store and residence on 
State street, and in 1874 went into mercantile busi- 
ness again, carrying on a general store, and doing a 
safe but limited business, such as his health would 
pern^it. In 1881, he retired from business. 

Mr. Roben was married in Knox Co., Ohio, in 
1840, to Esther Albach, who was born in Nortlium- 
° bedand Co., Pa., in 181 9, and cnme with her parents' 
;<^ family to Ohio when a young lady. Her father was 
= John Albach, a wealthy farmer, a leading citizen, and 
•^]i an early pioneer of Northumberland County. Mr. 
and Mrs. Roben have had seven children — two sons 
and five daughters. Their eldest son and daughter 
died in childhood. Their surviving son, Douglas 
(see sketch), and four daughters reside in Big Rajiids. 
Two daughters are married, and of the two remaining 
unmarried, one is a teacher, and the other an artist. 
Mr. Roben belongs to the Order of Odd Fellows, 
(an Encampment member), and is a Royal Arch 
Mason. 



ottleib Staab, farmer, on sec. 20, Green 

Tp., was born Aug. 3, i8i6,in Wurtemburg, 

* Germany, and is a son of Jacob and Eliza- 






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(^ 







■^4^ beth (Wilder) Staab. He was educated and 
lived in the "Faderland" vnitil 1847, when he 
sailed for the New Wodd, and landed on tlie 
shores of this continent April 20 of that year. He 
remained awhile in Pittsburg, Pa., going thence to 
Wheeling, W. Va., and from there to Ohio, where he 
labored as a farm hand. Later on he bought 40 
acres of land in Wliealland, Ind. .'Vfter pursuing 




agriculture there six years, he sold and came to Bar- 
ton, Newaygo Co., Mich., where he bought 160 acres 
of land. He lives there three years and cleared 20 
acres, after which he sold out, and in the spring of 
i860 settled on section 20 of Green Tp., where he 
now owns 82 acres of land, with about 50 under till- 
age. 

Mr. Staab was married in 1848, in Wheeling, Va.^ 
to Sophia Colder, who was born in Germany, and 
died June 10, 1874. In 1878 Mr. Staab went to 
Ciermany, returning in the fall of 1879. He was 
married in 1880 to Christina Guge, who died June 2, 
1883. Mr. Staab is a Republican in politics. 




— .^e;— 9 — ^~ 



^Iteil 




ohn Wiseman, Big Rapids, dealer in pic- 
tures, picture frames, wall paper, brackets, 
■^'^•^-A?*^ etc., combines a news depot with his busi- 
ness, and makes a specialty of undertaking, 
being a funeral director. He was l)orn June 29, 
1830, in Columbiana Co., Ohio. His father 
was a farmer, and he was brought up to agricultural 
pursuits, and aciiuired a common-school education. 
In 1846 his parents removed to Marion County and 
bought a farm. There Mr. Wiseman was married, 
April 25, 1852, to Hannah, daughter of Jonathan and 
Susan Merrick. Of their two children, one — Morris 
— grew to maturity, and is engaged in the restaurant 
and boarding-house business at Stanton. 

In 1854, Mr. Wiseman moved to Ottawa Co., 
Mich., where he bought a farm of 160 acres. His 
wife died in 1857, and he afterward married Jane 
McGinnis. Charles, Emily and John are the names 
of the three children born to them. The daughter is 
a tailoress and dressmaker in Coldwater, Mich. The 
youngest son is dead. The mother died Feb. 25, 
1864. Mr. Wiseman was married a third time in 
Ottawa C'ounty, lo Eliza Waters. Emmet and Linda 
are the names of-their two children. 

In the spring of 1871 Mr. Wiseman came to Big 
Rapids, and opened a store for the sale of general 
merchandise, which he transferred to a grocery busi- 
ness. This he sold in 1872, and established himself 
as an undertaker and dealer in furniture. He closed 
the latter and added the merchandise mentioned. 
His establishment is tastefully arranged, and pre- 



sents all the features of a first-class art and news 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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361 



depot. His stock comprises a collection valued at 
$7,000, and his yearly transactions reach a figure of 
$12,000. Mr. W'iseniait belongs to the Order of Odd 
Fellows at Big Rauids. 




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"i^Jarenee L. Northrup, senior memher of 
iilSiJih tlie firm of Xorthriip X: Malone, attorneys 
'^^ and real-estate dealers, was born in North 
^^ Adams, Hillsdale Co., Mich., June 28, ICS44, 
and is a son of Jabez S. and Mary A. (Mon- 
roe) Northrup. 
He traces his paternal lineage to the C.'olonial 
period of this nation's history, when several brothers 
of his patronymic came from England to Connecti- 
cut. A descendant of these, Daniel Northrup, 
moved to Saratoga Co.. N. Y., previous to the war of 
the Revolution. Lewis Northrup, son of Daniel, was 
born there Jan. 15, 1768, was married September 15, 
1792, to Robah Smith (born in Milton, Saratoga Co., 
N. Y., May 20, 1772, and died Oct. 3, 1838), and 
died May 9, 1853, leaving four sons and one daugh- 
ter. Most of their descendants yet reside in Sara- 
toga and Fulton Counties in tiie Empire State. 
Jabez S. Northrup, third son, was born in Calway, 
Saratoga Co., April 20, 1803. He began teaching at 
the age of rS, and continued in tliat vocation uKiny 
years. From 1821 to 1S25 he belonged to the State 
militia, and was assigned to tlie Ciovernor's staff, 
with the rank of f-ieutenant. He was married Nov. 
II, 1S29, to Huldah Smith, and removed with his 
family seven years later to the (then) Territory of 
Michigan, and bought a considerable tract of land in 
Hillsdale County, most of which is the present site 
of North Adams. His wife died in 1842, leaving 
four daughters. May 3, 1843, he married Mary 
Celina, eldest daughter of Lester and Lorena (Roife) 
.Monroe, born Dec. 28, 1821, and by this marriage 
he became the father of seven sons and one daugh- 
ter. Lester Monroe, was born April 16, 1796, at 
Coupcrstown, Albany Co., N. Y., and was the son of 
David and Anna (Andrus) Monroe. The former 
was born Sept. 26, 1768, and was cousin to James 
Monroe, fifth President of the United States. The 
Monroe stock is of Scotch origin, and its represent- 
atives arc diffused through both sections of this 
country. David Monroe and Anna Andrus were 





married Jan. 16, 1794. The latter was born Oct. 
23, 177 1, and died June 12, 1817. The former 
died July 31, 1837, leaving a large family of children. 
Lester Monroe served with distinction in the war of 
181 2, participating in the battles of Lundy's Lane, 
etc., and at the close of the war retired to private 
life. He was married Sept. 12, 1817, to Ix)rena 
Rolfe, born April 9, 1801, of parents made conspicu- 
ous by the fact that they were survivors of the 
Wyoming massacre. In 1836 Lester Monroe moved 
with his family to Pittsford, Hillsdale Co., Mich, 
and is now living in that county, aged 87 years. 

Mr. Northrup of this sketch is the eldest son. 
His father removed to Jefferson, Hillsdale County, 
and bought a valuable farm near Osseo, where he 
was reared and educated with care, his father and 
step-sisters being e.vpeiienced teachers. The under- 
lying element governing his father in the rearing of 
his children was to leave them as a heritage " liberal 
education, good business habits and strict religious 
princi|)les. " Mr. Northrup was but 17 years old 
when civil war in all its blind fury and with all its 
ineffaceable disasters shook the nation throughout its 
wide extent. The studious, reflective boy, whose 
every impulse had been disciplined to revere his 
country, and to regard her integrity as almost of 
divine origin, was inspired with the same ambition 
that led the sons of the North to rise as one man an<l 
rescue the nation from the consequences of the in- 
furiated folly of the South. In March. 1862, he left 
school and hastened home. No remonstrance of 
parent or friend availed aught to change his deter- 
mination to dare the fate of war and die, if need be, 
in the cause of home and country. He enlisted in 
Co. E (Hillsdale Light Guard), Fourth Michigan 
Vol. Lif, and was soon in front of Yorktown, his 
regiment having been assigned to the Army of the 
Potomac. He saw much hard service in that se- 
verest, most disastrous campaign of the war, the 
Peninsular struggle under McClellan He was in 
action through the Seven Days' Battles, was with 
Pope in his short career with the Army of Virginia, 
and fought at Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancel- 
lorsville, (Gettysburg, the Wilderness and S[X)ttsyl- 
vania Court-House. At the last, the Fifth .Vrmy 
Corps, to which his regiment was attached, led the 
advance; and during the struggle of ^Lly 10, 1864, 
he sustained a dangerous gunshot wound, lying six 
hours on the field befi>re he was discovered and 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



>f taken to Emory Hospital, at Washington. Wh( 
gj) sufficiently recovered he was sent to the York (Pa 



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When 

.. Hospital. His period of enlistment expired before he 
f was wholly recovered, and he received his discharge 
March 18, 1865, after more than three years'arduous 
service. After the expiration of his term of service 
he was in the Government employ until the Rebel- 
lion was crushed and peace restored, when he again 
traversed the fields where he liad before met only 
uncompromising conflict. 

Mr. Northrup passed the next two years in farm- 
ing and study and as telegraph operator. He was 
united in the holy bonds of matrimony April 6, 
1867, to Katie Maud, youngest daughter of George 
and Lanie (Fox) Wilson, born at Kalamo, Eaton 
Co., Mich., Oct. 2, 1849. Her father was born in 
England, and her mother in Montgomery Co., N. Y., 
and were pioneers of Eaton County, where they 
) located in 1837. Mrs. Northrup was educated at 
Marshall, Mich., and is a lady of earnest. Christian 

/s^ character, of retiring habits, and well known only to 
those who see her in her private walks of life. She 
belongs to the Congregational Church, and is a quiet 
worker in the Sunday-school. 

Mr. and Mrs. Northrup have had four children, viz. 
Vannie P., born Dec. 25, 186S; Vernon W., April 
3, 1870; Vera Maria, born May 16, 1875, died July 
30, 1876; Veda Maud, March 24, 1S78. 

After his marriage Mr. Northrui) went to Sherman, 
Wexford Co., Mich., where he remained but a short 
time, and returned to Eaton County, going back to 
Sherman a few months later, and there employing 
his time a3 a farmer, speculator, teacher, and sales- 
man in a store, meanwhile reading for the. profession 
of law. He was admitted to the bar in 1S74, and 
soon after entered into partnership with the Hon. T. 
A. Ferguson. While at Sherman he served as 
Deputy Sheriff, acted several years as a member of 
the Hoard of Supervisors, and was the first County 
Superintendent of Schools. In 1875 he went to 
Traverse County and taught school a year, going 
>. thence to Benzie County, and in June, 1876, he 
^ located at Benzonia, the county seat. He was ap- 

'^p ixjinted Deputy County Clerk, and the same year 
was elected Circuit Court Commissioner of Benzie 
County, which office he held six years. He was also 

rs^ Village Clerk of Benzonia three years. In 1878 he 

^ was elected Prosecuting Attorney of the county, and 



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re-elected in 1S80. During the campaign preceding 
his second election, the opposing candidate said of 
him : " I consider him the most industrious, care- 
ful and painstaking lawyer in Benzie County. His 
standing as a citizen in the community is well evi- 
denced by the remarkable number of offices of profit 
and honor he has been chosen to fill by the suffrages 
of his fellow-citizens." 

The records make a rare exhibit concerning the 
private character, professional ability, manly integrity 
and stainless reputation of Mr. Northrup, which need 
no stronger testimony than the names of Judge 
McAlvey and Hon. A. H. Dunlap, of Manistee, 
Judge Hatch, of Traverse City, Judge Goodrich, of 
South Frankfort, Hon. D. C. Leach, M. C, Colonel 
Fowler, of Gov. Begole's staff, and Gen. Cutchen. 

In the fall of 1882 Mr. Northrup sought a wider 
field of effort, and made a prospecting tour of the 
Upper Peninsula and Wisconsin, and a few months 
later visited Iowa, Missouri, Kansas and Nebraska; 
but he resolved to adhere to his first love, and in 
April, 1883, removed to Big Rapids and opened a 
law office in the Opera block. Not long afterward 
he formed an association with G. R. Malone, a young 
attorney of high character and unmistakable promise, 
under the style of Northrup & Malone, Lawyers and 
Real-Estate Brokers. The business of the concern 
is in a thriving condition, and the established probity 
and worth of the gentlemen at its head are extending 
its scope and giving permanency to its purposes. 

We take great pleasure in presenting the portrait 
of Mr. Northrup in this work. 

'iV'QiW-, dward Haslem, farmer, sec. 16, Green Tp., 
"Nri-p'r was Imrn in (Queens Co., Ireland, Dec. 8, 
1830, and is a son of John and Ann (O'Con- 
J§- "'^'^ Haslem. His father died in Ireland when 
i he was but six years old, and his mother came 
] to America in 1847, and located in Cayuga Co., 
N. Y., going thence to Noble Co., Ind., where she re- 
sided until her death, which occurred in 1870. 

Mr. Haslem attended school in his native country, 
walking five miles to obtain the ])rivilege. He ac- 
companied his mother to the United States and re- 
mained with her in New York until 1852, when he 



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MECOSTA COUNTY 



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came *o Michigan and settled for a time in Washte- 
naw County. He came to Mecosta County in the 
fall of 1855 and located a farm in the township 
of (Ireen, where he was one of the first residents, 
and assisted in the organization of the township in 
1858. He bought a farm of 80 acres where lie now 
resides, 40 acres of which are well improved. 

Mr. Haslem enlisted in the war for the suppression 
of the Southern Rebellion, in September, 186 1, in 
the Second Mich. Cav., and was in the service three 
years and two months. Among the engagements 
where he was in action were, Island No. 10, Corinth, 
Murfreesboro, Chattanooga, Missionary Ridge, Look- 
out Mountain, Dalton, Resaca, Big Shanty, Buzzard's 
Roost, Marietta, Atlanta and Cliickaniauga, besides 
numerous skirmishes. He was wounded at Spring 
Hill, Miss., and also received a slight wound in the left 
shoulder at Frankfort. He was discharged in 1864, 
at Nashville, Tenn., and on his return home resumed 
his farming. 

Mr. Haslem was married in the fall of 1864, to 
Mary, daughter of Patrick and Mary (McNally) 
Montague, ln)rn in Coimty Tyrone, Ireland, in 1S37. 
Her parents brought her to the United States when 
she was tliree months old. After a stay of consider- 
able tinre in New York they came to Washtenaw Co., 
Mich., and resided there until death. Mr. and Mrs. 
Haslem belong to the Roman Catholic Cluirch, and 
have seven children : Mary, James H., Margaret, 
Frank F>dward, John W., Catherine Agnes and 
Emma Florence. 



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eorge Brackett, proprietor of the lirackeit 

,_^^gg House, Big Kajjids, was born in Nortli 

"^^i^ Hermon, Me., Jan. 7, 1844. He is a son 

r^s\ of George and Eleanor (Kelley) Brackett, and 

was reared a farmer, that being the vocation of 

his father. 

At the age of 17 he i)ecame a soldier for the 
Union, and enlisted in Bangor, Me., Nov. 23, 1861, 
in Co. A, 13th Maine Vol. Inf , under Capt. Fred .\. 
Stevens, and was in the service a little more than 
three years. Among his war experiences were the 
fights under den. Phil. Sheridan, in the Shenandoah 
Valley, up the Red River with Banks, at Pleasant 
Hill and Sabina Cross Roads, at the taking of Fort 
Esperanza, in Te.xas, and in 1S63 was in Washing- 



ton during tlie attempted raids. He was in 13 
engagements and in numerous skirmishes, receiving 
his discharge Jan. 7, 1864, at .\ugusta, Me. On 
his return to his home he engaged as a drover and 
butcher un'il November, 1867, when he came to 
Big Rapids, and engaged four years in lumbering. 
He was then employed at the Big Rapids Furniture 
Factory, and at the end of one year was made fore- 
man, which |)0sition he held five years. 

In 1876, Mr. Brackett built the hotel where he is 
now operating, and rented it until 1879, when he 
opened a furniture store therein and managed it 
until the fall of 1880. It was then remodeled into a 
hotel, to which purpose it has since been devoted. 
The house has 30 rooms for guests, also a saloon with 
liquors and cigars. He also erected a building 
adjoining, where he keeps a res'aurant and bakery. 

Mr. Brackett was married in Croton, Newaygo C'o., 
to Ellen Stengel, a daughter of Joseph and Fallen 
Stengel.' They are the i)arents of five children : 
Fred. T., Lillie B., Cora, Edna and C"harles P. 
George Arthur is deceased. Mr. Brackett is a •.".-.em- 
ber of the Masonic fraternity. 



||W«!j; ersons T. Carpenter, larmer on sec. 21, 
|!r^|j .'Etna Tp., was born in Clinton Co., Sept. 21, 
|||S2RS 1838. He is a son of Benjamin and Euna 



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ffhj (Spicer) Carpenter, who were nai 
•j/l^. York, and moved to this State so( 



latives of New 
soon after their 
marriage. Mr. Carpenter was under the pa- 
rental guidance until eleven years of age, when, be- 
ing a restless boy with an ambition to advance in the 
world, he was allowed to take his fate into his own 
hands, and labored as he was able to find employ- 
ment until the fall of 18^6; then he returned home 
and spent a year, attending the district school three 
months. In 1857 he became a sailor, and was on a 
"merchantman" until 1859. His ne.xt permanent 
occupation was as a soldier of the Union army. 
He enlisted in the Third U. S. Artillery, Co. K, and 
was in the service four years, his regiment being at- 
tached three years to the Army of the Potomac, dur- 
ing which time he was under fire in 12 engagements, 
escaping entirely without injury, and receiving hon- 
orai)le discharge July 29, 1864. Immediately there- 
alter he went inlt) the Navy as an ordinary seaman. 



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was wounded and taken prisoner at Red Bluff, Ga., 
whence he escaped by takint^ " French leave," mak- 
ing good his voluntary flight by the aid of his trusty 
" understandings." 

On leaving the service of the United States in 
1865 he came to Wayne Co., Mich., and engaged in 
agriculture, which he followed until 187 i, then Came 
to Mecosta County and settled at Morley, residing 
there eight years. Daring this time he was in ac- 
tive official duty as Township Clerk, City Marshal 
and in various other positions. Meanwhile he had 
purchased a farm on sec. 21, in the western part of 
the township, and in 1880 he settled upon it to pass 
the reinainder of his life. He was married Nov. 21, 
1 86- to Amelia, daughter of Thomas and Mary 
(Michel) Lovesy, who was born in Livingston Co., 
Mich., June 4, 1843. The five children of Mr. and 
Mrs. Carpenter are all living and were born in the 
following order: Henry J., Oct. 3, 186-; William 
F., Sept. 21, 1868; Gracie, Aug. 8, 1870; Effie, 
April 21, 1873; Frank, Aug. 13, 1876. 




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"lartlett H. MeMuUen, M. D., practicing 



physician at Morley, was born in Stratford, 
")K5^'^ Can., Sept. 15, 1857, son of John S. and 
jfltgc Margaret (Holland) McMullen, who were 
^i> born in Canada and came to Michigan in 
i i860, settling at Saginaw and moving after- 
ward to Bay City, where they are now resident. Dr. 
McMullen has been a resident of this State since he 
was three years old. He remained under his father's 
care until he was 17 years of age, acijuiring his 
primary education. He entered the Medical College 
at Detroit, and studied there nearly five years. He 
received his diploma and entered upon practice, 
which he prosecuted six months, then came to Me- 
costa County and settled at Morley, where he has 
since resided, and has a large and continually grow- 
ing practice. He is esteemed in his profession and 
is rapidly gaining popular confidence. The Doctor 
is a Republican and a charter member of Excelsior 
Ix)dge, K. of H , No 1830, at Howard City, Mich. 
He was married at Modey, Mich., Sei)t. 7, 1882, to 
.Mice M., eldest daughter of Geo. W. and ICliza 
(.Vdams) Sams. Her [larents were natives of Illinois, 
but went to Ohio in its pioneer days, coming thence 



to Michigan, where they are yet living. Mrs. McMul- 
len was born Dec. 22, 1864. Dr. McMullen has 
held the post of School Suiierintendent, and is now 
Health Officer of .Etna Tp. 




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\?l pencer Nickens, barber, at Modey, was 
'- born May 2, 1S40. His parents, Nathaniel 
IP* ■^ft and Sinnia Nickens, were natives of the 
Eastern shore of Maryland, and in that State 
and in Virginia Mr. Nickens passed his early 
hfe. 

In the summer of 1864 he came to Grand Ra|)ids, 
and the first year was employed as porter in a hotel, 
and was next engaged in learning his trade. He 
founded his business at Cedar Springs in the sprino; 
of 1870, and has since followed his present profes- 
sion. He is a respected citizen of Morley, is a mem- 
ber of the Order of Masonry, and belongs to the 
Knights Templar. 

In politics he is a Republican; a man of liberal 
views, and an endorser and follower of tiie princijiles 
of the Golden Rule. He is radical in his views of 
temperance and morality. 

The great-grandfather of Mr. Nickens was a soldier 
of the war of 181 2, and was Color-bearer cif his rej;i- 
ment. When the civil war broke out, he, having no 
employment, and his love of the Union very strong, 
went into the employ of Gen. Birney, and during 
three years acted as liis valet. Mr. Nickens is a fine 
type of what his race has become since the terrible 
conflict that placed it on an equality with other men. 
He proves that, notwithstanding the perplexities of 
his color and profession, a man may, through moral 
qualities, take fair rank with more pretentious indi- 
viduals. 



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fr^iVQ™! aniel L. Welch, farmer on sec. 27, Deer- 
l!iji|]>i^f'' field Tp., was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., 
?:\^"^" April 9, 1838. His parents, Eyman H. 
''-J\7f^ and Juditli (Stansell) Welch, were natives of 
A the Enqnre State, where the mother still lives; 
'i the lather died in the fall of iS-jn. Daniel 

I,, made liis initial essay in life at the age of 17, and 
was variously occupied until the age of 32, when he 
fixed upon agriiulture as a vocation in life. He 









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bought 50 acres of land in Montcalm Co., Mich., 
which he sold in 1879, and purchased 40 acres in 
Deerfield, where he now lives. His farm was partly 
improved, and he speedily put the place into the best 
condition. 

He was married in August, 1865, to Susannah M., 
daughter of Howland and Harriet (Conkliiig) Soule, 
natives respectively of Pennsylvania and New York. 
They settled in Lenawee Co., Mich., in the fall of 
1845, removing thence to Montcalm County, wliere 
they yet live. The two children of Mr. and Mrs. 
Welch are deceased. Otto A. was born March i, 
1873, and died Oct. 25, 1881. An infant died at 
birth. 

Mr. \\'elcli is an adherent of the Democratic party. 



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■' TWl i"ederie Pfistner, farmer, sec. 26, Mecosta 
• ' [1.]? ' !'■' 'I'l'-l whose portrait we give upon the 

"j^. iiposite page, is a son of John and Jen- 

^j^ nic (Rusler) Pfistner, natives of Germany, 
JRv^ where they were married and reared their 
I children. Mr. Pfistner was born in Oermany, 
Feb. 7, 1S34, and remained at home until he was 19 
years of age. He studied nine years in the excellent 
schools and colleges of Germany, accjuiring a fine 
education, particularly in languages. On completing 
his studies he came alone to the United Stales, and 
landed at New York in the spring of 1853, going 
thence to Chicago. After paying his railroad fare 
thither he had but tliree cents left, and he borrowed 
$3 of a chance acquaintance with which to pro- 
cure food while on his journey. Uiion his arrival at 
the Garden City he pawned his trunk to oiitain the 
money to reimburse the confiding stranger. He took 
passage for Muskegon, and the gentleman who ad- 
vanced tlie sum he needed, on learning the circum- 
stances released his claim, and the captain permitted 
him to work out his fare to his destination. He 
arrived there friendless and penniless, but immediate- 
ly found em[)loyment in getting out limber, for which 
he received a dollar a day, and was enabled to repay 
the sum of his indebtedness. He had worked two 
months, when he contracted the fever and ague and 
was compelled to remain idle four months. After he 



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had paid his expenses he had $3 left, and set out ^ 
for Big Rai)ids on foot. He found lodging in a ,'.;' 
lumber shanty, and had in his jjocket one dollar to 
supply his needs until he could secure work. This 
he soon accomplished, engaging to work (or the Long 1 
Bros., in the lumber camp of that company a few 
miles above the present site of the i ity. He worked 
for Shaw iV Ives two summers, helping to clear up 
the land where the city of Big Rapids now stands. 
He remained in the employ of Long Bros, until the 
following spring, then returned to Muskegon and took V 
a job of lumber driving, which occupied him some g^' 
months. On its termination he went to Osceola 
County and worked with a mail three years. 

.\fter the completion of the three years' service 
al)ove mentioned, Mr. Pfistner came to Mecosta 
County and purchased 160 acres of valuable land 
in Mecosta Township, wliereon he settled, and has 
since added 500 acres to his landed estate. Two 
hundred acres of this has been put into a good con- 
dition of cultivation, and the entire i)roperty is justly 
rated the finest in Austin Tp. The farm buildings 
are of the best, and his residence, acknowledged the 
most valuable in the township at the time of its con- 
struction, cost $8,000. The farm is stocked with 51 
head of cattle, 150 sheep and 50 hogs. Mr. Pfistner 
was married Oct. 18, i860, to Mrs. Mary Yager, ( 
daughter of Jacob and Mary (Lute) Roosh, and 
widow of IjOrence Yager, who was killed Nov. 19, 
1859, by the falling of a limb. He left one child — 
Herman — bom May 31, 1859, and died Nov. 1, iSSi, 
of typhoid fever. Mr. and Mrs. Pfistner have had 
seven children, three of whom are deceased : Emma 
and .Mice (twins), born June 8, 1872, died Dec. 21, 
1881 ; Fred., born June 22, 1875, died Jan. 22, 1882. 
The record of births of the children living is as fol- 
lows: Mary, June 8, 1861; Amelia, July 31, 1863; 
leiiuie, June 6, 1866; Ida, Fel). 8, 1869. 

Mr. Pfistner is a Democrat, and has held several 
school and township offices. He built the first 
school-house in the township, and. conjointly with 
his neighbors, secured a school two years before the 
organization of school districts in the townshiii. 

In religious views Mr. Pfistner's family affiliate 
with the German Lutheran Church. 



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tohn. Rierdon, fanner and tanner, Morley, 



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^.f- was born in Exeter, England, Sept. 24, 
^'^ 1842, and emigrated to America with his 
parents, Thomas and Betsey (Osborne) Rier- 
don, natives of England. On coming to this 
country they settled in Ontario County, Can., 
in July, 1843, where they resided until death. Mr. 
Rierdon was but ten months old at the time he was 
brought to the Dominion, where he lived until 25 
years of age. In £867 he came to Grand Rapids 
and was employed as a teamster two years. In 1870 
he obtained a situation as inspector of lumber at 
Pierson, Montcalm Co. and filled the position two 
years. In the fall of 1873, he was engaged by Alex. 
Stewart & Co., to keep a boarding-house and act as 
general overseer of their mill, in the township of 
^-tna, in this county, a duty he discharged 18 
months. He purchased 40 acres of unbroken timber 
land one mile west of Morley, on section 26, in 1876, 
built a frame house and began to improve his land. 
June 27, 1879, his house and nearly all its contents 
were destroyed by fire. He then erected a house in 
Morley, which he aftenvard bought. 

Mr. Rierdon was educated in the common and 
grammar schools of Canada; has held several town- 
ship and other offices, and been active in advancing 
the interests of Morley. He was married in Toronto, 
Canada, to Mary J., daughter of Thomas and Cecelia 
(Hutton) Smith, born in Fond du Lac, Canada. Her 
father died in the spring of 1864, and her mother 
removed to Port Hope, Canada, and still resides 
there. Mr. Rierdon is a Republican, and is at pres- 
ent Supervisor of Morley. 



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j'^'^'jienjamin G. Tagg, farmer ori sec. 32, Deer- 
^ilftjl^ field Tp., was born in Allegan Co., Mich., 
(^S^^^ Sept. 16, 1859. He was educated and 
''4^'^ reared to the age of 18 years in his native 
'^ county, and on leaving home came to Deer- 
field, Mecosta County. He is a son of Ben- 
jamin and Elizabeth (Pickles) Tagg, natives of Eng- 
land, who emigrated to America about the year £850, 
and found a residence near Rochester, N. V. They 




lived there five years and removed to Allegan ('o., 
Mich., where they are yet living. 

Mr. Tagg left home at the age of 18 to engage in 
agriculture on his own responsibility. He bought 80 
acres of wild land in Deerfield, Mecosta Co., built a 
log house, and proceeded to improve his land after 
the customarj' methods, and now has a well located 
and profitable farm. He was married May 6, 1879, 
to Annie C, daughter of Robert and Mary Little. 
Mrs. Tagg was born May 6, 1857. She was the 
mother of two children — Florence E. and George R. 
The latter died in early infancy, and the mother 
passed from earth March 17, 1883. 




scar T. White, minister, md farmer on sec. 
16, Mecosta Tp., was born in Crawford Co., 
Pa., Sept. 6, 1848. His father, Jerome White, 



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was a native of New York, and his mother, 
Lovinda (Lasner) White, was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, of French descent. Attheageof r6 Mr- 
White found himself at liberty to hew out his 
own career in the world, and went to Dodge Co., Minn. 
His first employment was as a farm laborer eight 
months: he then went to Wisconsin, where his stay 
was brief Home ties and influences still held him, 
and he returned to his native State, where he was mar- 
ried, May 10, 1867, to Caroline E., daughter of Mir- 
anda and Jesse(Armsbery)Main, natives of New York, 
who was born in Erie Co. Fa., Jan. 29, 1847. The 
newly married pair settled in Crawford Co., Pa., on a 
farm, and there remained until the winter of 187 1, 
They came to Newaygo Co., Mich., and Mr. White 
engaged as a lumberman two years. In r873 they 
came to Mecosta County, fixed their residence in the 
then township of Colfax, where, however, they made a 
brief stay; returning to Pennsylvania, Mr. White was 
occupied a short time as a fruit-tree agent there, and 
came back to Michigan, following that line of business 
until the spring of 1876, when he settled permanently C^ 
where he now resides, having previously j)urchased a ] 
farm of 48 acres, which he has increased by the addi- »& 
tion of 40 acres more, and has 20 acres under the '*^ 
plow. 

Mr, and Mrs. White have had four children: Helen 
A., born Nov. 14, 1S6S; .Ma M., Aug. 27, 1870; 



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Mabel, Dec. 27, 1S77 ; Gratie, born Oct. 2, 1880, aiul 
died Oct. 4, 1880. 

They have been connected with the Church of 
Christ three years, in which communion Mr. White 
officiates every two weeks in the neighborhood where lie 
resides. In ix)litical views he is independent, Init 
on temperance issues is a radical prohibitionist. He 
has held the office of Township Clerk, Justice of the 
Peace, and in 1877 was elected delegate to the State 
Gubernatorial Convention. 

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|dward C. Rogers, farmer, sec. 11, Grant 
\ Tp., was born Jan. 4, 1841. in Orwell, 
Addison Co., Vt. He is a son of Robert 
J5. H. and Abigail Rogers, both of whom are now 
A living at Middlebury, Vt. The father is a 
i.ative of New York, and is of .Spanish and 
German extraction ; the nioiher was born in Connecti- 
cut, and is English in both lines of descent. When 
he was nine years old, .Mr. Rogers was placed in a 
situation as assistant in a furniture store, where he 
operated four years. He then engaged as a farm 
hand, and was thus enii)loyed until he was 20 years 
old. He was a few months i)ast that age when he 
enlisted in defense of the Union (lag. He enrolled 
Aug. 4, 1861, in Co. F, Fifth Vt Inf, under Cai^t. 
Stowell, of Cornwell, and was discharged Dec. 15, 
1863, to enable him to veteranize, which he did the 
same day. A sufficient number of Co. F were re- 
maining to preserve the name and organization, and 
the entire force veteranized. Mr. Rogers served 
until the close of the war, receiving his discharge 
June 29, 1865. He was engaged in nearly 100 
battles and skirmishes, as is proven by the record of 
his regiment. Among the most important were 
Lee's Mills, Williamsburg, Savage Station, White- 
Oak Swamp, Bull Run (2d), South Mountain, Antie- 
tam, Fredericksburg, Gettysburg, I'linkstown, Rappa- 
hannock, Wilderness, and at Spoltsylvania, where he 
was the only man of his company uninjured, all save 
him being killed or wounded. He became Color- 
bearer, and so continued until the end of the war. 
His next recorded fight was at Cold Harbor, and 
after that at Petersburg, where in the final advance 
the brigade to which he belonged led the < harge, and 
he was the first man to plant the Union colors on the 



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rebel fortifications. Throughout his entire period of 
service he was wounded but once — a saber cut from 
a rebel cavalryman at Bull Rmi. In the fall of 1864, 
a general order was issued granting a furlough of 
35 days to one man in every 1,000 who coidd fulfill 
the s|)eciiications on which the permit was granted. 
He must bear inspection as to drill, care of arms and 
accoutrements, and in the matter of personal cleanli- 
ness. On examination, the furlough and money for 
the nciL-ssar\' traveling expenses going home and re- 
turning to his regiment, were awarded to Mr. Rogers, 
and when he once more rejoined his command he re- 
ceived a certificate of honor, running as follows: 

CERTIFIC.'VTE OK IIO.NOR, 

awarded to Corporal Edward C. Rogers, of Co. F, 
Fifth Vt. Vet. Vols., for bravery and good conduct as 
a soldier in the cause of his country. 

Mr. Rogers was married .\pril 24, 1868, to Nellie 
B., daughter of William C. and Mary A. Smith, of 
Cliamplain, N. V., who was born Oct. 21, 1850,31 
Mooers, Clinton Co., N. Y. Her father was of 
Scotch, and her mother of iMiglish e.vtraction. Mr. 
Smith was a soldier in the loth N. H. Vol. Reg., and 
died of fever contracted in the army. 

The children of Mi-. and Mrs. Rogers were born 
in the order named: Arthur W., April 25, 1S71; 
Robert W., Sept. ro. 1872; Willard C, Nov. 15, 
1874. 

Mr. Rogers came to Michigan in 1877, and settled 
in Grant Tp., buying 40 acres of land, his homestead. 
He is a Rei)ublican, and a member of Post French, 
No. 28, G. A. R. He is serving his second term as 
Justice of the Peace, and his third term as School 
Inspector. 



ohn H. Wright, Morley, was born in Ionia 
Co., Mich., Sept. 10 1847. He is a son of 
W^ Norman .S. and Betsey M. (Hydorn) 
Wright; both were natives of New York and k/ 
are deceased. Mr. Wright remained at home 
nearly 18 years, attending the common schools, 
also the union school of Greenville, Mi<h., and 
afterwaiil the Commercial College at Graiul Rapids, 
where he was graduated. He was in the employ of a 
meicantile house at Greenville two years. I'rom 



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1870 to 1879, was in connection with two of the lead- 
ing business houses of Grand Rapids, Mich. In the 
winter of 1879 lie came to Morley for the benefit of 
his health, and finally entered into business with G. 
F. Cutler, remaining until the accidental death of his 
employer. Since that event he acts as manager and 
represents tlie hardware firm of G. F. Cutler & Co. 
Mr. Wright is a man of well-trained and e.\perienced 
business qualities, and under his management the 
firm commands a large trade. 






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IS64. 



ilfev. Robert H. Watson, a retired minister 
of the United Brethren Church, and a 
farmer on sec. 2, Grant Tp., was born in 
New Baltimore, Greene Co., N. Y., June 4, 
1 841. His father, John Watson, was born 
in New York, in 1801, and died Nov. 15, 
His mother, Mahala Watson, was born in the 
Empire State in 1802, and died Aug 15, 1853. 

Mr. Watson was but 12 years old when he lost his 
mother, and from that period practically made his 
way in the world unaided. He was in iiis 20th year 
when the nation was called to arms by the revolt of 
the South, and May 13, 1861, Mr. Watson enrolled 
himself as a defender of the unity of the United 
States. He enlisted in Co. F, 33d N. Y. Vol. Inf , at 
Nunda, N. Y, His regiment was attached to the 
Army of the Potomac, under McClellan, and was in 
Washington at the date of the Bull Run disaster to 
the Northern forces. Pressing on toward the front, 
the disorganized hosts of soldiers and citizens, infan- 
try and cavalry, met them in all the discomfiture and 
confusion of that defeat and panic. Mr. Watson's 
introduction to the heat and fren/y of battle and to the 
smell of rebel powder, was on May 5, 1862, at Wil- 
liamstown. His next regular battles were at York- 
town, Mechanics viUe, — seven miles from Richmond, 
— Peach ( )rchard. Savage Station, White-Oak Swamp, 
Malvern Hill, Turkey P.end, Antietam, Fredeiicks- 
Inirg (ist and 2d) and Mary's Heights, where the con- 
llict raged two days. Mr. Watson received a wound 
in the right arm from a minie ball, and another shot 
entered the right breast, passing out below the arm- 
pit. From the latter he has never recovered. His 
term of enlistment expired while he was in the hos- 
pital, and he received his discharge June 2, 1S63. 

^^^^ — ^tK^d n 




He was occupied as a clerk in a store about a year, 
subseiiuent to his return from the army, and the year 
following rented a farm and gave his attention to 
agriculture. He was married June 20, 1863, to Julia 
A., daughter of Tiiiiothy W. and Jane Buckland, of 
Eagle, Wyoming Co., N. Y. Mrs. Watson was born 
Oct. 26, 1844. Her father was born in Wyoming 
Co.. N. Y., Aug. 19, 1S21. He enlisted in March, 
1864, in the Union army, was taken prisoner and 
sent to Salisbury, N. C, where he died in the prison 
pen, Nov. 19, 1864. Her mother was born in Boston, 
Mass., May 14, 1824, and is yet living. 

'i he children of Mr. and Mrs. Watson were born as 
follows; F'ranklin E., Oct. 14, 18G4; Timothy W., 
April 4, 1866; Phebe H., April 9, 1868; Henrietta 
E., April 30, 1875; John J, May 23, 1878 (died 
.\pril 6, 1879); Minnie M., March 28, 1880. 

In 1867 Mr. Watson came to Grant Tp., and, un- 
der the provisions of the homestead law, located on 
the farm he now occupies, which contains 80 acres 
of good land, and is well fitted with a comfortable 
house and good farm buildings. He is a Republican, 
and is active in all reformatory measures, especially 
in temperance work. He has served his township 
one year as Supervisor, one year as Township Clerk, 
and three years as Road Commissioner. 

In 1873 he entered the ministry, laboring in the 
interests of the society of United Brethren, to which 
himself and wife belong. He was a traveling minis- 
ter for a time and in 1879 was ordained Elder. In 
1880 he was elected Presiding Elder, re-elected the 
next year, and compelled to locate in 1882, on ac- 
count of a difficulty of the throat. 



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gsj^'ulius Reynier, iiroprietor of the National 
"" Hotel at Morley, was born at Ingelheim, on 

j?F^ the Rhine, April 8, 1853. His father, 
(uliu-. II. Rtynier, was a native of Belgium, 
and his mother, Catherine (Weitzel) Reynier, 
was borr, at Hesse Darmstadt, on the Rhine, 
Germany; both are deceased. When ten years of 
a"e Julius went to live with an uncle, and was a 
stadent four years at the I.atin Gymnasium at May- 
ence, on the Rhine. I le had a penchant for the sea; 
became a sailor at 14, and followed navigation three 
and a lialf years. Meanwhile his uncle had died, 



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and he sailed for the Western Continent April 9, 
1870. On arrival in this country lie started immedi- 
ately for the West.and after a short stay in Milwaukee, 
went to Plattsmouth, Neb., where he learned the 
printer's trade. He was engaged in mining two years. 
In the winter of 1872 he came to drand Rapitls, 
Mich., and was emiiloyed several months on liie 
Bridge .Street House, again resuming his trade, whic h 
he followed until 1875. He then established himself 
in the liquor trade, which he continued until 1882, 
then built the hotel of which he is tlie [iroiirietor. 
His house is well managed, and the domcsti'j dei)art- 
ment is in competent hands. In politics he is inde- 
pendent. He is a niemljer of tlie Order of Odd 
Fellows. 

.Mr. Reynier was married at Morley, Nov. 25, 1877, 
to .Martha, second daugliter of Alexander and Ko- 
sanna (Redmond) Putnam. Her parents were natives 
of Nova Scotia, and were among the earliest settlers 
at De I'ere, Wis., where they now reside. Mrs. Rev^, 
nier was born in Xova Scotia, Dec. 7, 1853. Chil- 
dren: Julius H., born Sept. 26, 1879, and Karl, born 
July 8, 1880. 



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^ared P. Euling. Jr., dealer in new and 
'^^^■k^ second-hand furnishing goods, at Hig Rap- 



■S'''^*^ ids, was born in Lock Haven, Clinton Co., 



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ly* Pa., May 12, 1840, and is a son of Jared P. 
%r and Eliza Huling, both of whom are deceased. 

, His father's business was that of hotel-keeper, 
and he remained at home until he was 16 years old. 
In 1856 he was page in the House of Representa- 
tives at Washington, when Franklin Pierce was Presi- 
dent of the United States, and N. P. Banks, Speaker 
of the House. He intended at one time to follow 
the calling of a jeweler, and spent two years learning 
the details of that business. 

Just previous to reaching the age of his legal free- 
dom, the country was thrown into commotion by the 
firing on the Union flag at Fort Sumter. He en- 
listed under the first call for troops in .\i)ril, 1861, in 
Co. B, iith Pa. Vol. Inf., serving three months. 
March 13, 1862, he again enlisted, as a veteran, in 
the 17th U. S. Infantry. He was in the service 



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three years, and was in action during 17 regular 
engagements, besides numberless skirmishes. He re- <A 
ceived a shell wound in the right hip at S|)ottsyl- «•.■■ 
vania, May 12, 1864, and again, Aug. 18, 1864, while | 
detailed to protect the men engaged in tearing up the 
Wcldon railroad, he received a gunshot wound in the 
right hand, resulting in iiis losing the third finger; 
was also wounded in the left shoulder. March 13, 
1865, he was discharged at Fort Preble, Me. He 
had been assured of a position in the employ of the 
Ciovernmept, and arrived at Wasiiington, April 14 
1865, whither he proceeded to receive his apiwintment 
as mail agent. He spent the evening of that 4ay at 
Fiord's Theater, and witnessed the tragedy that shook 
the world to its center. Mr. Huling left Washington 
just previous to the departure of the funeral train 
that bore the martyred Lincoln to Springfield, III. 

He was in the employ of the United States Gov- 
ernment as mail agent on the Philadelphia & Flrie r - 
railroad, where he continued four and one-half years, 
engaging tiien in mercantile pursuits at Lock Haven, 
where he establisiied himself in the sale of gents' 
furnishing goods. In 1874, five years later, he came 
to Big Rapids and oi)ened a cigar and tobacco store, 
where (July i 2) he was burned out, and suffered a 
loss of $800. He at once started his business again, 
which he removed to another stand a year later. In 
the spring of 1876 he sold out and was variously en- 
gageil until 1878, when he ojiened an upholstering 
estal)lishment, in com])any with Henry Arens, who 
died soon afterward, and .Mr. Huling conducted the 
business alone until finally he converted it into its 
present character and deals in all kinds of new and 
second-hand house-furnishing goods; is now oper- I 
ating successfully. 

Mr. Huling was married Oct. 22, 1 868, to Lizzie 
H., daughter of John and Li/.zie .Stewart, of Jersey 
Shore, Pa. : she was born in Lock Haven, Pa., in 1842. 
They had three children, Wells, John S. and Rali)h 
K. Wells was drowned in the Muskegon River 
when he was si.\ years old. John S. died in October, 
1879, of diphtheria, and five weeks later the wife 
and mother died. Ralph Iv tiled in .April, 1S80, of 
dii)htheria. 

Mr. Huling is a charter member of the local lodges 
of the Knights of Pythias and Grand Army of the 
Republic, Post French; is a "past" officer of the 
first and Past Adjutant of the last. Mr. Hiding's 
portrait may be found on another page. 






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if^'fltsa G. Woodward, farmer on sec. 15, Hin- 
^M ton Tp. (P. O., Sylvester), was born in Can- 
" ada, Oct. 20, 1853. His parents, John M. 
^^!j^ and Roxy L. (Smith) Woodward, were born re- 
■|^ spectively in Vermont and Canada. After their 
I marriage they settled in the Dominion, where 
the father died, in the spring of 1877: the mother re- 
sides there still. Mr. Woodward attended the com- 
mon schools and worked on the farm alternately un- 
til he was 2 1 years of age. After a year of labor on 
his own responsibility he went to Louisiana and was 
there employed in catting ship timber. He returned 
to Canada in the spring of 1876 and was occupied 
there three years as a builder. He came to Mecosta 
County in the fall of 1879, and settled on 80 acres 
of land in Hinton Tp., which he had previously pur- 
chased. This is now his homestead, and 45 acres is 
under tillage. In politics Mr. Woodward is a Re- 
publican. 

He was married in Canada, July 20, 1878, to 
Miriam A., daughter of Jonathan and Martha (Bro- 
derick) Tribe. Both the latter were natives of Eng- 
land and came to Canada with their parents in child- 
hood. The father died there and the mother still 
resides in the Province of Ontario. Mr. and Mrs. 
Woodward have had tliree children. One died while 
an infant, 
riet E., Aui 



Laura K. was born Oct. 13, 18-8; Har- 



1882. 



illiam Brander, farmer, on sec. 8, Hinton 
^JL 'l"p., was born in Scotland, Dec. 24, 1827. 
^"^■^ ' His parents, George and Jeannette Bran- 
-M.j^' der, were also natives of Scotland, and came 
"'^ to America when the son was but eight 
years old, locating in Canada. At twelve years 
of age Mr. Brander went to live with his grandfather, 
where he remained until he reached man's estate, at- 
tending school and assisting on the farm. On at- 
taining his majority he engaged in siioemaking, and 
made tliat his calling until he was forty years of age. 
In 1868 he purchased 80 acres of unimproved land, 
on which he has since resided and has 46 acres un- 
der cultivation. 

Mr. Brander was married Nov. 30, 1852, in Canada, 





to Mary A. Beaton. Following is the record of the 
children born to Mr. and Mrs. Brander: Grace A., 
July 16, 1855 ; William H., Aug. 24, 1857 ; Mary E., 
March 26, 1862; Emily M., Nov. 4, 1863. In June, 
1882, Mr. Brander deeded 40 acres of partly im-" 
proved land to his son, William H. Mr. Brander has 
held the post of Assessor 1 1 years, and that of High- 
way Overseer one year. He is a Republican. 

— -Ky— »-^ijt— s— 'B!' — 

iVTWi^. illard S. Whitney, M. D., medical pra.c- 
l^ iil^Jl; ^ titioner at Big Rapids, was born Sept. 27, 
jf^fo " '^-'' ^' Hancock, Berkshire Co., Mass., 

X' and is the son of John and Christiana (Staf- 
'"^'^ ford) Whitney. His father was a farmer and 

he was trained to that occupation until he was 
20 years old. In 1835 his parents removed to Elba, 
Genesee Co., N. Y., and in 1841 he became a clerk 
in a general store, where he worked several years, 
meanwhile reading medicine as o[)iiortunity presented. 
Afterwards he was variously occupied until 1854, 
when he formed a partnership with John F. Baker, 
M. D., of Batavia, N. Y., whence he went to Wells- 
ville, Allegan) Co., N. Y., in January, 1S56. In 1858 
he attended a medical institute at Buffalo, N. Y. 
He practiced his profession and attended lectures al- 
ternately until 1 868, when he was graduated at the 
Homeopathic Medical College at Cleveland, Ohio. 
He was in practice at Lansing, Mich., five years, and 
at Lockport, N. Y., three years. In 1872 he returned 
to Michigan and located at Big Rapids, where he es- 
tablished himself permanently in business. He is 
one of the most popular physicians of Big Rapids, 
and is doing an annual business of $5,000. 

Dr. Whitney was married in Monroe Co., N. Y., to 
Mary A. Whiting, born in 1882. One son was born 
of this marriage, Willard .\., now a practicing physi- 
cian at Big Rapids (see sketch). The mother died 
in 1854, and Dr. Whitney was again married in Sep- 
tember, 1855, at Batavia, N. Y., to Mary A. Putnam. 
She survived until i860. The present wife of Dr. 
Whitney, to whom he was married June i, 1861, was 
Mary Jane, daughter of Daniel and Amanda Ray- 
mond, born in Potter Co., Pa., Sept. 11, 1838. They 
have one daughter, Clara Amanda, born Feb. 8, 
1878, at Big Rapids, Mich. 
Dr. Whitney owns his residence and a dwelling 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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^' adjoining, four lots in various parts of the city, and a 
farm of loo acres on sec. 13, Big Rapids Tp. He is 
W a member of the Odd Fellows Order, the fraternity 
'*" of Masonry and the Royal Templars of Temperance, 
J in which cause he is earnestly interested. 









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eorge W. Warren, dealer in agricultural 

\i implements and machinery, wagons, car- 

"^i^ riages, cutters, sleighs, seeds and grain, 
';^ Big Rapids, was born in the township of Shi- 
awassee, Shiawassee Co., Mich., Nov. 9, icS4r. 
He is a son of Wm. M. and Laura (Sprague) 
Warren. 

The grandfather of .Mr. Warren, Comstock Warren, 
was L>orn in Connecticut, in 1790, and in 181 1 was 
married to Sarah Scholield, of Dutchess Co., N. Y. 
In 1823 he removed his family to Wayne Co., N. Y., 
where he engaged in farming, and returned to the 
" land of wooden nutmegs" in 1829, where he died, 
as is supposed, of cholera. His wife remained on 
the farm in Wayne County until her death. She 
lived to the age of 80 years. Wm. M. Warren was 
born in Dutchess County, N. Y., March 20, 1812. 
When he reached the age of 14 he bought his lime 
of his father, paying $50 therefor, and went to Water- 
loo, N. Y., and worked a year on the Seneca Canal. 
Two years later he entered the employ of Nathaniel 
C.arrow, of Auburn, N. Y., where he remained two 
and a half years, and in the fall of 1832 worked 
with the contractors putting in the piers at Sodus 
Point, on Lake Ontario. Later in the season he 
started for Michigan, but was compelled to abandon 
his pur[X)se by thj freezing of the canal. He was 
married in March, 1833,10 Laura Sprague, and spent 
the following three years teaming and jobbing at 
Lyons, Wayne Co., N. Y. In the fall of 1836 he 
moved to Shiawassee Co., Mich., and assisted in the 
construction of the first milldam and saw-mill in the 
county, located at the county seat, on the Shiawassee 
River. Laura (Sprague) Warren was the only daugh- 
ter of Reulien and Olive (Burch) Sprague, and was 
born -^larch 30, 1815, in Oswego Co. N. Y. Her 
father was an extensive farmer of Oswego County, 
and died in 1820, aged 57 years. Olive (Burch) 
Sprague was the daughter of David and .Vnna Burcli, 
of Cayuga Co., N. Y. The latter died in 1825, leav- 
ing a large family of children. Mrs. S|irague mar- 



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ried Calvin Sweet for her second husband, and in 
1836 accompanied her daughter to Michigan, where 
she died in 185 i, aged 53 years. David Burch fol- 
lowed his daughter and grandchildren to Michigan 
and lived among them until he died. He spent his 
last days with Mrs. Laura Warren, and died at 84 
years of age. 

George W. W'arien entered the .Agricultural Col- 
lege at Lansing at the age of 18, and remained there 
two years, after which he spent four years in tacching 
in his native county. In January, 1863,110 went to \ 
North Newberg and estaldished a general store, in V 
which he operated until the fall of 1865. Disposing l^* 
of his business as a commercial man, he again be- / 
came a teacher antl was employed as Principal of the 
graded school at liyron for some time. His father, 
in 1856, came to Mecosta County and entered 720 
acres of land, on sees. 3, 10, 21 and 22, of the town- 
shii) of Big Rapids; 160 acres of this, situated on 
sees. 3 and 10, fell to the share of Mr. Warren, and 
March i, 1867, he took possession and commenced 
farming. Of this property he sold the largest portion 
and has purchased real estate until he has 170 acres. 
During the first year of his residence he was ap- 
pointed County Superintendent of Schools, to fill a 
vacancy caused by the resignation of Z. W. Shep- 
herd, and held the post 18 months. He opened his 
present business in April, 1880. His stock is valued 
at $6,000, and includes agricultuial implements and 
machinery, wagons, carriages, sleighs, builders' mate- 
rials, seeds and seed grains. His yearly transactions 
amount to about §20,000. 

Mr. Warren was married Feb. 21, 1867, in Burns 
Tp., Shiawassee County, to Elsie F. Warren, born in 
Royal Oak, Oakland Co., Feb. 25. 183S. They have 
had three children, two of whom are deceased : 
George G. and Alice G. Raymond P. was born at 
Big Rapids, April 2, 1873. Mr. Warren is a member 
of the Masonic fraternity, and his family belong to 
the M. I'". Church. He has been Supervisor of his 
ward seven years and served one year as Township 
("lerk of Big Rapids. 

The mother and grandmother of Mrs. Warren 
were members of the first M. K. Church established i 
in Michigan. It was organized in Wayne County, 'Si'' 
near Detroit, and the grandmother was one of 20 (J 
charter members. The mother is living in Shiawas- ^ 
see County, and is probably the sole survivor of the (i)\ 
membershi|). She was born in Detroit, Oct. 29, 1807 ; ^ 



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MECOSTA 



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the father was bom at Woodstock, Vt., Nov. 8, 1804. 
The father of the latter was born in Vermont, April 
28, 1778; the mother was born Oct. 31, 1777- Mrs. 
Warren's maternal grandfather, Joseph Banner, was 
born in London, Eng., in April, 1770; her maternal 
grandmother, Mary (McCarty) Banner, was born 
July 4, 1785, at Detroit. 

Mr. Warren, associated with E. O. Rose (now of 
Grand Rapids), compiled a history of Mecosta 
County, which was read at the celebration of the Cen- 
tennial birthday of the Nation at Big Rapids, July 4, 
1876. The compilers of this volume take pleasure 
in hereby expressing their sense of obligation for the 
reliable data therein contained, which has proved 
most advantageous to the successful accomplishment 
of their work. 



Davidson, farmer and lumberman on sec. 
7, Deerfiekl Tj)., was born in Canada, Aiig. 
ir^^^"^ 18, 1 85 3. His parents, William and Mary 
(Smith) Davidson, are now residents of the 
township of yEtna. The father is a native 
j of England, and came to Canada when aboy ; 
the mother is a native of the Dominion. 

Mr. Davidson came to Michigan when he was a 
lad of four years. In tlie fall of 1874 he bought 40 
acres of unimproved land, wliich he afterwards sold, 
and in 1876 he again invested in 40 acres of laud on 
sec. 7, which is yet in his possession. Mr. Davidson 
is a Democrat in political principle. 

He was married at Cellar Springs, Kent Co., Mich., 
in December, 1873, to Mrs. Mary L. Davis, daughter 
of Andrew and Sarah (Ward) House, and widow of 
James Davis. From her first marriage Mrs. David- 
son has two children: Edna J., born Feb. 6, 1856, 
and married July 4, 1875, to Alfred Bell. George 
Davis was born Jan. 28, 1863. 







ichard L. Willett, Altona, Hinton Tp., was 



rch 30, 1853. His 



;:;||^! ichard L. Willett, Altc 
,'|i^ born in Canada, Ma 
'..1 • Vi r..'' father, Cieorue Willett, is a native of Ene;- 
MiVV land, whence he came ni the eighth year of 
& his age, settling in Canada, of wliich coun- 
try his mother, Nancy (Smith) Willett, was a 
native. On leaving Canada in the spring of 1863, 




they came to Mecosta County, where they are still 
residents. Mr. Willett was ten years of age at the 
time of their removal ; was under the personal charge 
of his parents until he was 20 years old, after which 
he spent five years lumbering, operating a proportion 
of the time in his own behalf In 1873 he bought 
40 acres of unimproved land, and in 1876 another 40, 
and yet another in 1878, all of which he has sold. 
He has 35 acres cleared and has built a fine large 
barn. About the time he reached the age of 25 years 
he took charge of the saw-mill of Harrison J. Brown 
which he managed until the fall of 1882. In com- 
pany witli W. N. Seaton, he purchased the slock of 
general merchandise of L. W. Declare, and has since 
been engaged in a prosperous business. His stock is 
valued at |!6,ooo. 

Mr. Willett was married Dec. 21, 1878, at Altona, 
to Grace A., eldest daughter of NVilliam and Mary A. 
(Seaton) Brander. Mrs. \Villett's parents were na- 
tives of Scotland and England resjjectively, who 
were settlers of the Dominion at an early period, and 
came thence to Mecosta County, where they still re- 
side. Mrs. Willett was born in Canada, July 16, 
1855. Before her marriage she was a teacher for 
nearly three years. The parents are of strong tem- 
perance sentiments and attend the M. E. Church, of 
which Mrs. AN'illett is an active member. The family 
includes two children : Leroy, born April 11, 1881; 
Mabel, March 27, 18S3. Elmer R., born Dec. 28, 
1S79, died Jan. 10, 1880. Mr. Willett is a decided 
Republican. He has been School Inspector two years, 
and Su[)erintendent of Schools one year. Has bought 
\\\\\. N. Seaton's interest in a store. 



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Josephus Groner, B. S., M. D., physician 
and surgeon. Big Ra|ii(ls, was born in North- 
^^'i^'< ampton Co., Penn., Aug. 8, 1849. His 



parents, Jacob and So[)hia (Mack) Groner, 
:^^ came to Michigan in 1854 and settled near 
\ Three Rivers, St. Joseph Co., where the father 
purchased a farm containing 155 acres. There Dr. 
Groner was reared to manhood and received his ele- 
mentary education. In 1870 he entered the State 
Agricultural College at Lansing, where he graduated 
in 1874, with the degree of Bachelor of Science. He 
was afteiwaid engaged two years in teaching. 



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In 1877 he began to prepare for his profession in 
the office of Dr. W. M. Ikelcr, at Three Rivers, and 
in the fall of 1S78 matriculated in the Medical De- 
partment of the University of Michigan at Ann Ar- 
bor, and was graduated July i, rSSo. He established 
himself at Big Rapids, and Sept. 12, 1880, was ap- 
pointed physician and surgeon of Mercy Hospital, 
and is still connected with that institution as senior 
Medical Director. The local jiractice of Dr. Groner 
ranks \yith that of the best practitioners of the city 
and county. 

Dr. Groner is progressive in his views and practice, 
keeping pace with the advance of practical mcdii al 
science; is conversant with the accredited journals 
and literature of the day belonging specially to his 
calling. In the spring of 1883 he spent several 
months in the large hospitals of New Vork city, and 
pursued ix)st-graduate studies under some of the 
most eminent physicians and surgeons of this coun- 
try. He is especially fitting himself for surgery, and 
his reputation as a bold and skillful surgeon is al- 
ready pretty thoroughly known througliout the State. 

He is a member of the Union Medical Society of 
Northern Michigan. He is also Medical E.xaminer 
for a number of leading life-insurance companies of 
the State and United States. Is a frequent contriliu- 
tor to the medical journals, and the value of his pro- 
ductions is attested by a letter from the editor of the 
" Physician and Surgeon," who says : " .Some of the 
best medical journals have noticed (copied or ab- 
stracted) your article." 

Dr. Groner was married Aug. 25, 1881, in Park, 
St. Joseph Co., Mich., to Ada F. Kellogg, a native of 
Berrien Co , Mich. Mrs. Groner is the daughter of 
Ransom and Eliza Kellogg. Her father was a farmer 
and is now deceased. 



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j heophilus C. Hunt, an early settler of Big 
Rapids, was born at HoUiston, Norfolk Co., 
Mass., March 25, 1809. His father, Will- 
iam Hunt, was a descendent of English ances- 
try, and was born in Windham Co., Vt. His 
mother also came of British ancestry and was 
a native of HoUiston. The parents were agricultur- 
ists and reared their children on the home farm, 
where Mr. Hunt lived until he was i8 years old. In 
1827 he formed a partnership with his brother-in-law, 



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William E. Burr, and commenced the hardware bus- 
iness, a relation which existed until the death of the 
latter about 15 years later. During the last few years 
of their transactions, they were established at Sim- 
coe, Norfolk Co., Canada. After the death of Mr. 
Burr, Mr. Hunt was engaged in the "Connecticut 
clock " business, managing a considerable trade by 
means of traveling salesmen. He was thus engaged 
about five years, when he changed his line of goods 
and imported teas for a time. Meanwhile he bought 
a steam saw-mill, which he managed until 1859. 

In that year he came to Big Rapids and bought 40 
acres of land on sec. 22, where he engaged in farm- 
ing and also managed a shoe shop. He brought his 
workman, Robert Palmer, with him from Canada, 
who was the first shoemaker in Mecosta County. 
Mr. Palmer is living at Hungerford, Newaygo Co. 
The latter business was in existence two years, with 
an interval of a year between. Alwut the year 1864 
he embarked in the lumber trade, buying 280 acres 
of standing pine, which was cut and placed in La- ^ 
zell's mill yard. The steam saw-mill of that gentle- 
man was the only establishment of its kind at Big 
Rapids, then Leonard. Mr. Hunt carried on the 
lumber traffic four years, operating ipiite extensively 
most of that time and employing a number of men. 

In 1870 Mr. Hunt bought the Waldon Hotel, known 
then as the Rose House. He j)ut it in attractive 
order and after managing it personally a year he 
rented it. A year later he resumed its management. 
In 1879 his affairs became embarrassed and he sus- 
pended active business. About the same time he 
was elected Justice of the Peace and opened an of- 
fice in the Northern National Bank block with C. W. 
Nottingham. On the completion of the Fairman & 
Newton block, they transferred their quarters and bus- 
iness there. Mr. Hunt transacted the affairs of his 
official position and dealt in real estate until the 
spring of 1882, when he vacated his incumbency, 
but is still operating in land. He was Supervisor of 
the Fiftli Ward in 18S0 and 1882, and owns a house 
and lot on Fourth Avenue. 

He was married in Oxford Co., Can., Oct. 6, 1S39, 
to Martha A., daughter of Elisha and Angeline Har- 
ris, born in the same place in May, 1S20. Following 
is the record of tiie six children born to Mr. and 
Mrs. Hunt: William F., deceased : Charles G., res- 
ident at Minneapolis, Minn; Maria, deceased; War- 



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ren A., lately City Marshal of Big Rapids ; Lucinda 
M., wife of John London, ticket agent of the D., L. 
& N. R. R. Co.; Mary A., wife of F. N. Lattimer, 
druggist at Liidington, died in November, 1882. 

Warren A Hunt was one of the most popular and 
efficient officers of the municipality of .Big Rapids. 
Desiring to change his circumstances he resigned his 
office in September, 1883. On the acceptance of his 
resignation by the Common Council he was made 
the recipient of an elegant gold watch and chain 
as a testimonial of the esteem in which he was held. 
^ His future residence will be Minneapolis, Minn. 
^ Mr. Hunt is enabled by reference to the " Genealogy 
of the Hunt Family," published in 1863 by W. L. G. 
Hunt, of Boston, Mass., to trace his descent through 
eight generations. We (juote : "I am the son of 
William Hunt, the i6th, of Brattleboro, Vt., who was 
the son of Richard, of Wardsboro, Vt., who was the 
son of Ephraim (6th), second son of William (2d), of 
Braintree, Mass., who was the son of Ephriam (2d), of 
Weymouth, Mass., who was the son of Ephraim (ist), 
i? of Weymouth, who was the son of Enoch, of Wey- 
^ mouth, my English ancestor. Enoch Hunt came 
Pi from Tittenden, Lee Parish, Buckinghamshire, Eng., 
— r with two sons, Ejihraim and Peter, in 1638." Mr. 
Hunt's portrait is inserted on tlie preceding page of 
this volume. 




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fra F. Bentley, Clerk of Grant Tp., and 
farmer, sec. 12, was born June 27, 185 i, in 
Ontario Co., N. V. His father and mother 

were natives of the same county, the former 

born Jan. 28, 1824, and the latter in July, 1826. 

The mother died April 4, 1873. They came 
from New York to Eaton Co., Mich., in 1856, and in 
1873 moved to Grant Tp., Mecosta Co. Mr. 
Bentley went to Wisconsin when he was 16 years of 
age, and spent a year there with his uncle. He 
came back for a year's stay at home, and returned to 
Wisconsin. A year later he went to Cerro Gordo Co., 
Iowa, where he remained about one year, thence 
going to Blue Earth Co., Minn., where he was a 
farmer for a period of two and a half years. He then 
came to Grant Tp. and bought 40 acres of land, his 
present homestead. 

He was married May 21, 187 1, to Rachel L., 

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daughter of Nathan and Delilah Cook, of Cerro 
Gordo Co., Iowa, who was born May 4, 1856, in Co- 
lumbia Co., Wis. Her father was born in New 
York, in 1822, and died in 1870; her mother was 
born in Beaver Co., Pa., in 1S19, and is still living. 
The records of the children of Mr. and Mrs. Bentley 
are as follow: Nora R. was born April 8, 1872; 
Carrie L., Dec. 20, 1864, and died March 4, 1875; 
Edith G., Jan. 7, 1876; Claude O., March 26, 1878, 
and died March 19, 1879; Katie P., May 29, 1880, 
and died July 27, 1880. Mr. Bentley is a Republi- 
can in politics, and is serving his third term as Town- 
ship Clerk. His wife is a memljer of the United 
Brethren Church. 






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igri'""^ machinery, at Big Rajiids, was born at 

^ Oswego, N. Y., May 10, 1832. His parents, 
John and Sarah (Irwin) Haney, came to the 
Territory of Michigan when he was three years 
of age, and settled in Van Buren Tp., Wayne Co., 
where they were among the earliest settlers. 

Mr. Haney left home at the age of 14, and went to 
Fort Wayne, Ind , to learn the business of an iron- 
molder, which he pursued a number of years. He 
came to Hig Rapids in 1870, and in March of that 
year purchased an interest in the foundry of Calvin 
Price and James J. Osborn. The establishment was 
built about a year previously, and was devoted to the 
casting of cooking stoves, a number of which are yet 
extant in this vicinity. In May, Mr. Haney bought 
the interest of Mr. Price, and in December became 
sole proprietor by purchasing the claim of Mr. Os- 
borne. He changed the cliaracter of the foundry 
products, and now manufactures all kinds of mold- 
ings and castings, and also the Haney Plow, acknowl- 
edged one of the best known to the trade. He 
employs about half a dozen men. 

In June, 1874, Mr. Haney established a hardware 
store at Big Rapids, where he deals in all kinds of 
goods belonging to that branch of business. Besides 
stoves, tinware, agricultural implements, paints and 
oils, he sells wagons and buggies, and a host of mis- 
cellaneous articles. 

He is a member of the Odd Fellows Order of Big 



dward G. Haney, dealer in hardware and 
manufacturer of farm implements and (J 



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Rapids, Lodge No. iii, and of the Knights of 
Pythias, Mecosta Lodge No. 26. In 1871-2, he act- 
ed as Alderman of l?ig Rapids, and has served 
several years as a member of the Board of Hdii- 
cation. 

Mr. Haney was married in Grattan Tp., Kent Co., 
Mich., Jan. 7, 1856, to Joanna, daughter of George 
and Honora Tate, born at Harlem, N. Y., Dec. 11, 
1836. Mr. and Mrs. Haney have buried three of 
their lochildren. Following is the record: Henry H. 
(dec); Henrietta (dec.) ; Ida A., wife of Uuff Jen- 
nings, grocer at Sheridan, Montcalm Co., Mich.; 
Geo. E. (dec.) ; William H., clerk in the hardware 
store of his father; Frank J., Cora M., Jennie S., 
Mary W. and Edward G. 



— =^^ 

I ufus Kent, fanner on sec. i, Mecosta Tp., 

was born in Hampshire Co., Mass., March 
16, 1S20. His parents, Samuel and Lo- 
ll^ retta (Borden) Kent, were natives of New Eng- 
land, of English ancestry. His mother died 
when he was six years old, and he remained 
under the care of his father until he was of age, at- 
tending school winters and working on the farm 
summers. 

On attaining to man's estate in 1.S41, lie went to 
Pennsylvania and found employ with his uncle, re- 
maining one year, and was aftenvard in the service 
of various other [lersons. He rented the farm of tlie 
McCoy estate in 18 — , and there remained until the 
winter of 1S56, when he settled on the |)la<x' where 
he now resides, in Mecosta Tp. The family first 
lived in a rude house of logs, with one room and one 
window. Ventilation and light were secured by the 
style as well as method of the an hitecturc. Suc- 
ceeding seasons have gradually improved their con- 
dition until Mr. Kent now owns a farm considered 
second to none in the county, containing 310 acres, 
worth $100 an acre, and supplied with first-class 
buildings. At the date of their location the wilder- 
ness was in its primal condition, bears and wolves 
disputing the right of possession with the settlers. 
One instance is related of a bold Bruin, which ap- 
proached near enough to a blackberrying party to de- 
vour a pail of the fruit which had been gathered and 
left to await the end of the picking. 

Mr. Kent occupies a prominent position in his 



township as a pioneer and a man interested in all 
that can affect the substantial and material growth 
and prosperity of the community. He is a Democrat 
in political sentiment, and although he has held the 
post of Suiiervisor two years, he has, with that ex- 
ception, declined all elective positions save that of 
Township Clerk, which he held two years. 

He was married June 3, 1847, to Mary, daughter 
of David Butler. The family were of English de- 
scent. Mrs. Kent was born in 1826, and died June 

27. following her marriage, a period of a little more 
than three weeks. Mr. Kent was again married 
Dec. i8, 1848, to Mrs. Mary McCoy, daughter of 
William and Elizabeth (Lock) Greer, of Scotch and 
Irish descent. Mrs. Kent was born May 14, 1825, 
in Mercer Co., Pa. She was left an orphan at the 
age of 13 years and secured such educational and 
other advantages as she could under the circumstan- 
ces. The 12 children of Mr. and Mrs. Kent were 
born as follows : Laura, Oct. 9, 1849; Sadie, Sept. 
8, 1851; Edward, Sept. 17, 1854; Mattie, May 16, 
1858; Thompson v., Sept. 20, 1859; Monroe, Aug. 
3, 1862; William G., June 17, 1865. The above are 
the survivors, seven in number. Following is the 
record of the deceased: Franklin, born Feb. t2, 
1853, died Oct. 19,1855; James L., born Sept. 17, 
1856, died June 28, i860; Ernest, born Feb. 14, 
iS6i,died Feb. 22, 1861. John G. McCoy, a son 
by the first marriage of Mrs. Kent, was born April 

28, 1847, and died Feb. 14, 1S71. 

The parents are members of the .M. 1^. Church, 
and take a great interest in the moral and intellectual 
development of their children. 'I'he daughter Mat- 
tie is a teacher in the high school at Cadillac, Mich. 







iWrl Beuthien, of the firm of Beiuhien iV 
jia Frederikson, [)roprietors of the German 



House, Big Rapids, was born June 9, 1832, in 
Germany. His parents were farmers, and he 
was trained on a farm in his native land. 
He was married in Germany, Nov. 24, 1863, 

Id .\nnie Arechsen, a native of Denmark. They 

have seven children, namely: Bine, Dora, Enwold, 

Martin, Katie, Li/./.ic and Carl. 

Mr, Beuthien came to the United States and to 

l!ig Rapids, in 1871. He has been variously occu- 



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pied since tjiat time until July 5, 1883, when he 
formed his present business relation, and opened the 
German House. The hotel has accommodations for 
25 guests, and is doing a thriving business.- The 
family are members of the German Lutheran Church. 

!= 

i!*ii^^|j,.,.iba W. Pease, farmer and blacksmith, sec- 
I'^SI " 3^' Hersey Tp., Osceola Co., Mich., was 
IliS't?^ born Aug. i, 1832. His father, Samuel 
•7|VS^ Pease, was born in Conne:ticiit in 1788, and 
/|v was one of the first settlers of the ^Vyoming 

I Valley, Pa.; was a miller by occupation, and 
passed the winters in trapping and hunting. His 
grandfather, Samuel Pease, was born in Glastonbury, 
Ct., March 14, 1760, and enlisted in 1777 to serve in 
the war of the Revolution ; he took out a deed of 
land in Wilkesbarre, Pa., Jan. 6, 1795 ; was with the 
army under Washington at the crossing of the Dela- 
ware ; fought his last battle at Yorktown, and was 
present at the surrender of Lord Cornwallis. A sig- 
nificant fact and worthy of record is that six of his 
descendants fought on the same ground in the war of 
the Rebellion, to defend the liberty established by 
their ancestors. 

The Pease family of the United States are de- 
scended from Robert and John Pease, two brothers 
who came from Ipswich, Essex Co., Eng., in the ship 
Francis, Capt. John Cutting, and landed at Boston in 
April, 1 63 1. In 1634 they settled at Salem, Mass., 
and not long after, John went to Martha's Vineyard, 
and is claimed as the founder of the Pease family 
there. John Pease, Jr., of Salem, was the ancestor 
of the Enfield branch of the family, and of his de- 
scendants, the whereabouts of over three thousand 
living male members are known. But one is posi- 
tively recorded as in any way connected with the 
Confederate army — Capt. Allen S. Pease, whose 
"Tactics" were adopted in tlie discipline of the 
army of the Confederacy. Dr. John C. Pease, one 
of the founders of the Hartford Times in 1816, and 
Dr. Calvin Pease of the University of Vermont, who 
originated and published the present school laws of 
that State, are of the same family. 

Mr. Pease of this sketch enlisted in the war of Re- 
bellion Aug. 30, 1863, in Co. K, nth Pa. Vol. Cav- 
alry, and on going to the front was at once introduced 




to the fortunes of war at "Deserted House, "Feb. 
12, 1863, followed by an engagement at ihe siege of 
Suffolk, Va., from April 11 to May 4, at North Anna 
Bridge, July 4, 1863, Bottom Bridge Feb. 6, 1864, 
Reams' Station June 29, 1864, Charles City Cross 
Roads Oct. I, 1864, and skirmishes without number. 
He was at Lee's surrender at Ap|)omattox, and went 
thence to Lynchburg, where he spent eight days parol- 
ing rebel prisoners, and on his return to Richmond, 
received intelligence of the assassination of Abra- 
ham Lincoln. After a tarry of two weeks at Rich- 
mond he went to Staunton, W. Va., where he spent 
three weeks, going thence to Charlottesville, Va. 
Three months later he went to Richmond and was 
mustered out of the United States service. 

In the fall of 1868 he located at Big Rapids and 
worked at blacksmithing until the following spring, 
when he located a homestead claim of 56 acres on 
sec. 32 of Hersey Tp., of which he has made a 
valuable farm. He was one of the pioneer settlers 
of the township, and politically is a Republican. 
He is a member of the G. A. R., and is actively in- 
terested in the temperance movement of the day. 
He was married Sept. 17, 1854, to Rhoda M., 
daughter of David and Betsey (Stanton) Di.\, natives 
of Pennsylvania and residents of that State. Mrs. 
Pease was born June 30, 1839, in Preston, Pa. She 
became the mother of nine children, as follows : 
Lucinda J., Jan. 17, r856 (Mrs. T. B. Hardman) ; 
Drusilla J., Nov. 18, 1857 (died Jan. 6, 1862); 
Francis M., March 13, i860 (died April 14, 1862); 
Hattie A., March 10, 1862 (Mrs. J. Vanatter); Ber- 
tha, June 29, 1866; Carrie E., May 14, 1868; Nel- 
lie W., Oct. 17, 1870 (died Aug. 10, 1873); Charlie 
W., June 9, 1873; Eddie J., Sept. 24, 1875. 



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'i^''"?^ dina Co., Ohio. 




i^^''V\ G. and Frances F. (Isbell) Rawson, the lat- 
'"u" ter a native of New York, the former of Con- 
necticut. Mr. Rawson is the second son of his 
parents and one of eleven children, ten of whom are 
living, and all in adult age. /\t an early date the 
parents went to Wayne Co., Ohio, moved later to Ran- 
dolph Co., Ind., went thence to Medina Co., Ohio, 
then returned to Indiana, settling in Noble County 



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S'ltJ'pBx^f yron Rawson, farmer, sec. 9, Fork Tp., 
■!'^, ;aS( . was born July 26, 1831, in Sharon, Me- 

He is a son of Anson 



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in 1843, wliere they passed the remainder of their 
lives. Mr. Rawson grew to manhood in Noble 
County, and at the age of 22 entered u[)on the 
career of a farmer. He was dependent n\K>n his 
own resources, and for the first seven years after set- 
ting out in life he rented farms. He was married 
May 10, 1855, to Mary S., daughter of William and 
Susan (W'yatt) Scpiares, of Jackson, DeKalh Co., 
Ind. Of this marriage three children were born. 
William .\., born July 17, 1S63, is yet living. Infant 
twins died unnamed. Tlie mother died Jan. 26, 
1866, after a long and distressing illness. 

Mr. Rawson was married again at Kendallville, 
Ind., Nov. 10, 1867, to Mrs. Julia '1'., widow of Dr. 
Jolinson Curl, and daughter of Dr. 'I'lionias. One 
child resulted from tliis marriage, Edward O., born 
Oct. 4, 1869. 

In September, 1879, Mr. Rawson went to Kansas 
and spent seven months prospecting for a place to 
settle: returned to I'etoskey and thence to Sun- 
field, Eaton Co., Mich., where he was employed 
chiefly in farming. He was there married to Mrs. 
Martha, widow of James McElroy, who died, leaving 
her with two children, James and Laura. One child 
has been born of tlie last marriage, Mary .'\grtes, 
Aug. 18, 1882. 

Mr. Rawson sold his farm in Sunfield in January, 
1883, and bought 80 acres of land in Fork Tp., on 
which he settled April 15, 1883. Five acres were 
improved and a house built at the date of purchase, 
and in a few months Mr. Rawson has materially im- 
proved and increased the value of the place. In 
[jolitics he is a Republican. His father was a sol- 
dier of 1812; was a minute man and responded to 
the call for aid when the British invaded Wayne Co., 
N. Y., and burned the village of Sodus. 

l^aniel W. Stewart, Register of Deeds of 




^Jp' Mecosta County, resident at Big Rapids,[was 

f-^P^ born at Cent<?rville, St. Joseph Co., Mich.i 

*^ Dec. 1 1, 1849, iind is a son of Daniel Stewart, 



lx)rn July 4, 181 1, at Albany, N. Y., and Mary 
(McFarland) Stewart, born June 3, 181 3, at 
Amsterdam, N. Y. ; the latter still resides at Center- 
ville. The father was a mason by trade, and in his 
later years was engaged in mercantile operations, 



1 
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coml)ined with traffic in lumber. He died at Cen- 
terville, March 25, 1876. The parents of Mr. Stew- 
art were married March 25, 1835, and located at 
Centerville Sept. 21, 1837. Duncan and Jeannetle 
(Campbell) Stewart, his paternal grandparents were 
born on Loch Tay, County of Perth, Scotland ; Pur- 
lin McFarland, his maternal grandfather, was a native 
of Glasgow, and Isabella (McXaughton) McFarland, 
maternal grandmother, was born near Perth, Scotland. 

Mr. Stewart obtained his elementary education at 
the public schools of his native place. At the age of 
16 he was sent to the graded school at Sturgis and 
was a pupil tiiere 18 nK)nths, after which he went to 
a school of the same character at Centerville and 
pursued a course of study there two years ; he then 
attended the Business College at Sturgis three montlis. 
In April, 1875, he came to Mecosta County, locating 
at Morley, where he operated in general merchandise. 
He sold his Inisiness at the end of the first year, and 
interested himself in trading in shingles until the 
fall of 1877. He then, in partnership with J. '[". 
Cook and W. T. Jones, inaugurated another mercan- 
tile enterprise, which proved signally successful, 
reaching an annual aggregate of $35,000. In the 
spring of 1881, Mr. Stewart sold out, and during the 
next 18 months was occupied with the duties per- 
taining to the office of Postmaster of Morley, to 
which he was apjxjinted in October, 1877, and wliich 
he resigned in January,. 1883, on his accession to his 
piesent official position. Mr. Stewart was elected on 
the Republican ticket, running against Joseph H. 
Kilbourne, opposition candidate. While a resident 
at Morley, he occupied various official posts; was 
elected Township Clerk in 1875 and re-elected suc- 
cessively until the spring of 1882, when he was 
elected Supervisor. He also acted as Village Clerk 
several years. He resigned his sui)ervisorship in 
December, 1882, just previous to his removal to Big 
Rapids to enter upon his duties as Register of Deeds. 
He was married at Morley April 14, 1880, to Re- 
becca, daughter of William and Ann Hugh. Her 
father is a prominent lumberman of Morley and jun- 
ior memiier of the firm of Iligbee & Hugh. Mrs. 
Stewart was born Feb. 22, i860, in Watertown, Prov- 
ince of Ontario, and is the mother of one child. 
Earl H. Stewart, born at Morley, July 26, 1881. 

Among those worthy a place with tlie gentlemen 
whose portraits we jnesent in this volume, is Mr. 
Stewart, whose i)ortrail we give on the preceding page. 



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tq3,: idney Showers, farmer, sec. 22, Cirant Tp., 
Iji^^r" was born May 15, 1830, in Canada, across 

~^ -VK the Niagara River from Buffalo. His 

^X father was a native of Erie Co., N. Y., and his 
mother of New Hampshire. Thej- became 
residents of New York when he was six weeks 
old. He was thrown upon his own resources at nine 
years of age, and at the age of 15 years he went to 
work on a farm for Jesse and Oliver Field, of Erie 
Co., N. Y. He continued in their employ four years, 
when he and his brother Andrew together bought 50 
acres of land. They labored on it two years, and 
then sold it. Mr. Showers then engaged as a stage- 
driver, which occupation he followed 1 1 months. 

He was married March 19, 1853, to Elizabeth, 
daughter of James and Mary Buffam, who was born 
in Colden, Erie Co , N. Y., June 14, 1852, and at the 
A^ time of her marriage resided in Aurora, N. Y. The 
3 children of Mr. and Mrs. Showers are as follows : 
James, born Aug. 26, 1854, in Aurora; Stephen B., 
Nov. 22, 1856, in Elma, N. Y. ; Mary E., Nov. 4, 
1858, in Hamburg, N. Y. ; Sarah E., Oct 23, 1862, in 
Oswego Co., N. Y. ; Electa M., June 24, 1866, in 
Colden; Calusha P., Nov. 5, 1869, also in Colden; 
^ Catherine M., born July i, 1873, in Colden, died in 
infancy. James S. married Anna Smith, of Catta- 
raugus Co., N. Y., by whom he has two children — 
Florence E., born March 17, 1877, and Adelbert, 
born Sept. 15, 1881. Stephen B. married Minerva 
Davis, of Green Tp., this county, and they have one 
.^ child — Maud, born Sept. 5, 188 1, Mary E. married 
':.^ John BuitneLt, and died Oct. 6, 1879, leaving one 
child, Carrie A., who was cared for by her grand- 
parents until her death, which occurred Jan. 7, 1S72. 

Mr. Showers was variously employed until the date 
of his enlistment, March 17, 18O4, in Co. L, Heavy 
Artillery, N. Y. Vols. He was discharged in June, 
1865. The reguncnt was [jlaced with llieir ordnance 
on the gunboats of the James River and on the coast 
of Virginia and North Carolina, where they were on 
duty. The severe service and exposure brought on 
cami) diarrhoea; his eye-sight w^as permanently in- 
jured, and he suffered much from rheumatism. 

After his discharge he was em|)loyed as a butcher 
>^ until 1876. In May of that year he came to Big 



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Rapids, and worked as a gardener and in grading 
city lots for some time, when he engaged in farming 
a year in Colfax Tp., near Clear Lake. He passed 
the year following in Big Rapids, in the pursuit of 
business of a character similar to that of his former 
employment in that city. A year later he bought the 
farm he now occupies, containing 40 acres of land, 
and situated in the center of the township of Grant. 
He has put the place in a condition second to none 
in the township; has 70 bearing fruit-trees, consist- 
ing of apples, plums, pears, cherries, etc., also a span 
of horses, cow, two heifers and five hogs, all of a good 
grade and first-class in ever}' particular. Politically 
Mr. Showers is a Democrat. 



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Burkart, M. D., physician and 



i'^^lL' surgeon, at Big Rapids, was born at Delhi, 



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y son of Anselm and Beatrice (Doyle) Burkart. 
His father was a wholesale liquor dealer, and 



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1' removed with his family to Ingersoll, Oxford 
Co., Can., when his son was two years old. The lat- 
ter attended the common school until the age of 1 6, 
when he was placed at St. Michael's College at To- 
ronto (Basilian order), with the intent of preparing 
for the priesthood. He studied in the scientific 
course two years, and then entered the office of Drs. 
Scott & McCauseland to read medicine. In the 
fall of 1870 he matriculated at Victoria Medical 
College, and was graduated in the spring of 1874. 
He opened his business as a practitioner of medicine 
at Beechville, Oxford Co., and remained there two 
years. He then took the post-graduate course at 
Trinity Medical University, where he received the de- 
gree of M. B., and became M. C. P. and S. in the 
year 1877, and also L. C. P., in the same year. 

He commenced the full practice of his profession 
at Thamesford, Oxford Co., and also managed a drug 
store there, with satisfactory results. In August, 
188 1, he came to Big Rapids to visit a relative, anil 
was so well pleased with the apparent future as well 
as present of Big Rai)ids, that he returned to Canada, 
sold out his business, and in November following 
made a permanent location here, entering into part- 
nership with Dr. W. A. Hendryx, which relation ex- 
isted one year. Since that time he has performed 



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the dmies of his office and i)rofession alone. He was 
appointed attending pliysician at Mercy Hospital as 
soon as he was settled, and has since remained in 
charge. During his residence at Thaniesford, he 
was Vice President of the (!).\ford Medical Society, 
and is now Vice President of the N'orthern Medical 
Society for this place. 

.Vnselm Burkart, the father of Dr. Biirkart, is a 
German, and was born at Alshofen, Baden, Germany, 
April :8, 1826. He is now a resident of Big Rapids, 
and is engaged in traveling for a business house in 
Canada. The mother of Dr. Burkart was born 
April 24, 1833, in County Wexford, Ireland. The 
parents were married Feb. 9, 1852, in Ingersoll 
Canada. They had five sons and a daughter; James 
.\., second child, is deceased. The brothers and sister 
of Dr. Burkart are Adolph O., Joseph B., Mary H. 
and .\nselm S. His maternal grandfather, Patrick 
Doyle, was a wealthy farmer and prominent citizen 
in Norfolk County. John M. Doyle, his son, is a 
resident there in a prominent position. The family 
were pioneers of Canada. 



lizabeth Corbett, resident on sec. 23, Me- 
costa Tp., was born Dec. 12, 1824, in .\yr- 
shire, Scotland. She is a daughter of Will- 
ji^ iam and Elisha (Davison) Spears, also natives 
* of Ayrshire. She became the wife of James 
j Corbett Dec. 6, 1S48, and was a resident of her 
native country until 1S56, when they came to the 
Dominion of Canada. In the spring of 1863 they 
came to Kent Co., Mich., where Mr. Corbett was en- 
gaged in lumbering a few years. Their next remove 
was to Mecosta County, where he was interested in 
the same pursuit until 1866. In that year he pur- 
chased, and tlie family took possession of, 80 acres 
of land, all of it in a wild state, from which ii has 
been reclaimed, and where they now reside. 

Mr. Corbett was born in Scotland, Marcii 18, 1824, 
and died Dec. 11, 1880, at his home in Mecosta Tp., 
and was buried in Stanwood Cemetery. He was an 
industrious man and a good citizen; interested in tiie 
welfare of his children whom he lived to see grow to 
mature life, with good habits, established reputations, 
and useful members of society. Following is their 
record: William, born Dec. 7, 1849; Mary, 0< t. 





30, 185 1 ; Margaret, May 9, 1857; John, Aug. 5, 
i860; James, June 3, 1863; Matthew, Sept. 2, 1865; 
Jennie, April 30, 1870; Susan, born July 19, 1859, 
died March 19, i860. 

Mr. Corbett was a firm Democrat during his life; 
himself and wife belonged to the Established Church 
of Scotland from their childhood. Mrs. Corbett re- 
sides with her son, James, a promising young man, 
with good business ([ualifications and a thoroughgoing 
farmer. 



Tf^PW* "l'®*" S- Howd, flour and feed merchant at 

'lil^:M^l!' Millbrook village, was born in Canada, 

%&'i^" Dec. 16, 1829. His iiarents, Samuel B. 

JvS> and Lovinda (Gould) Howd, natives respect- 

14/"' ively of New York and Canada, were mar- 

t ried in New York, settled in Canada, finally 

returning to New York, where the mother died and 

the father married again. He located at Syracuse, 

N. Y., for a time and afterward went to Kansas and 

Missouri, where he died at the age of 74. 

When 14 years old Mr. Howd was a|)prenticed to 
learn the trade of molder, at which he served two 
and one-half years. He was afterward occupied 
about the same length of time as clerk in a grocery, 
when he resumed his trade, but was obliged by illness 
to <|uit it and seek other means of obtaining a liveli- 
hood. He was employed for some time in a grocery 
at Cleveland, and in the summer of 1855 came to 
Gratiot Co., Mich., where he bought 200 acres of 
land under the "Gradation Act." After clearing 30 
acres of this land he sold out and purchased a simi- 
lar farm in the southern part of the same county, in 
order to secure for his children the superior educa- 
tional advantages of that section. Three years later 
he sold again and came to Mecosta County, where 
he entered a claim of 160 acres of land in the town- 
ships of Millbrook and Wheatland, under the provis- 
ions of the Homestead Act. This he sold, and 
invested his money and interest in the mercantile 
business and located at Millbrook, where he is car- 
rying on a flourishing trade. 

In [xjlitics Mr. Howd is a Republican. He has 
been Probate Judge four years and served 12 years 
as Justice of the Peace. He belongs to the Order 
of Masonry, and is a member of the fraternity of 
( )dd Fellows. He was married in Cleveland, C>., to 



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Louisa M., daughter of Samuel Pease, a native of 
the State of New York. Mrs. Howd died in Gratiot 
County, leaving three children: Levant P., Martha 
E. and Albert J- Mr. Howd was married in Gratiot 
County, to Almira, daughter of Benjamin Hawkins, 
and their three children are, Francis A., Mary and 
Sarah R. Mrs. Howd belongs to the M. E. Church. 

■ ^ ' ohn M. Raper, Big Rapids, was born June 
-9> ''^3Si ^'^ Toronto, Can., a son of John 
)■ and Abigail W. (Oliver) Raper. His father 
|j^ was born at Bradford, Yorkshire, Eng., and 
came to America in 1830, locating at Toronto, 
Ont. He was an officer on the staff of Gov. 
Sir Penguin Maitland, and married his wife, a native 
of Boston, Mass., at Halifax, Nova Scotia. She died 
at Toronto, aged 64 years. The father died at Sea- 
forth, Ont., at the age of 77 years. 

Mr. Raper received a good common-school educa- 
tion, and when 17 years old obtained a situation as 
clerk in a store. His next situation was as express 
messenger from CoUingwood to Toronto, on the On- 
tario, Simcoe & Northern Railroad, Vickers' express 
line, and he afterward engaged in mercantile business 
at Holland Landing, Ont. He then removed to 
Toronto, where he was employed a year as chief clerk 
in the office of C. R. Christie, Division Superintend- 
ent of the Grand Trunk Railroad. At the end of 
that time he received an ap|)ointnient as freight agent 
at St. Mary's Station, and after some time was trans- 
ferred to New Baltimore, Macomb Co., Mich., where 
he acted in the same capacity two years. He after- 
ward obtained a position as messenger for the Ameri- 
can Express Co., between Detroit and Cliicago, on 
the Michigan Central Railroad. Oct. i, 1864, he 
went to Elmira, N. Y., as chief clerk of the United 
States and Adams and Howard Express Companies, 
remaining there until September, 1866, when he went 
to Ann Arbor, Mich. 

On the organization of the Merchants' Union 
Express Company, Mr. Raper was tendered the posi- 
tion of route agent, which he accepted, and was in 
charge of all the offices in Michigan, which [wsition 
he retained until the company was consolidated with 
tiie American Express. While in the employ of the 
Merchants' Union Express Com|)any, the local 
agents presented him with a silver tea service, the 
presentation taking place in the Mayor's office at 




Detroit. He then entered the employ of the Ameri- 
can Express Company, and was also mail agent on 
the (now) G. R. & L R. R., between Grand Rapids 
and Cedar Springs, the latter being then the northern 
terminus of the railroad. In August, 1869, he was 
sent to St. Joseph, Mich., to operate as special agent, 
removing thence to Detroit, to act as traveling 
solicitor in the commercial agency of Tappan, McKil- 
lop & Co. While thus eni[)Ioyed he was tendered 
the position of conductor on the C. & M. L. S. R. R., 
which he accepted, and removed to St. Joseph, Mich., 
and acted in that capacity about three years, retiring 
April I, 1873. In May following, he went back to 
Detroit, to act as collector for the Weber Furniture 
Company. Afterward he again entered the service 
of the American Express Company, and was stationed 
at Big Rapids, opening an office on Maple street. 
About 15 days after his arrival the first passenger 
train from Muskegon to Big Rapids passed over the 
C. & W. M. railroad. He remained with the Ameri- 
can Express Company six and a half years, and 
meanwhile acted as Manager of the W^estern Union 
Telegraph Company, located at Big Rapids. On 
leaving the employ of the express company he oper- 
ated as a commercial traveler three years, when he 
engaged in -his present occupation as salesman for 
J. S. Evans & Co., music dealers. 

Mr. Raper was married in Ai)ril, 1861, to Eliza- 
beth, daughter of Thomas Arksey, of Ann Arbor. 
They have had three children, two of whom, a son 
and daughter, are deceased. Charles Edwin Raper, 
born at Detroit, Feb. 6, 1864, is now in the employ of 
John Greenop & Co., at Big Rapids. 

Mr. Raper was a charter member of Mecosta 
Lodge, No. 26, Knights of Pythias, and belongs to 
Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, F. & A. M. He is a 
stanch Republican, and was elected City Recorder 
on that ticket in 1877-8. 




"jJlr'SiflllUton W. Bennett, member of the Aim of 
^' Roben, Bennett & Gill, real-estate, loan 
and fire insurance agents at Big Rapids, 
was born on a farm in Marcellus Tp., Cass 
Co., Mich., May 31, 1855, and is a son o 
William P. and Louisa (Brokaw) Bennett. 
The Bennett family, of which the subject of this 
biography is a descendant, have been a pioneer 




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people. The great-great-grandfather of A. W. Ben- 
nett cleared a farm in Western Connecticut before 
the Revolutionary war had ever been imagined. 
The great-grandfather, Alfred Bennett, emigrated to 
Central New York when it was a wilderness, cleared 
a farm and contested titles with wolves, etc., on the 
tract of land now the city of Cortland. He was also 
a Baptist preacher of renown, and his memory is still 
cherished in the thoughts of every theologian of that 
denomination. He was for years a circuit rider, 
holding services at every clearing, and spreading the 
gospel, from a Baptist standpoint, through the wilds 
of Ohio and Indiana. His son Cephas married 
Stella, daughterof Abner Keeland, the first apostle of 
Universalism in New England; in 1829 he took her 
to the East Indies, whither he went as a missionary. 
He introduced the fust iiriiuing-press, and afterwards 
the first sewing-machine, into Buraiah, and with his 
wife is still engaged in tlie work of converting the 
heathen to Christianity, although they have been in 
active service 54 years. Cephas Bennett sent his son, 
W'illiam P., to America, at the age of 10 years. At 
19 the latter became involved in matrimonial snares, 
and, taking his wife and worldly possessions, made 
his way West on a canal boat, and plunged into the 
wilderness of Michigan. He entered 160 acres of 
land in Marcellus Tp., and camped out until he 
could make a clearing and erect the pioneer's 
shelter. The tract of land has been converted into 
a typical Southern Michigan farm, and is still in the 
possession of its original owner, now resident at Cass- 
opolis, where he has held the office of Proliate Judge 
for 15 years. 

In a work of this character pioneer reminiscences 
are specially valuable, and serve to render the bio- 
graphical sketches of its patrons decidedly inter- 
esting. 

Mr. Bennett was under the personal care of his 
fatlier until he was 12 years old, wiien he was sent 
to Groton, New York, to attend the academy. He 
studied there two years, and attended the high scliool 
at Cassopolis, where he graduated. He afterward 
learned the printer's trade, at whicli he worked at 
Cassopolis, Lawrence and Grand Rapids. In 1874 
he commenced a course of studies at the University 
of Michigan, which he pursued three years, working 
at the case during vacations, and was graduated in 
the Law Department, in March, 1877. He at once 
located at Big Rapids. 

^^^^^ — — H^^tm 



In August, 1878, he formed a partnership with D. 
Roben, in the real-estate, loan and insurance busi- 
ness, which relation still exists. The style and repute 
of the house of Roben & Bennett is widely known 
throughout Northern Michigan. 

Mr. Bennett was married Sept. 3, 1878, to Mary, 
daughter of Matthew and Esther Roben, of Big 
Rapids. Mr. and Mrs. Bennett have one son, nearly 
two years old. 



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S' n f\\ ; ahlon Carman, of Morton Tp., whose 
'•Jl'^'.v''-^, portrait is given on the preceding page 
"'ill'"'' " "^""^ ^^'^'^ '* °"^ '^^ Mecosta County's en- 
j\^' \ terprising business men, was born in Huron 
T' Co., Ohio, in the village of Olena. He is a son 
I of Lew-is and Laura (Aiken) Carman. The 
father was a merchant and proprietor of a saw-mill 
in the State of Ohio, and moved to Lockport, Niag- 
ara Co., N. Y., when the subject of this sketch was 
eight years old, where he engaged in buying and sell- 
ing stock. 

When Mr. Carman was 16 years of age he was 
employed one and a half years in a boot and shoe 
store at Lockport. This engagement was terminated 
by the removal of his fatlier's family to St. Josepli Co., 
Mich. Here lie worked at home on tlie farm about 
two and one half years, when the family came to 
.Millbrook and tlie father built a saw-mill, where the 
son worked until of age. In 1877 the latter went to 
Altona, Hinton Tj)., and was employed in the general 
store of T. C. Gardner. After a year's service as as- 
sistant, he purchased the stock and continues to con- 
duct the business. The value of the stock averages 
about $1 2,000, and the annual transactions aggregate 
about $40,000. Sept. i, 1883, he established a store 
in the village of Mecosta, with a stock worth about 
$1,500. Mr. Carman is operating also largely in 
shingles, and employs in his interest a shingle-mill 
in Morton, one in Wheatland and one in Hinton; 
he manufa<tures from 75,000 to 100,000 shingles 
daily, and ships chiefly to Eastern markets, em- 
ploying about 65 men commonly, cutting and putting 
in his timber. * The three mills designated are run 
to their full capacity, in his interest. He also deals 
in groceries and provisions at Mecosta, and has a 
general store at Altona. 

Mr. Carman was married at Grand Rapids, March 



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I, 1877, to Isabella, daughter of William and Mary 
J. Pierce. Of this marriage one child has been born, 
Raymond W., in Millbrook. 




^ohn Pordon, farmer, sec. 6, present Siiper- 
If visor of Martiny Tp., was born in the town 
of Ravensburg (Danube), Kingdom of 
Wurtemburg, Germany, Oct. 29, 1837. He is 
a son of Bertram and Cleopha (Pfleghaar) Par- 
don. His father was a farmer and died when 
the son was but one year old. He was fully orphan- 
ed by the death of his mother when he was nine 
years of age, and his uncle, Benedict Pfleghaar, as- 
sumed the care and guardianship of the bereaved 
child, continuing to protect him until he was 14 years 
old, when he was placed under training for the busi- 
ness of carpenter and joiner. After working at that 
trade two years, he emigrated to the United States 
and located at Toledo, Ohio. He worked a year at 
his vocation and then engaged in a nursery for a 
short time. In 1S55 he went to Dundee, Monroe 
Co., Mich., and operated as a farm hand until the 
outbreak of the civil war in 1861. 

He enlisted in the Fourth Mich. Inf. and served 
four years, nine and a half months, — the longest 
military service recorded in the pages of this work. 
His experiences include all the hardships, privations 
and contingencies incident to a soldier's life, except 
capture and torture at the hands of the rebels. The 
list of battles in which he took part are, Bull Run 
(Second), Gettysburg, Chancellorsville, Marion Hill, 
Newbridge, Haines' Landing, Gaines' Hill, Mine 
Run, Hatcher's Run, Gravel Run, Petersburg, Wil- 
derness, and last, Appomattox Court-House, where 
he was an eye-witness of the virtual collapse of the 
Rebellion. At the close of the war he was sent 
to San Antonio, Texas, and was there stationed nine 
and a half months. He was wounded May 6, 1S64, 
and lost his hearing from the ex|ilosion of a shell at 
the battle of Gettysburg. He was discharged with 
the rank of Sergeant and returned to Michigan. 

He resumed his former employnient<it home for a 
while, and after some time went to Detroit, where he 
worked as a carpenter three months. He spent six 
months in the employ of a plumber, and was then 
engaged in tlie Water-Works at Detroit, where he 

"^^^^ ^'^C^ : ^^^pq^: 





continued five years. His next business enterprise 
was with Gerhart Gudnaw, in the grocery business, 
where he was occupied four months. After that he 
was a peddler six months, and after spending six 
months more in Detroit in various occu[>ations, he 
sold his property tlierc and came to Mecosta Coiintyi 
and was engaged by March & , heavy land- 
holders in Chippewa Tp., and resided there four 
years. In 18 — , he purchased the farm he now 
owns, containing 80 acres of land. 

Mr. Pordon was married in 1866, in Monroe, 
Mich., to Anna, daughter of Ignatz and Victoria 
(Gunthner) Hilbert. She was born in Germany, 
Jan. 22, 1845, and came to the United States with 
her parents in 1853. Four children are comprised 
in the family, Cleopha J., Benjamin M., Clara J. and 
Amelia V. 

Mr. Pordon is a Democrat, has held various offices 
and was elected to his present position in 1883. 



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^1 Sy^^^^lifton D. Eichards, hardware merchant, 
Ji^^i Millbrook village, is a son of James and 
^|cr "^ Minerva (Smalley) Richards. The father 
W was a native of Massachusetts, and the 
m mother of Vermont. They were pioneers of 
' Cleveland, O., where they settled in early mar- 
ried life; they now reside at Detroit. Mr. Richards was 
born at Cleveland, Sept. 6, 1856. He obtained a good 
education in the schools of his native city, justly cele- 
brated for their excellent character, and at 19 years 
of age came to Stanton, Mich., where he was em- 
ployed as clerk in a hardware store for a period of 
three years. He came to Mecosta County in 1877, 
and Oct. I, opened a hardware store at Millbrook, 
where he is still engaged in business and has reason- 
able success. He carries a stock worth $7,000, and 
leads his line of trade in that section of the county. 
Mr. Richards was married at Auburn, N. Y., July 
6, 1880, to Ada E., daughter of Lewis and Laura 
Cannon, of the State of New York, who was born in 
Ohio, and was an inmate of her fatherls home until 
her marriage. Mr. and Mrs. Richards have one 
child, Irma L., born May 14, 1881. 

Mr. Richards is a Republican in politics ; has 
been Clerk of his township one term, and is now 



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acting in the capacity of School Assessor of the dis- 
trict. He is an active member of the Congrega- 
tional Church. 



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eorge F. Stearns, President of the North- 

[/ em National Bdnk, Big Rapids, was born 

^^ at Ellisbiirg, Jefferson Co., N. V'., Jan. 91 




1832. The banking house with which he has 
been connected from its organization was 
opened for the transaction of business June 5, 
The institution is t!ie result of a project 
which Was carefully considered and made feasible by 
the combined energy, deliberation and capital of T. 
C. Piatt, John F. Brown and G. F. Stearns. It was 
organized with Mr. Stearns in the capacity of chief 
official, J. F. Brown as Vice President, and Chas. P. 
Clifford as Cashier. They embarked on the sea of 
finance with a capital of $75,000, which was in- 
creased in 1874 to $90,000, and in 1883 to $150,000. 
On the death of Mr. Brown, C. H. Wagener was 
elected to the vacant Vice Presidency and in 1S75 
L. S. Baker became Cashier. 

The " Northern National ' is one of the most solid 
institutions in the country, having a deserved repute 
of carrying on its financial transactions on a system 
and basis of impregnable security, and lience is 
justly regarded as incomparably stal;le as a business 
house and a model in its methods and purposes. It 
has a firm grasp u|ion the confidence of those wiih 
whom it has intimate financial relations, and the 
catalogue of its patrons and correlations include a 
host of the most substantial names in Northern 
Michigan. 

Mr. Stearns is the son of Daniel and F^iizabeth 
(Martin) Stearns, whose record is a part of that of 
Big Rapids, both from the period of their settlement 
here and their relations to the social and business 
growth of the place. Daniel Stearns settled here in 
1859, having previously purchased a low, two-story 
frame building, with a lean-to, where is now the 
southeast corner of Maple street and Micliigan 
avenue. This building, styled the "Mecosta," was 
utilized many years as a hotel, to which purpose 
it was first devoted by Capt. Daniel Stearns. It 
has been raised twelve feet, remodeleil, and still 




looms up a tangible reminder of the day of " first 
things ' at Big Rapids. 

The business record of Mr. Stearns is one continu- 
ous course of energy, sagacity, shrewdness, prudence, 
tact and ability. He has all the restless activity 
tenacity of purpose and intuitive comprehension of 
luiman nature which constitute a born financier. 
His leading traits of character have been conspicuous 
from his outset in life, and, to his undying credit be 
it put on record, that, with all his keenness and pow- 
ers of finesse in business, not one imputation of im- 
probity or dishonor rests against him. He walks 
among his fellow men in all the uprightness of moral 
rectitude, and wields an influence in his sphere second 
to none. He is always acutely alive to the possibili- 
ties of a business transaction, but he never swerves 
from the promptings of his innate manliness and his 
sense of obligation to society. 

His entire life has been devoted to effort. His 
first speculative enterprise occurred when he was 
about twelve years old. He had received a package 
of fire-crackers for the " Fourth," but instead of hav- 
ing a grand private glorification, he found a swarm of 
young patriots who i)aid liim a cent each for his stock 
of small e.xplosives. No em|)loyment, so it afforded 
an opportunity to be doing something, was beneath 
his honest endeavors. He did whatever the contin- 
gency demanded and performed every duty becom- 
ingly. At the ;ige of 12 he was employed in a gen- 
eral country store, remaining about a year; and on 
his parents' removal to Mannsville in his native 
county, he accompanied them, and did all manner of 
Olid jobs in and around his father's hotel. Two years 
later he went to Adams, Jefferson Co., and engaged 
as a clerk in a store, where he operated two years. 
He went thence to Rome, N. Y., and filled a position 
in an extensive dry-goods establishment. In Septem- 
ber, 1854, he came to Detroit with a friend, Wm. 
Chittenden, then holding a clerk's position in a diy- 
goods establishment, and now proprietor of the Rus- 
sell House in that cily. He borrowed money of his 
friend to make the trip to Detroit, and made all his 
associations in first-class places, wisely judging that 
his best testimonial was the appearance and habits 
of a gentleman. 

With but nominal delay he obtained a clerkship 
in the commercial house of Holmes iV Co., where his 
friend was a salesman, lie remained there two 
years. Meanwhile his father had moved to Newaygo 






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and built the Brooks Hotel, whither Mr. Stearns pro- 
ceeded and officiated one year as clerk. His next 
move was to the city of St. Louis, where he operated 
as a clerk in a dry-goods house two months, going 
^ . thence to Chicago, where he was similarly engaged a 
short time. He soon left the Garden City, went to 
Detroit and secured a situation in the mercantile es- 
tablishment of Farrell Brothers. In September, 
i860, he came to Big Rapids with a stock of dry 
goods, etc., suitable for the demands of a country 
trade, and opened the second store in the embryo 
city. His father was established in the '" Mecosta, " 
and, besides his duties in the store, he assisted in 
every possible way at home, where the hotel was al- 
ways overflowing with custom. By degrees he man- 
aged to convert his original stock of goods, valued at 
$500, into a general stock of much wider scope, 
and trafficked in furs and all other articles that came 
in his way with any reasonable outlook for specula- 
tion therein. His business grew onerous, the sales of 
his closing year aggregating $100,000. He had over- 
worked and was compelled by impaired health to sell 
out. He devoted his attention and energies to specula- 
tion in real estate and furs until 187 1, when the 
Northern National Bank was put in successful opera- 
tion. 

Mr. Stearns has dealt extensively in real estate^ 
and now owns several thousand acres of pine and 
farming lands, together with 160 acres within the city 
limits, divided into small tracts, each containing a 
few acres. His residence at No. 220 State street is 
one of the most substantial and best arranged dwell- 
ing-houses in the city. The grounds are 100 feet 
front by 700 feet deep, finely graded and laid out, 
and sheltered by trees. The work has been done 
chiefly by Mr. Stearns' own hands, and in its unos- 
tentatious simplicity is revealed the character of its 
owner. Mr. Stearns has also extensive lumber in- 
terests, being a member of the firm of Baker & 
Stearns, who handle annually a large amount of mill 
products. He is also manager of the sales of the 
large tracts of land in Mecosta and other counties, 
belonging to the Warren estate. 

Mr. Stearns was married at Detroit. June 4, 1861, 

... to Harriet S., daughter of John Vernor; she was 

^ born at Albany, N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Stearns have 

\^ had two children: Carrie E., born March 27, 1869, 

r and died Dec. 6, 1881. Charles F., a book-keeper in 



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the Northern National Bank, was born June 3, 1865. 
Mr. Stearns is a member of the Masonic Order 
and belongs to the Knights of Pythias. He is a 
Democrat in political sentiment, and in the spring of 
1869 he was elected Mayor of Big Rapids, and re- 
elected in 187 I and )S8i, running largely ahead of 
his ticket. 



\M^i 



■ apoleon Ladouceur, proprietor of the 
Montreal House, and of the Montreal Liv- 



T"^ ery Stables, Big Rapids, was born at St. 

Eugene, Out., and is a son of John B. and 
Esther (Lalond) Ladouceur. 

He came from the Dominion to Big Rapids 
when 17 years of age, and operated about seven 
years in the lumber woods. Li 1875 he bought the 
hotel of which he is now owner and manager, and 
conducted its affairs personally two and a half years. 
It was leased to a tenant for a similar period of time, 
after which he resumed its control, and has since 
continued to occupy and run the business, which is 
prosperous, and gradually increasing. The building 
is well adapted to hotel purposes, and contains 34 
rooms for guests. In June, 1883, Mr. Ladouceur 
built the Montreal Livery Stable, 50 x 135 feet in 
dimensions, where he manages a first-class establish- 
ment for the accommodation of the public, keeping 
about 20 horses and all necessary livery fixtures. 

Mr. Ladouceur was married at Big Rapids, April 
14, 1879, to Susan, daughter of Michael and Mar- 
garet Bailey, born Feb. 18, 1858, a native of Canada. 
Mr. and Mrs. L. have buried three children: Lilly 
M., only surviving child, was born at Big Rapids, 
Oct. 14, 1882. Maggie is an adopted daughter. 
Besides his hotel and livery property, Mr. Ladouceur 
owns two city lots in Rose's Addition, Third Ward. 



y^ti: eister C. Hodskey, jeweler, at Big Rapids, 
fclltl ^^,^5 jjQf,., ^^ Parma, N. Y., Aug. 10, 1822, 




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and is a son of Willard and Permelia ^* 

(Rowe) Hodskey. His parents were farmers, 

and he received the education an<l training 

common to farmers' sons. At the age of eight 

years he went away from home to work on a farm, 

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and when 12 years old came to Michigan and located 
in Highland Tp., Oakland Co. 

In the spring of 184S, he bought 40 acres of land, 
which he owned about one year. When he sold his 
farm he engaged in traveling in the interests of a 
firm selling jewelry and Yankee notions. In icS5r he 
built the first hotel in Holly, Oakland Co., now the 
Anderson House, which he kept three years, and 
then exchanged for a farm of 40 acres, on which 
he resided until 1857, when he moved to Bronson, 
Branch Co., and there embarked in the grocery and 
licjuor trade, and was soon after elected Constable. 
He continued to manage his first enterprise about 
one year, when he sold out and engaged in the 
jewelry business. He operated in Bronson three 
years, and exchanged his property there for a farm of 
80 acres in Matteson, in the same county. Three 
years later he again sold and moved into Colon, St. 
Joseph Co., where he again embarked in the jewelry 
business, and there continued three years, going 
thence to Clarence, Shelby Co., Mo., where he pur- 
sued the same calling, returning after three years to 
Bronson. His stay there covered a period of a few 
months only, and he went thence to La Grange, Ind., 
and was similarly occupied there eight months, when 
he came to Big Rapids (May, 1873). He opened a 
jewelry and grocery store, which he ran eight years, 
and then exchanged his store for a residence and 
three lots on West Hemlock street. He transferred 
his stock to the store occupied by Charles Crandall 
as a grocery, and established his business in one half 
of the premises. Six months after, he moved into a 
building next the present establishment of Freyburg, 
clothier. In July, 1882, he removed to his present 
location, where he is doing a prosperous business. 
He has in stock a full line of all articles common ta 
the branch of trade he represents — watches, clocks, 
jewelry, musical instruments, etc., besides keeping a 
repair department. His stock is worth about $1,800, 
and his annual business amounts to $3,000. He 
also owns a vacant lot in Rose's Addition. 

He is a member of the Odd Fellows Order. Mr. 
Hodskey was married in Highland, Oakland Co., 
Mich., Dec. 25, 1847, to Amanda, daughter of Noble 
and Annie (Merchant) Ruggles, born in Colesville, 
Broome Co., N. Y., May 4, 1831. Lydia A., elder 
daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Hodskey, was born in 
Highland, Mich., May 26, 1852, and Jessie M. was 
born in Bronson, Branch Co., Mich., Sept. i, 1862. 




_o<:5o_ 




New Hampshire, where he was born June 26, 
1809. He came to Chicago June 20, 1835, 



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dmund M. Stickney, lumberman and 

manufacturer, residing at Paris, was born 

in McHenry Co., 111., May 12, 1844. His 

!o{^ father, George Stickney, was a native of Jefferyi 

i: 

and went to McHcnry Co., 111., in the fall of the same 
year, where he has since resided, in the pursuit of 
farming. The mother, Sylvia M. (Beckly) Stickney, 
was born Feb. 26, 1819, at Granby, Conn., and died 
in October, 1879. They were married at Nunda, III., 
Oct. 27, 1839. 

Mr. Stickney acquired a fair education at the pub- 
lic schools, and pursued a full commercial course at 
Bryant & Stratton's College at Chicago, and was 
graduated with the class of 1864. He remained 
under the charge of his father until the time of his 
majority. In the fall of 1865 he went to Chicago, 
and was employed there a few months as book- 
keeper. In January, 1866, he came to Mecosta Co., 
Mich., and in company with Charles Shafer and 
William P. Montonye, started the first mercantile 
venture at Paris, Feb. 20, 1866, continuing the enter- 
prize under the firm name of E. M. Stickney & Co. 
two years, and alone until 1877, when ho purchased 
the water-jjower he now owns, with the saw and grist 
mill built by Shales & Fitting in 1867, on Parish 
Creek. He built the present saw-mill in 1882-3. 

He saws about 15,000 feet of lumber daily, and 
owns 35 acres of timber land, whereon is the site 
of his mills, and 40 acres of land in Green Tp. 

He was married May i8, 1870, to Mary Todd, a 
native of Yorkshire, England, born May 18, 1854. 
Tlieir three children are Nettie M., Carrie A. and 
George E. 

Mr. Stickney has been prominent in the public 
affairs of his village and township. He has served as 
Postmaster and Town Clerk 10 years, and has offici- 
ated as Justice of the Peace 1 1 years, being the 
present incumbent of that office, and is also Notary 
Public. 

Politically he was formerly a Republican, but 
since 1878 has voted the Greenback ticket. 

A portrait of Mr. Stickney is given in this volume. 

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homas J. Sharpe, Supervisor of the Third 
\\'ard of Big Rapids, was born in Lincohi- 
shire, Eng., Aug. iS, 1843. He is a son 

of Joseph N. and Elizabeth Sharpe, natives of 

the same country. 

When he was 16 years old Mr. Sharpe went 
to serve an apprenticeship in a meat-market, and 
served his time in fitting for the calling as is the 
custom in his native land. He started for the 
United States in the fall of 1865, embarking on a 
sailing vessel, and making an extended passage of 
seven weeks and three dajs. He arrived in Big 
Rapids in January, 1866, and engaged as clerk in the 
shop of Harvey Anderson. In the autumn of 1867 
he commenced business himself on the present site of 
Geo. A. Roof's block, and soon after formed a part- 
nership with Carlos Teachout, which relation existed 
several months. In December, 1868, he established 
himself in a meat-market in upper Big Rapids, 
where he has since operated. 

Mr. Sharpe was elected to liis present position in 
the spring of 1882, and re-elected in 1883. He 
owns his residence and three lots on Marion avenue, 
his store building on North State street, and a house 
and lot above the Tioga Mills, besides being pro- 
prietor of 30 acres of land in the township of Big 
Rapids. 

He was married near Kent City, Kent Co., Mich., 
to Mary, daughter of Alanson Re.xford, proprietor of 
a hotel at Cedar Springs, Kent Co. She was born in 
Pennsylvania, and died May 19, 1876, at Big Rapids, 
leaving three children : Elizabeth, Carrie and 
Sarah A. Mr. Sharpe was married again at Big 
Rapids, to Jane O'Neil, who was born in Canada, 
Feb. 2, 1856. Of this marriage two children have 

jorn — Mary and Elsie May. 



ohn Martiny, farmer, sec. 4, Martiny Tp., 
'r was born in Cerniany, March 25, 1820, and 
'^' is a so;i of John and Katrina (Zegel) Mar- 
tiny. Like the other youth of his native land, 
he was kept in school in his early life and 
trained to the calling of farmer. At 16 years 
of age he learned the cabinet-making business, which 




he pursued until 1841. He was then drafted into 
the army and served two years, when he resumed his 
trade and worked until 1847, and during that year 
he sailed for this country. He landed at the port of 
New York and proceeded directly to Albany. After a 
brief tarry there he went to Springfield, Mass., and 
spent eight years working at his trade. In 1855 he 
came to Michigan and pursued his calling three years 
in Allegan County, and then interested himself in 
farming in the same county. In 1867 he entered and 
proved a claim of 80 acres of land in Mecosta 
County, in a township designated only by the terms in 
which it was recorded in the Land Office, but which 
will perpetuate tiiroughout coming years the name 
which heads this sketch. Mr. Martiny still holds his 
homestead, and has added to his possessions until he 
has 320 acres of land, a portion of v/hich is in a good 
state of cultivation. 

Mr. Martiny has been twice married. His first 
wife was Mena Licher, to whom he was married in 
Germany in 1846. Two children were born of this 
marriage, Peter and Minnie. Mrs. M. died in 1856, 
Mr. Martiny was again married in 1858, to Mary 
Hilderbrand, a native of Gennany. Of this mar- 
riage four children have been born, Robert, Daniel^ 
Edward and Paul. 

Mr. Martiny is a Democrat in political matters, 
and has held the offices of Township Treasurer and 
School Assessor. 



i saae J. Leggett, M. D., i)hysician and sur- 
geon, resident at Paris, Green Tp., was 
born in Cohocton, Steuben Co., N. Y., May 
19, 1854. His i)arents, Isaac and Sarah (Con- 
nor) Leggett, were natives of New York, where 
his father was by trade a millwright and also 
pursued agriculture. The latter died in February, 
1881; the mother is still living, at Paris, with the 
family of her son. 

Dr. Leggett obtained his elementar)- education at 
the common schools, residing at home until 1S66, 
when he commenced the study of medicine, comiilet- 
ing his course in 1875-6, at the Chicago Medical 
College. He commenced his practice with Dr. 
Hamilton, at Tecumseh, Mich., where he remained 
one year. In the fall of 1878 he settled at P.iris, 





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and opened business as a practitioner. In 1880 he 
added the drug business, and still combines that 
trade with his practice. 

He was married Sept. 22, 1880, to Mary Wood- 
ward, born in the State of New York, in 1854. They 
have one daughter — Lola Genevieve — born .Aug. 7, 
1881. 

Dr. Leggett is a Republican in political sentiment, 
and has held all the school offices of his town ; was 
Superintendent in 1879, and is now School Inspector. 



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'rf^i' i'li*"^ Remus, of the firm of Stephens & 
' F:-^^vS Kemus, manufacturers, at Big Rapids, was 

f;;. " born in the Province of Pomerania, (icr- 
^ many, Aug. 10, 1842. He is a son of 
Charles and Caroline (Horn) Remus, and 
> learned the shoemaker's trade in his native 
.J 

country. Accompanied by two brothers and one 
sister, he came to this country in June, 1865, settling 
at first in Chicago, where Mr. Remus worked at his 
trade. In 1857, he came to Big Rapids and estab- 
lished a boot and shoe store, where he did a thriving 
business, and employed several men in the custom- 
work department. His health failing, in 1872 he 
sold out and worked as a builder about three years, 
and also acted as clerk in various stores in this 
city. 

June 29, 1883, he formed a partnership with P. M. 
Stephens, and bought the Stimson Planing Mills, 
situated at the east end of the lower bridge, where 
they are engaged in the manufacture of sash, doors, 
blinds, etc., including most varieties of dressed lum- 
ber. The works are especially fitted for the produc- 
tion of first-class manufactures, being supplied with 
the best modern facilities and skilled mechanics. 
The capacity of the mill is estimated at about $35,- 
000 annual value, and 20 men are at present employ- 
ed. Their rapidly increasing business will doubt- 
less very soon require a large additional force of 
assistants. 

The real estate of Mr. Remus includes two stores 
on Michigan avenue, and residence and four lots in 
the Third Ward, on Rose avenue. ■ He is the Vice 
President of the Big Rapids Furniture Co., and con- 
trols $9,000 of its stock. He was one of the organizers 




and first members of the German Lutheran Church 
at Big Rapids; was one of its first Trustees, and has 
served in that capacity continuously since 1869, ex- 
cept one year; he is also Secretary. 

Mr. Remus was married in Chicago, July 4, 1866, 
to Julia Trescotch, who was born in Cicrmany, June 
10, 1843. They have one son, William, Jr., born at 
Big Rapids, .Vpril 2, 187 i. The brothers and sister 
of Mr. Remus, who accompanied him to this country 
in 1865, are all living in Osceola County. 

Among the prominent and representative citizens 
of this county whose portraits we present in this book, 
we take pleasure in giving that of Mr, Remus, which 
we place upon the preceding page. 



ffF^ ;.,avid C. Fuller, attorney, Millbrook village, 
p: ,'J/' ' was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., Jan. 28, 
3 ,^^ 1S18. His father, Reuben Fuller, was a 
"j^fi native of Connecticut, and his mother, Han- 
\ nah (Scolt) Fuller, was born in Dutchess 
\ Co., N. Y. They first settled in Otsego Co., 
N. Y., afterwards removing to Onondaga County in 
that State. The early life of Mr. Fuller was passed 
in Madison Co., N. Y. In the fall of 1836, when he 
was iS years old, he came to .Adams, Hillsdale Co., 
Mich , where he lived until the spring of 1881, with 
the exception of five years, which period he lived in 
Wisconsin and at .Adrian, Mich. In the spring of 
1 88 1 he came to Mecosta County and fixed his resi- 
dence in the township of Millbrook. 

Mr. Fuller obtained his elementary education 
in the common schools of his native State and 
attended an academy in Onondaga County two 
terms. In 1854 he began to pre[)are for his profes- 
sion, and was admitted to the Bar in Wisconsin, Oct. 
8, 1858. He was admitted to practice in the courts 
of Michigan August 2, 1882, and is actively en- 
gaged in the duties of his profession at Millbrook. 
He was married in Adams, Hillsdale County, .Aug. 
22, 1843, to Abigail T., daughter of Jacob and Tlieo- 
dicea (Hart) Jackson. She was born in Victor, On- 
tario Co., N. Y., June 14, 1823, and died .April 1, 
1883, in Millbrook, leaving four children, Morris R.^ 
Caroline A., Lucetta L. and Anson D. Mrs. Fuller 
was an active and prominent member of the M. Ya. 
Church (as is Mr. Fuller), and lived for her family, 



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where she was a model of all the domestic virtues ; 
and in her death the household has met a loss 
which can never be supplied. 

Mr. Fuller records himself a Republican " dyed 
in the wool." He has been in official positions in 
the various places where he has resided, and in 1854 
united with tlie order of Odd Fellows at Hillsdale. 



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, V 1 icholas Scott, farmer, sec. 12, Millbrook 
@? ^ l^'' ^"^^^ born in Canada, and is a son of 
Peter and Clarissa (Bovver) Scott, also na- 
tives of Canada. Mr. Scott remained a resi- 



dent of his native county until the fall of i860, 
in which year he came with his family to Me- 
costa County and settled on 80 acres of land in its 
original state in Millbrook Tp. He buiU a shanty 
which served one year for shelter, and was replaced 
by a log house in which the family lived for 20 years. 
The primitive, temporary structures of the pioneer 
days are now all replaced by tasteful, convenient, suit- 
able modern buildings, and 50 acres of the farm are 
under good tillage. Mr. Scott was married Dec. 12, 
1850, to Betsey, eldest daughter of Lorenzo and 
Fanny (Fisher) Aldrich, the former a native of New 
Hampshire and the mother of Massachusetts. Three 
of their four children are living: Peter L., born Aug. 
6, 1855; Ada C, Dec. 18, 1857, and George W., 
Dec. 6, 1862. Clarissa E. was born Nov. 3, 1851, 
and died June i, 1857. 

Mr. Scott is a Republican, and has been the in- 
cumbent of several township offices. Himself and 
wife are members of the denomination known as the 
"Church of God." 




obert Moore, farmer, sec. 23, Millbrook 
'l'\h, was born in one of the northern 
counties of Ireland, Feb. 7, 1846, and is a 
.-^ son of Joshua and Margaret (Armstrong) 
Moore, also natives of the same section of 
the Emerald Isle. Mr. Moore came from his 
native country to Canada in the spring of 1871, and 
was a resident of the Dominion one year. He came 



township of Millbrook, where he was engaged as a 
fann laborer until 1877. In that year he bought 40 
acres of unimproved land on sec. 23, where he has 
built a house and placed about 18 acres of land in 
tillage. He was married in Stanton, Montcalm Co., 
Oct. 12, 1874, to Estella, daughter of H. B. and 
Ruth Wolcott, who was born Feb. 29, 1856, in Shia- 
wassee Co.,' Mich. They have had four children: 
Emma E., born July 17, 1875 ; Margaret L., Dec. 2, 
1878; Lewis S., May 22, 1880; Wm. H., Feb. 13, 
1883. 

Mr. Moore belongs to the Republican party. In 
the spring of 1S83 he was elected District Overseer 
and also holds the office of School Director. He and 
his wife are members of the Wesleyan Methodist 
Church. 




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' "" tto C. Euss, M. D., practicing physician at 
Kemus, was born at Cleveland, O., Jan. 4, 
1854. His parents, Jacob and Barbara 
Kuss, were born in Germany, and came to the 
United States and settled for a few years at 
Buffalo, N. Y.. removing later to Cleveland. 
\Vhen Dr. Russ was 16 years old his mother died, 
and he was thrown upon his own resources and en- 
ergies. He first found employment in a foundry, 
where he labored a year as a " cold nut cutter." 
Receiving a wound in his hand, he was comi)elled to 
abandon his occupation and entered the wholesale 
and retail furniture house of Hart & Malone, of Cleve- 
land, as a salesman. He was there engaged 1 8 months. 
His prospects were so much impaired by the finan- 
cial stress of 1873 ''^^'^ '^^ '^f' Cleveland and went 
to San Francisco, Cal., where he found occupation 
of varied character until the fall of 1875. He came 
back and went to Baltimore, Wood Co., O., and entered 
the office of Dr. Shcsler, of that city, to read medi- 
cine. He prosecuted his studies there three years, 
and in 1878 attended the Eclectic Medical College 
at Philadelphia, and was there graduated Dec. 29, 
1879. Armed with his hardly earned and well-mer- 
ited " sheep-skin, " he went to Antwerp, Paulding, 
Co., Ohio, and entered upon the career of a medical 
practitioner. In'the spring of 1881 he went to Vin- 
cennes, Ind., but the field did not seem one of prac- 
tical benefi to his hopes, and he came to Fowler, 



to Michigan in the spring of 1872, and settled in the 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 




Clinton Co., Mich., prosecuting his profession there 
15 months. 

During that time he was married (April 18,1882) 

to Alnif Ja, daughter of James and Sarah (Wheeler) 
Lance, who was born March 2, i<S63, in Clinton 
County. Her parents were natives of Pennsylvania. 
After marriage, Dr. Russ came to Renuis and began 
his practice, where his success has been almost with- 
out precedent, and his business has already assumed 
surprising proportions. Dr. Russ is a Democrat, and 
is the present health officer of Wheatland Tp. He 
belongs to the Knights of Pythias in Ohio, and is a 
member of the Masonic Order at St. Johns, Clinton 
Co., Mich. 

L^harlie Gay, editor and i)ul>lislier of the 
^ Pioneer at Big Rapids, was born at Cuya- 
hoga Falls, Summit Co., Ohio, Nov. 12, 
1837. His father, William Gay, was i)orn 
Nov. 9, 1811, in Vermont, and during the act- 
ive years of his life was occupied as an en- 
gineer. He resides with his son at Big Rapids. 
The mother, Emily (Wells) Gay, was born in Chat- 
ham, Kent Co., England, Feb. 27, 1819, and died at 
Warren, Trumbull Co., O., April 15, 1881. 

Mr. Gay secured a substantial elementary educa- 
tion in the common and graded schools previous to 
his fifteenth year, when he entered a printing-office to 
acquire the details of the profession to which he 
purposed devoting his life. He came to Newaygo, 
Mich., to fill a position in the office of the Ripiihli- 
C(7//, where he was occupied six years. In 1S62, in 
view of the budding prospects of Big Rapids, he 
proceeded thither with the purpose of establishing a 
county journal. A cursory examination of the field 
seemed to warrant the enterprise, and on the 17th of 
April, 1862, the initial number of the Mecosta County 
Pioneer was issued. The enterprise was established 
at a momentous period. The country was in the 
^ throes of the awful internecine conflict that threat- 
1 ened the dissolution and ruin of the grandest na- 
•V»-tional structure on the records of time, and Mr. Gay 
fully realized the responsiiiility of his undertaking at 
such an era. He established his paper as the organ 
f5) of no demagogism, but on the inflexible and uncom- 
promising fundamental principle incorporated in the 



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sentiment, "The Union, the Constitution and En- 
forcement of the Laws." The earnest young editor 
at once put himself en rapport with the community 
in which he established his business, aiid entered 
heartily into the work which, directlj' and indirectly, 
was uijpermost in every man's purjMses, — the re-es- 
tablishment of the national unity, and the advance- 
ment of the interests of Mecosta County. An 
e.xamination of the early files of the Pioneer makes an 
impression which should be placed on record, — that 
absolute moral cleanliness pervaded the entire com- 
munity. The fact is rendered still more patent by 
the circumstances under which the Judiciary of the 
county was regulated. 

The Pioneer was the first paper published in the 
county, and until Aug. i, 1867, was issued in a folio 
of five columns. It was then enlarged by two ad- 
ditional columns ; and again, in 1S70, incre. ied 
in the same proportion, becoming a pretentious j ur- 
nal of nine columns. In July, 1874, it took on ad- 
ditional dignity by conversion to a seven-column 
(juarto, when its style was changed to the Big Rap- 
ids Pioneer. Aug. 1, 1881, the paper was issued as 
a daily, which still continues, and, conjointly with 
the weekly edition, is steadily increasing in influence 
and popularity. 

In the spring of 1869, Mr. Gay was elected the 
first Recorder of the City of Big Rapids, and in 1870 
was the successful candidate for the office of County 
Clerk, a post he held eight consecutive years ; he also 
officiated as Town Clerk from 1864 to 1869, with the 
exception of one year, and was Justice of the Peace 
from the organization of the township until 1869. 
He is a radical Republican and cast his first Presi- 
dential vote for Abraham Lincoln in i86o. 

Mr. Gay is a typical American. His impulses are 
those of honesty and earnestness, and he guides his 
operations under their influence. He reaches con- 
clusions with directness, acts always in accordance 
with his convictions, and makes no compromise with 
any issue that|he believes antagonistic or detrimental 
to the principles which he inscribed upon his b.m- 
ners in his dawning manhood. He is trusted from 
his palpable, innate integrity and unselfishness of 
purjwse. If his judgments conflict with those of 
other men, he is intrenched by his record of manly 
frankness and candor which have characterized 
every act of his public life. His journal has been con- 
ducted in accordance with the principles on which 

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it was established, and has won a position second 
to none in the State, of commensurate scope and 
purposes. It commands, as it has done from the 
outset, the respect of its contemporaries, and in jx)- 
litical emergencies and general issues holds a de- 
clared and positive position. Its metal has never an 
uncertain ring and its tendencies are patent and un- 
mistakable. 

Mr. Gay is zealously interested in Masonic mat- 
ters and occupies positions of trust in the several 
bodies of the order with which he is connected. 
He belongs to Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, Pilgrim 
Commandery, No. 23, Big Rapids Chapter, No. 52, 
and to King Solomon Council, No. 25. In the two 
last named he holds the chief position at present 
writing. 

The marriage of Mr. Gay to Rosalie Bailey took 
place at Newaygo, May 12, 1S60. Mrs. Gay is a 
daughter of John and Julie (LeMay) Bailey, and was 
born at Vergennes, Vt., Nov. 18, 1843. Her father 
is dead. Her mother was a second time married, to 
David Jarse, of Newaygo, whom she survives. Mr. 
and Mrs. Gay have two children : Fred, born Feb. 21, 
1862, and Jessie, born Nov. 6, 1863. 

The similitude of the genial face of Mr. Gay in 
connection with this sketch. 

On their own behalf the compilers and publishers 
of this volume desire to subjoin to the personal rec- 
ord- of Mr. Gay a permanent e.xpression of their 
grateful sense of his invaluable aid in the consumma- 
tion of their work. His own emphatic disclaimer 
deters a more elaborate specification of the generous 
assistance he has accorded. 









S";; i: 



ilbert A. Decker, saddler, Millbrook vil- 
iiii=7SSf l^B^i ^^'is born July 16, 1858, fn Kane 
aI^ Co., 111. His parents, Peter S. and Caroline 
Decker, reside in Millbrook Tj). At the age 
of 20 Gilnert .\. went to the village of Mill- 
brook to learn the trade of harness-maker, 
and was under the instructions of Charles Clements 
five months, when he bought the slock in trade of 
that gentleman and embarked in business independ- 
ently. In the summer of 1879 he disposed of his 
interests and went to Morley to work at his trade ; 





but illness compelled him to abandon his employ- 
ment for the time being, and after his recovery he 
worked in different places until the spring of 1883, 
when he again became the proprietor by purchase of 
the stock owned by J. A. Tory, to whom he made his 
sale in 1879. He is now doing a prosperous busi- 
ness and monopolizes his line of trade in the village 
of Millbrook. His stock represents a value of 
$i,ooo. 

Mr. Decker was married in Ottawa Co., Mich., 
June 27, 1883, to Henrietta, daughter of V. J. Sey- 
mour, a native of the State of New York. Mr. 
Decker is a Republican. 



^4=1^^ 



! ohn Flake, farmer, sec. 25, Fork Tp., was 
if^'l :'- Ijorn near London, Ont., March 14, 1S29, 
^■'^^ and is the only son of James and Margaret 
Ann (Davis) Flake. His father was a native 
of County Antrim, Ireland, and was a carpenter 
by trade, which calling he pursued all his life. 
His mother was a native of New York and is still 
living, in the village of London, Can. The circum- 
stances of his father precluded Mr. Flake from the 
privileges of education, and threw upon him in early 
life the responsibility of making a fair start in the 
world. He obtained a situation on a lake boat and 
followed the calling of sailor on the " unsalted 
seas" three years, earning $3 monthly as net profit. 
He continued in the lake service until 1850, when he 
shipped as a seaman on a vessel going to the Isth- 
mus of Darien (Panama), and on arrival there went 
to work on the Panama Railroad. After three months 
he contracted the malarial fever, from which few es- 
caped who labored in that enterprise in the pestilen- 
tial climate of the isthmus, and was sent to New- 
York for treatment. On recovery he made another 
ocean trip, and on his return came to London, Mon- 
roe Co., Mich., and entered the sailing service on 
Lake Huron, Oct. 3, 1S64, when he enlisted in the Un- 
ion army, enrolling in the 29th Mich. Vol. Inf , and 
remained until the war ended. His regiment was 
assigned to the Army of the Cumberland, Middle 
Tenn., and he saw considerable active service in 
some of tjie most important engagements during the 
closing months of the contest, among them Stone 
River and Decatur. He finally was apiwinted wagon 



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master of his regiment, and continued to discharge 
the duties of the post until he was mustered out. 

Mr. F. came to Saginaw and worked in the lumber 
mills about two years, and in the fall of 1867 came 
to the township of Fork and began lumbering for the 
firm of Camp & Whitney. He worked in tlie woods 
during that winter and in the spring was employed 
on the drive. In the spring of 1S68 he bought his 
farm, built a house, and is now living in comfortable 
circumstances, with 60 acres of improved land. 

^[r. Flake was married July 4, 1852, to Abigail, 
daughter of Silas and Mary (Heron) Richmond, and 
they becapie the parents of 1 1 children, five only 
surviving: Clara A., Christie Ann, Katie, John and 
Morris. Those deceased are Peter G., Thomas, 
Hugh, Maggie, James and an unnamed infant. Mr. 
Flake is a Republican, and belongs to the (i. A. R., 
Post No. 77, at Sherman City, Isabella Co., Mich. 



> 

^r rank Dumon, Prosecuting Attorney of Me- 

J^^'"^ costa County, residence Big Rapids, was 

^j^ '^^ born in Nissouri, t'anada, Jan. 22, 1842. 



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f^ ?A^ His father, John F. Dumon, is a native of the 
Sf •^iV'^ Dominion, born Oct. i, 1817, and is a farmer. 
{ His mother was born Feb. 23, 1823, in Cherry 
^ Valley, N Y. In 1847 his parents came to Mich- 
igan, and settled on a farm in the township of 
Otisco, Ionia Co., where they are still resident. 

Mr. Dumon was his father's assistant until 20 
years old, when he committed himself to the cause 
of the Union. He enlisted Aug. 8, 1862, at Otisco, 
in Co. 15, 25ih Mich. Vol. Inf., Capl. .'-lainuel Demo- 
rest. His command was attached to the Army of 
the Ohio, under Gen. liurnside, and afterward under 
Gen. Schofield. He was under fire at Kingston, 
Kno.wille and Mossy Creek, in the Ivist Tennessee 
campaign ; at Tunnel Hill in the Altoona Mountains; 
at Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Moun- 
tain, Kenesaw Mountain, at the crossing of the 
(^ Decatur and Peach-Tree Creek, and Chattanooga 
River. At the siege of Atlanta, July 22, 1864, he 

iwas severely wounded by a shot in the right side, 
and was sent to a field hosintal near Marietta, Ga., 
^e and thence successively to the hospitals at Nash- 
ville, Tenn., Jeffersonville, Ind., St. Mary's and 
Harper's in Detroit. He was discharged from the 



last June 7, 1865, and returned home to the farm with 
health so impaired that active life seemed forever 
relegated to the past. 

In September, 1865, he went to Ann Arbor and 
entered the Law Department of the University of 
Michigan, com|)leted the required course of two 
terms, and was graduated March 27, 1867. He 
s[ ent the year following in the law office of Wells & 
Morse, at Ionia, and in April, 1868, came to Big 
Rapids, opened an office, and has since devoted 
himself to the zealous prosecution of his calling. 

He was elected Prosecuting Attorney of Mecosta 
County in the fall of 1868, and re-elected two years 
later. In 1878 he was the candidate on the Green- 
back ticket for Attorney-General of Michigan, but 
the party being in a hopeless minority he was of 
course defeated. In 1882 he was the successful 
candidate, on the Fusion ticket, for the office of 
Prosecuting Attorney, and ran nlxiut 700 votes ahead 
of his ticket. The popularity of Mr. Dumon is man- 
ifested by the'election statistics. He is successful in 
his career as a lawyer, and secures general favor iiy 
his genial manners and good companionship. 

His office is in the 'i'elfer block, on Michigan 
avenue; he owns his residence and two lots on 
Ives avenue. 

He was married Feb. 25, 1869, to Jennie, daughter 
of Wendell and Jane Benster, of Sylvan, Washtenaw 
Co., Mich., where she was l)orn May 24, 1849. 
Their sons, Franklin G. and Fretlerick B., are both 
deceased. 



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;;;l|^iifohn Eaton, farmer, sec. 24, Chipjsewa Tp., 

iiltei^iii'- was born Oct. 28, i8-?9, in Ingham Co., 

v;-_ >rt^ Mich. His father, F.dward Eaton, was a 

C^ farmer, and in 1835 brought his family to 

^ Eaton Co., from Pennsylvania, of which State 

\ he was a native. The mother, Eliza (Cole) 

Kalon, was also born in the Keystone State, and died 

in Mecosta County. 

Mr. Eaton received from his parents a common- 
school education and the necessary training for the 
duties of farming. He came to Mecosta County in 
1 868 and entered a claim of 80 acres of land under 
the homestead act, in the township of Chippewa. 
He now owns 120 acres, and has a fair proiiortion of 



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it under improvements. In politics he is a Republi- 
can. 

Mr. Eaton was married May 24, 1866, to Mary A., 
daughter of Dryas and Sally (Woodard) Moore. 
She was born in Livingston Co., N. Y., April 2, 1845. 
They have had six children, Dora I., Emma J., Nel- 
lie, Nettie, Jasper D. and Berthis. 



' r'l'^'^il orris G. Dye, farmer, sec. 30, Sheridan 
•ji t^sLki/ Tp., was born May 14, 1845, in Medina 
ifS^^ Co., Ohio, and is a son of Amos J. and 
j ^'■'^ Deborah (Scranton) Dye, natives of Saratoga 
'["^ Co.-, N. Y. (See sketch of James R. Dye.) Mr. 
' Dye resided in Ohio until he was 2 1 years of 
age, when he came to Michigan and settled in the 
townsliip where he now resides, March i, 1866. He 
entered and proved a claim of 160 acres of land, 
under the homestead law. It was in an entirely 
original state, and he has placed half the tract under 
fine cultivation. 

Mr. Dye was married Jan. 17, 1870, to Cynthia 
Ann Burd. She was born in Jay Co., Ind., Feb. 25, 
1850. Her parents, John A. and Susanna (Clyne) 
Burd, were originally from Virginia, and settled later 
in Gallia Co., Ohio. Mr. and Mrs. Dye are the 
parents of nine children, all of whom are living, 
namely : Arthur, Ralph, William, Jacob, Amos, 
Mary, Anna Lee, Deborah S. and John. 

Mr. Dye's politics are not of the rigid type : if a 
candidate is honest he supports him; if he is in any 
way uncertain, he votes the Republican ticket. In 
religious belief he concurs with the United Brethren. 
He has been Road Commissioner eight years, and 
held the office of Supervisor during the year 1881. 




I^elson J. Swager, blacksmith, on sec. 12, 
Green Tp., was born in Holmes Co., Ohio, 
July 18, 1823. His father, George Swager, 
was a native of Bedford Co., Pa., was a 
[(, farmer, and moved to Michigan in October, 
•/ i^STi locating in Hillsdale County, where he en- 
<> gaged in farming until his death in 1855. The 
, * mother, Esther (Sharpe) Swager, was born in Vir- 
^ ginia, and died in October, 1848, in Ohio. 




Mr. Swager remained in the care of his father un- 
til he was 20 years of age, when he went to learn his 
trade at Jonesville, Hillsdale Co., where he spent a 
year. He then went to AVilliams Co., Ohio, and 
was there married to Caroline C, daughter of Jason 
and Fannie (Hulbert) Welton. He spent three 
years there, working at his trade, when he came to 
Greenville, Montcalm Co., Mich., and there followed 
his business four years. His next remove was to 
Allamakee Co., Iowa, going a year later to Dunn Co., 
Wis., where he resided three years. At the end of 
that time he returned to Williams Co., Ohio. Dur- 
ing his stay there the war of the Rebellion broke 
out and, Aug. 10, 1861, he enlisted and was in active 
service until Sept. 22, 1862. He was wounded May 
31, 1862, at the battle of Fair Oaks. He was in the 
battle of Williamsburg, and on the expiration of his 
term of service remained there until May, 1865, 
when he settled in the township of Green, on a farm, 
and carried on agriculture eight years. Mr. Swager 
is a Republican in political sentiment. 

The family comprises 1 1 children : .^rlina L., 
Charles C, Liberous, Fannie, Philetus, Zuleka, Mina, 
George, Allen, Sarah E. and Leonard. 

}-h4-##>^"^— 

ames H. Groom, farmer, sec. 12, Fork Tp., 
was born in Saratoga Co., N. Y., Oct. 5, 
1839, and is the son of Milton and Cather- 
ine (Butler) Groom. His parents were natives 
of the State of New York, where they passsd 
, their entire lives. The father died when the 
son was two years of age, and he became an inmate 
of the family of Thomas Wagner. His mother re- 
mained two years later and resumed the care and 
charge of her child, retaining her guardianship until 
he was 13 years of age, when he was bound to John 
Howes and was under his supervision six years. 

At the age of 19 Mr. Groom set out alone in life 
to make his record among men and secure the re- 
ward of patient, persistent effort in his struggle with 
circumstances. He worked by the day and month 
until the outbreak of the civil war. He enlisted in 
1861 in the 77th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was dis- 
charged at the end of four months on account of dis- 
ability. He returned to the home of his birth, and 
two years later came to Michigan ; remained for a 




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time in Kalamazoo, came thence to Big Rapids, and 
after a short residence located a farm of 80 acres in 
Folk Tp., under the regulations of the homestead 
act. In political faith and action Mr. Groom is a 
Republican. 

He was married in 1869, to Nancy M., daughter of 
Peter and Abigail (Freeman) Phenix. They were 
natives of Pennsylvania and came to Mecosta 
County in 1867, where they still reside. Mrs. droom 
was born in Ohio, May 29, 1842. 



ames E. Rose, farmer, sec. 17, Big Rapids 
Tp., was born in Defiance Co., Ohio, Dec. 
IfJS^S^*^ 16, 1854. Freeman Rose, liis father, was 
bom in Pierrepont, St. Lawrence Co., N. Y., 
May 25, 1820, and died Jan. 11, 1883. He 
was of Irish and Englisli lineage, and moved to 
Defiance, Ohio, and removed thence to Michigan, 
settling in Big Rapids Tp., Dec. 20, 1856. His was 
the fourth family in the township, and their experi- 
ences exhibit all the characteristics of pioneer life. 
Freeman Rose married Sally M. Lloyd, Marclvg, 
1854. She was bom in Russell, N. Y., Feb. 9, 1823, 
and became the mother of four children, two of 
whom only are living — Mr. Rose of this sketch, and 
Harriet Lucy (Rose) Fifield, born Seiit. 15, 1857. 

Mr. Rose holds the homestead on which his fatlier 
located in the earliest days of tlie history of Mecosta 
County. His mother is the object of his special 
charge, and relates grapiiically the incidents of her 
pioneer life in the township. Much of the time she 
lived alone with only her baby son for companion, 
her husband being under the necessity of leaving 
home to find work to sup|)ort his family. A call at 
her door at midnight was a frequent experience, and 
many times she left her bed to admit strangers for 
shelter and food. Her husband would have aban- 
doned the place but for her inflexible determination 
to establish a home here, and when jjcople who were 
amazed at her resolution and i)ersistent endurance 
remarked, " I should think you would die here! " she 
replied, " I did not come to die — I came to live ! " and 
she has carried out her determination worthily. Let 
us hope she may live to celebrate her centennial 
birthday in the county of whose wonderfully rapid 
progress she has been an eye-witness. 




Among those we have selected to rei)resent tiie 
pioneers of Mecosta County, in the portrait depart- 
Tiient of this Album, there are certainly none more 
worthy than Mr. and Mrs. Rose, and it is with great 
pleasure that we present portraits of each of them in 
connection with this sketch. 






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eorge Shust, farmer on sec. 21, Green Tp., 

was born in Wurtemljerg, Germany, May 2, 

1839. His parents, John and Barbara 

(Blake) Shust, were bom and died in the 

" Faderland." Mr. Shust came to America 

1 when 14 years of age, accompanied by his 
brother John. They located in Cleveland, Ohio, 
where they remained three years, engaged as farm 
laborers, and occasionally obtaining employment in 
the city. Mr. Shust went thence to Hillsdale, Mich., 
and there worked on a farm three years. At the e.x- 
piration of that time, in the fall of 1858, he came to 
Mecosta County, and spent four years as a lumber- 
man. He then went to Kent County, and returned 
hither at the end of two years, wliL-n he bought the 
farm whereon he now resides, then in a perfectly wild 
state, and at once entered vigorously on the work of 
clearing and improving it. He now owns i 60 acres, 
with about 100 in tillage. 

Mr. Shust was married in 1861, to Cynthia Nijv 
press, a native of Ohio, born Sept i r, 1844. She was 
a daughter of Robert and Christina Nipjiress, and 
died June 28, 1883. Tiie family comprise five chil- 
dren, namely: Charles I., Nelson, Cora E., Chancey 
L., Delia M., George W. and Flora A. 

Mr. Shust is prominent in public-school interests 
in his township, .and is a Republican with reference 
to national affairs. 

^5 ^^ J^ 




'{ illiam M. Ferguson, dealer in fancy ;.nd 
staple groceries and gentlemen's furnish- 
ing goods, at Big Rapids, was born in 
Tioga Co., N. Y., March 13, 1842. He is a 
son of Ezra S. and Hannah (Batton) Fer- 
guson, and was reared as a farmer's son. 
He became a soklier for the I'nion during the 
first year of the Southern Rebellion, enlisting at 









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Owego, N. Y., Aug. 3, 1861, in Co. H, Third N. Y. 
Vol. Inf., Capt. J. S. Catlin, and served as a private 
two years. He was in a number of engagements and 
skirmishes, and was discharged Sept. 16, 1863, at 
Folly Island, S. C, returning to Owego, where he 
stayed about six months. He then entered the con- 
struction corps in the Government service, and spent 
a year in the South. In the fall of 1866, he came to 
Big Rapids, and was employed by the lumber firm 
of F. H. Todd & Co., to scale logs, etc., in the lum- 
ber woods. He was thus employed about 18 months, 
and has served several lumber houses in the same 
and similar capacities. 

Nov. 17, 1882, he bought the general stock of 
goods of J. W. Fearns; he has added several lines of 
merchandise, and has since transacted business with 
sales averaging $50,000 yearly. His stock is worth 
about $10,000. 

Mr. Ferguson is a member of the Masonic fra- 
ternity. He was married at Binghamton, N. Y., 
Oct. 28, 1868, to Hettie A., daughter of Benjamin 
and Betsey Thorn. She was born in Tioga, Tioga 
Co., N. Y., Oct. 18, 1841. They have two daughters 
— Lulie M., born Aug. 25, 187 i, and Maud B., born 
March 9, 1867. 






z-,,'^^!' tirry I. Orwig, County Surveyor, residnig at 
ri/A,^:, Big Rapids, was iiorn at Newport, Portage 
f^P^ Co., Ohio, Aug. 2, 1857, and is a son of 
^^ John and Hannah M. (Hoover) Orwig. 
J In 1866 his father bought a farm containing 

I 40 acres of land in the vicinity of St. Louis, 
Ci\>iiot Co., Mich., where Mr. Onvig was reared un- 
til 1874, when he went to Valparaiso, Porter Co, 
Ind., and attended the Northern Indiana Normal 
.School and Business Institute two years. He went 
to the high school at St. Louis, and also studied 
under private tutors, interspersing his educational 
i. course with teaching, which profession he followed 
',,-' ^'^ years. 

■ ''j In March, 1881, he came to Big Rapids, and en- 
^ gaged with Wm. M. Tacipies, City Engineer and 
i^ County Surveyor. A year later he was appointed 
^ Deputy to the latter office, and in the fall of 1882 



^ 



was elected, on the Republican ticket, to the official 
position he now holds. 



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'j^tfilUllard A. Whitney, M. D., Big Rapids, 

Ij^J l was born at Clifton, Monroe Co., N. Y., 
J^^n ' ^^^- *-^' 'S44> 3. son of Willard S. and 
Mary A. (Whiting) Whitney. He was kept 
in steady attendance at school until about 
the time of the Southern Rebellion, when, his 
iiUerest having become fully aroused by the element 
of patriotism which pervaded the whole land, he en- 
listed at Buffalo, enrolling Nov. 22, 1861, in the 24th 
N. Y. Light .A-rtillery, Capt. Lee, and was in the ser- 
vice until July 25, 1865. During his long period of 
military life he parricipated in numerous encounters 
with the rebels, of greater or less moment ; among 
them the battles of Newbern, Kingston, Whitehall, 
Goldsboro, etc., etc. 

In the fall following his discharge he went to Lan- 
sing, Mich., and was in a private academy under tiie 
instructions of Prof. Olds, where lie remained 18 
months. His father being a physician, the studious 
boy and youth had gathered a considerable fund of 
medical information and had, whenever opjiortunity 
offered, read medicine systematically. In 1868 he 
matriculated at Cleveland Homeoiiathic College, and 
was graduated in 1870. He began the practice of 
his profession at Lansing, and went thence to Lock- 
port, N. Y., where he remained about a twelve- 
month, and came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1873, 
where his father, Dr. W. S. Whitney, was already 
established. Their business interests were con- 
ducted jointly about one year, when Dr. Whitney of 
this sketch opened an office alone. He has a satis- 
factory business as physician and surgeon, and is now 
County Physician, a jwst he has held since 1875, 
with the exception of tlie year 1S82. He is examin- 
ing physician for the A. O. U. W., and also for the 
Order of Chosen Friends; is Surgeon of Post French, 
G. A. R.; Clerk of the I'.oard of Education of Big 
Rapids; and President of the Northern Michigan 
Homeopathic .\ssociation. 

Dr. Whitney was married at Big Rapids, Nov. i 
1874, to Lizzie E., daughter of Alfred L. and Fannie 
M. Clark, born at Oswego, N. Y., .May 16, 1854. Dr. 
and Mrs. A\'hitney have one child — Fannie M., bom 
at Big Rapids, Mich., Sept. 25, 1875. 



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v^(?(» W, illiiini D. Hopkinson, merchant, at Paris, 
Mif and whose jiortrait we i)resent upon the 
'l^y^'^ preceding page, was born in Dutchess Co., 
kS^r N. Y., March 14,1848. His father, WiHiam 
Hopkinson, was a native of Vermont, and by 
profession a surveyor and civil engineer. Pie 
came West about 1840, in the pursuit of his business, 
and assisted in the surveys of Lake and Osceola 
Counties, and while in the discharge of his duties 
contracted disease, of which he dietl in i860. His 
mother, Phebe (Scoutin) Hopkinson, was born in 
the State of New York. She settled in Mecosta Co., 
Mich., in June, 1862, locating with a family of five 
children, on a farm in Green Tp., on which she still 
resides. 

Mr. Hopkinson had such advantages for education 
as the common schools afforded, and took a short 
course of study in Eastman's Commercial College, at 
Poughkeepsie, N. Y. He has spent 20 years of his 
life as a school-teacher, continuing that calling up to 
the spring of 1883. He opened his mercantile 
establishment at Paris in May of this year. 

He was married in 1872, to Mary A. Dodge, born 
in .St. Lawrence County, N. Y., and is a daughter of 
Luther and J'lne (Norton) Dodge. She is a lady of 
superior intellectual attainments and has devoted the 
greater part of the last 15 years to teaching. The 
graded school at Paris was under the care and man- 
agement of herself and husband in 1882-3. 'I' wo 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Hopkin- 
son : Cora ^L, in 1874, and Luther, Aug. 29, 18S3. 

Mr. Ho[)kinson held the position of Supervisor in 
1879-80. The year 1881 he spent in Dakota for the 
benefit of his health, and on his return to Michigan 
in 1882, was re-elected, holding the [lOst until the 
following spring. He is also a member of the School 
Board of Mecosta County. 



dward P. Strong, farmer, sec. 12, Sheri- 
dan Tp., was born Sept. 24, 1836, in the 
State of New York. He is a son of Abner 
^ .Strong, born in 1802, in New York, of English 
descent, and Marietta (Handy) Strong, born in 
1802, in the same State, and of the same line- 
age. They moved to Burlington, Mich., in 1837. 




Mr. Strong became " his own man " at the age of 
15, and after working some time as a farm assistant 
he learned the mason's trade, and afterward that of 
cooi)er. He came to Mecosta County in January, 
1866, and bought 80 acres of land, to which he has 
since added 77 acres, all of which at date of pur- 
chase was in its original state. The owner has 
placed 90 acres in a good state of cultivation. 

Mr. Strong enlisted in the late war, in Ionia County, 
in Co. P., i6th Mich. Inf, and served three years, 
receiving his discharge in Virginia, Aug. 12, 1864. 
He was wounded in the loft hand, June 30, 1862, at 
the battle of Bull Run. 

He was married Aug. 7, 1864, in Pennsylvania, to 
Mary, daughter of Aaron and Eliza (Thomas) How- 
ard. Her father was of Holland Dutch descent, and 
both her parents were born in Pennsylvania about 
the year 1800. Mrs. Strong was born in Schuylkill 
Co., Pa., April 4, 1840. Mr. and Mrs. Strong now 
have three children in their household, namely: 
Nelson A., born Oct. 9, 1868, and Eugenie B., May 
31, 1869; M rs. Strong had one child by a former mar- 
riage, Clara L., born Aug. 21, 1859. 

In regard to political issues, Mr. Strong is a Re- 
[Hililican. 

>ipiM(lbert H. Ganong, farmer, sec. 2, Grant Tp., 
I^^^JiT was born Jan. 22, 1841, in Hector, Tom p- 
''^M '''"s Co., N. Y., and is the son of John and 
^p|i Margaret Ganong. The father was a farmer, 
';' and was born June 27, 1798, in Orange Co., 
I N. v., and died Nov. 4, 1873. The mother was 
born in Tompkins County, in 1810, and died Feb. 17, 
1841. 

Mr. Ganong was but 26 days old when he was de- 
[)rived of maternal care, and was placed in charge of 
relatives until he was 10 years old, when he went 
to live with a man named J. C. C. Smith, residing in 
Seneca Co., N. V., under whose supervision he re- 
mained for nine years. He was engaged in the ca- 
pacity of farm bibcrer three years. 

In the second year of the war of the Rebellion he 
responded 10 the sentiment of patriotism that ruled 
the hour, and quickened into life the young and true 
impulses of the best blood in the lind, enlisting Aug. 
14, 1862, in Co. .A, 141st N. Y. Vol. Inf., and was 
assigned to the Department of the East, until after 



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the battle of Gettysburg, when his regiment was 
transferred to the Western Department, and was 
ordered to Chattanooga for the reUef of Gen. Rosen- 
crans. The first engagements there were those of 
Lookout Mountain and Missionary Ridge. A heavy 
battle was fought at Resaca, where the regiment suf- 
fered a loss of loi killed and wounded. They 
pressed on amid continued skirmishing to Altoona 
Station, where more heavy fighting took place. This 
was the last active service of Mr. Ganong, as he was 
attacked with illness and sent to the rear. He did 
not recover sufficiently to rejoin his command, and 
was discharged June i, 1865. 

He remained in his native State about six months, 
going thence to Fayette Co., Iowa, and worked as a 
farm laborer two years. He came thence to Grant 
Tp., and was occupied two years in lumbering. In 
1869 he entered and proved a claim of 80 acres, un- 
der the homestead law, which is one of the best 
tracts of land in the vicinity, *n location and iiuality 
of soil. 

Mr. Ganong was married in Cortland, Kent Co., 
Mich., Dec. 23, 1876, to Catherine Hayes. She was 
born Nov. 23, 1843, in Spring Harbor, Jackson Co, 
Mich., and is the daughter of Joseph F. and Eliza- 
beth B. Hayes, who are still living. There is one 
child, Nora M. Ganong, born April 26, 1S79. He 
is a Republican in political connection, and is a 
member of the G. A. R. and of tjie Masonic 
fraternity. 



~ff'fo\va W. Benscoter, farmer, sec. 2, Sheri- 
dan Tp., was born in Luzerne Co., Pa., 
' , '^'i' Jan. 24, 1827. He is the eldest of three 
!■'-'' children born to his parents, John and Sally 
^g (Masters) Benscoter, who were born in the 
P above county in 1801 and 1803 resjjectivcly, of 
German lineage. 

Mr. Benscoter was married to Ada B. Roberts, 
July 13, 1846, in Pennsylvania. She was born in 
that State, in Susquehanna County, July 9, 1829, 
and is the daughter of Oliver C. and Betsey (Harris) 
Roberts. The father was born in Peacham, Vt., 
Dec. 6, 1797, and died Aug. 15, 1882. The mother 
was born April 4, 1798, in Massachusetts, and resides 
with her daughter. 

Mr. and Mrs. Benscoter have been the parents of 





1 1 children, nine of whom are living. Following are 
their record : Sally A., born Feb. 5, 1849; Alexander 
W., Nov. 27, 1850; Viola, Nov. 10, 1852; Prudence 
J , April 29, 1855 ; Francis M., July 2, 1857 ; Chas. 
E., Jan. 4,1860; Finella T., Nov. 3,1862-. Hattie 
L., May 7, 1864 ; Bessie F., April 23, 1867 ; Harris 
AV., March 27, 1870; Erva, March 27, 1872. Bes- 
sie died Aug. 20, 1876; Erva died May 22, 1872. 

Mr. Benscoter came to Flint, Mich,, in April, 1865. 
In January, 1866, he went to Stanton, and March i, 
1867, settled on his homestead of 80 acres, in Sheri- 
dan Tp. He has cleared 60 acres, and placed 30 
acres imder cultivation. He has a good frame house 
and barn, besides other necessary farm buildings. 

In politics he is a Republican, and has held the 
office of Township Clerk five years, and in 1878-9 was 
Township Treasurer. 




iSp^"-^^ 



Wjonroe R. Kent, farmer, sec. i, Mecosta 
sh^/ Tp., was born in Mecosta County, Aug. 
'ji'^i^^ '' 3, 1862. He is the son of Rufus and 
jWf^ Mary D. (Greer) Kent (see sketch), and has 
T" always resided with his parents. In the spring 
'I of 1880 he assumed charge of the estate of his 
father, which he is still managing. Mr. Kent is a 
young man of more than ordinary promise. He has 
secured a fair education, is energetic, is possessed of 
excellent moral qualities, being strictly temperate, and 
has a fine physical constitution and firm, sound health. 
He is a voracious reader and well informed on all 
general issues. He has no particular religious bent 
and in political faith is a Democrat. He is engaged 
in progressive farming and raises some of the finest 
crops in the county, the grade of his products having 
been more than once among the successful competing 
articles of farm culture at fairs. 




homas Wylie, farmer, sec. 32, Chippewa 

Tp., was born in County Antrim, Ireland, in 

November, 1844, and is the son of Ben- 

■J& jamin and Ann (Mitchell) Wylie. They were 

'■'" both natives of Scotland, and are deceased. 

Mr. Wylie was reared in his native county, 
and assisted his father in farming until 1861, when 



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he emigrated to the United States. He went to 
Philadelphia, and after residing there some time 
went to Wellington Co., ("an., and there found em- 
ployment two years, as a farm laborer. He went 
thence to Wisconsin and worked for a railroad com- 
pany, in various capacities. Two years later he came 
to Grand Rapids, Mich., where he spent four months. 
In the f;ill of 1867 he came to Big Rapids and passed 
the winter; next spring he came to Chippewa Tp. and 
entered a homestead of So acres of land, the enlire 
tract being dense forest. He cleared a place to build 
a house, took possession of his property, and proceed- 
ed zealously with the labors and struggles of the 
pioneer farmer. He owns 120 acres of land, and Iins 
one half of it under tlie best kind of ctdtivation, 
realizing all the satisfaction possible to a successful 
agriculturist. 

He is neutral in politics, and has discharged the 
duties of a man and citizen in the various local 
offices to which he has been chosen. 

Mr. Wylie was married Oct. 29, 1866, to Christina 
McMullen, born in Wellington Co., Can., May 31, 
1848. She is a daughter of John and Grace (Blue) 
McMullen, natives of Scotland. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wylie have had seven children : Annie, John, Ben- 
jamin, Grace, Ellen, James and Jennie. The two 
. last named are not living. 



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''i ichard S. Decker, farmer on sec. 2, Mill- 
brook Tp., was born in IJelaware Co., N. Y., 



■^"' Sept. 10, 1825. In 1833 his parents re- 
V(V|^ moved to Canada, and Mr. Decker remained 



J 



there until he was t,}, years old, when the fam- 
ily went to Illinois and settled in Kane County. 
In the fall of i860 he came to Mecosta County and 
entered a claim of 40 acres of land under the Sw.unp 
Land act in MillbrookTp., then attached to Hinton. 
Mr. Decker was a laborer from the age of four years 
until he became a farmer in Michigan. Previous to 
his 30th year, he was employed at intervals in a ma- 
chine shop, alternating with farm work and as a car- 
penter. Two years before going to Illinois he was 
variously occupied, and in that State he was employed 
nearly three years as a carpenter. Reverses in Can- 
ada swept away all he had accumulated, and on 
coming to Mecosta County he began life anew. The 

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township had no independent organization until 1865, 5f 
and at the date of Mr. Decker's settlement this sec- f^ 
tion was mostly in a state of nature, the first per- 'v 
manent inhabitants of the township having been res- 
ident but a year. In the spring of 1861 Mr. Decker V^ 
entered upon the work of a pioneer; built a log house 
for his family and set about clearing his land. The 
year following he bought another tract of 40 acres of 
land and has since added 40 acres more, aggregating 
I 20 acres in all of which he has been the owner. 
His home farm now contains 76 acres of his original 
estate, and nearly all of this is well improved. In 
1870 the pioneer home gave place to its moilern rep- 
resentative — a good frame house, but the days of 
struggle and privation are still honored in the mem- 
ory of those who had the fortitude voluntarily to 
confront them and the forethought to look beyond to 
the years of fruition sure to follow honest, persistent 
endeavor. 

Mr. Decker was married Feb. 26, 185 1, to Ellen, 
second daughter of Lorenzo and Fanny (Fisher) 
Aldrich. Her parents were natives of New Hami)- 
shire and ^Lissachusetts respectively, and she was 
born in Lower Canada, Dec. 26, 1832. Mr. and Mrs. 
Decker have had seven children. The eldest, Dan- 
forth D., born Jan. 1 1, 1853, died a month afterbirth. 
Those surviving were born in the order named : 
Mary C, May 23, 1854 ; Ida M., March 11, 1856; 
Hiram S., May 22, 1S58; Leonard H., May 3, 1863; 
Darwin D., Aug. 6, 1867 ; Addie J., Oct. 19, 1869. 

In politics Mr. Decker is a Republican, as his rec- 
ord shows. He has served his township two terms 
as Supervisor, four terms as Treasurer, and has been 
Constable one year. While acting as custodian of 
the municipal finances he became involved in diffi- 
culties that caused serious trouble and considerable 
litigation. The safe where the moneys belonging to 
the township were deposited for security, was broken 
open and $800 abstracted; but Mr. Decker claims ex- 
oneration from responsibility in the affair. 

He was drafted in 1864 and served in the l^nion 
army until tlu- close of the war. His regiment was 
atlachcil to the lomniand of General Sherman, and 
Mr Decker was in most of the engagements of tha 
memorable campaign. Himself and wife are Advent- 
ists in religious belief. As one of the leading agri- ^ 
culturists and a prominent citizen of the county, we "/ 
present Mr. Decker's portrait in this Album. r^--'^ 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 




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Sriil W. Eldredge, dentist, office No. 115 Mich- 
1^ igan avenue, Big Rapids, was born in 
Monroe Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1843. His 
father, Erastus Eldredge, was born at Salem, 
Washington Co., N. Y., Aug. 28, 1789, and 
died Feb. 22, 1864. The paternal grandfather 
of Dr. Eldredge enlisted as a soldier of the 
Revolution at the beginning of the war, and was at 
one time on the staff of Gen. Washington. His 
father was a soldier of 18 12, and fought at Platts- 
burg. The Eldredge family, of English ancestry, is 
one of long standing in America. The mother of 
Dr. Eldredge was Anna, eldest daughter of Samuel 
Watson. She was born in Maine, Sept. 5, 1799, and 
died in Penfield, N. Y., near Rochester, Aug. 28, 
1883. Herfatherwas born in Maine, Jan. 3, 1777 ; her 
mother was born Dec. 12, 1877. They were the 
parents of 10 children, born in the following order; 
Anna, 1799; Rufus, 1802; Daniel, 1804; Marion, 
1805 ; Merrill, 1807; Samuel, Jr., 1809; Susan, 1814; 
Maria, 1816; Emily, 1819, and Frank 1822. Seven 
of these children are now living. The children of 
Mr and Mrs. Eldredge numbered ten: AVilliam, Ezra, 
Polly, Charles, Samuel, James, Daniel, Lewis. Irving, 
and Dr. A. W. Eldredge, the youngest. 

He was seized with scarlet fever when two years 
of age, and partly lost the use of his right leg, which 
resulted in permanent lameness. He was a pupil at 
school most of his youthful life, and at the age of 
20 attended the Commercial College at Poughkeep- 
sie ,N. Y., where he continued nine months. In 1 864 
he went to Chicago and was employed as book- 
keeper in the establishment of E. T. Darby, plumber 
and gas-fitter. He remained in this position eleven 
months, and then went to Angola, Ind., and pur- 
chased the grocery and provision business of his 
uncle. Three months later he made an advantage- 
ous sale of the concern and commenced preparation 
for his professional career in the office of James Raw- 
ley, dentist. In the spring of 1866 he went to York, 
Ind., remaining a year. In the fall of 1867 he came 
to Big Rapids and opened an office. Dr. Eldredge 
lias a prosperous practice, and employs two assist- 
ants. He is tlioroughly read and adoi)ts the best 
improvements in dental practice; is peculiady popu- 
lar in his business and social relations, from his char- 




acter of manly dignity and integrity, winning and re- V^ 
taining the respect and j)atronage of the public by 'k. 



;pect and j)atronage ol the pi 
his merits as a practitioner and gentleman. 

Dr. Eldredge was married at Fairport, N. Y., Xov. 
16, 1870, to Alcesta, daughter of Abner and Cornelia 
Brown. She was born at Fairport, Sept. 19, 1843. 



#^ 



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illiam A. McCombs, farmer, sees, i and 
2, Sheridan Ti)., was born May 16, 1825, 
in Columbiana Co., Ohio. His father, 
Archibald McCombs, was born in Washing- 
ton Co., Pa., in 1769 ; was of Scotch extrac- 
and died in 1875. The mother, Catherine 
(Jeffries) McCombs, was born in 1803, of English 
and Welsh descent, became the mother of 1 1 chil- 
dren, and is still living, in Wood Co., Ohio. 

Mr. McCombs is the third child of his parents, 
and was married Feb. 6, 1851,10 Catherine Patter- 
son. She died Oct. 22, i860, leaving six children, 
all of whom are living : Elizabeth Ann, John Wil- 
liam, Nicholas A., Caroline A., David M. and Archi- 
bald. Mr. McCombs was married March 17, 1861, 
at Uhricksville, Tuscarawas Co., Ohio, to Mrs. 
Susannah (Jackson) Parish, widow of Abraham 
Parish, to whom she was married in 1852. He died 
in 1856, leaving two children — Dorothy and James. 
Mrs. McCombs was born March 29, 1826, in Ponte- 
land, Northumberlandshire, Eng., a few miles from 
Newcastle-upon-Tyne. Her father, James Jackson, 
was born in England, about 1803, and died in Erie 
Co., N. Y., in 1855. Her mother, Dorothy (Familton) 
Jackson, was born Feb. 22, 1805, in the village of 
Duns, about half a mile from the field of Chevy 
Chase, in Northumberlandshire, Eng. She died in 
her native county Dec. 2, 1833. Mr. and Mrs. 
McCombs have had four children — Robert L., Sarah 
M., Etta M. and Nora B. The last child died when 
six months old. 

Mr. McCombs became a soldier in the late war, 
enlisUng at Camp Meigs, Ohio, in Co. G, 51st Ohio 
Inf , for three years, but was discharged on account 
of disability at the end of 18 months. He is a Demo- 
crat in political faith, and belongs to the Methodist 
Church. 

He came in 1865 to Mecosta County, and entered 
and proved a claim of 80 acres under the homestead 
law, and purchased 120 acres additional. Of this, 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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1 60 acres are under first-class cultivation, and ex- 
hibit a degree of thrift and industry eminently credit- 
able to the proprietor. He was a pioneer in the 
township of Sheridan. 




'ames M. Adair, farmer, sec. 22, Fork Tp., 
'^ was born in Niagara, Canada, Aug. 4, 1803, 
and is the son of John and Phebe (Mills) 
Adair, both of whom were born on the borders 
of the Susquehanna River. The fatlier was a 
soldier of the war of 1812, and held the rank 
of Quartermaster. 

Mr. Adair remained with his i>arents until the 
death of his father, in 1813. His mother married 
Hartman Freeland, and after a short time he went to 
learn the trade of blacksmith, wliich he followed five 
years, and afterwards was employed on a farm and at 
the carpenter and builder's trade. 

Mr. Adair was first married to Magdalene London, 
a native of Niagara Co., Canada, and became the 
father of five children, two of whom are living: 
Daniel L. and John H. The deceased were Mary, 
Annie and Phebe C. In 1830 Mr. .\dair moved to 
Lucas Co , Ohio, and resided there until 1868, when 
he came to Michigan and, Feb. 5, located 80 acres 
of land under the provisions of the homestead act, 
and has since continued a resident. He was married 
a second time in 1861, to Mrs. Caroline (Dewese) 
Swilzer. Mrs. Adair has one child, Martin A., by her 
first marriage. 

Politically Mr. Adair is a Democrat. He has been 
School Treasurer a number of years and served 
Fork Tp. 15 years as Justice of the Peace. 



'\^.w- ^°^®^ ^- ^y®> farmer, sec. 30, Sheridan Tp., 
J'l^ir^ "''^'5 '^Of" ^ct. 5, 1829, in Medina Co., 




Ohio., and is of Irish descent. He is a 
ly son of .\mos J. and Deborah (Scranton) Dye, 
"; nativesof Saratoga Co., N. Y. The lather was 
ly born Feb. 20, 1808, and was married in .March, 
1829. The mother was born July 15, iSio, of Welsh 
parentage, and is residing with her son James R. 
Amos J. Dye died in September, 1864. " 

Mr. Dye is an unmarried man, and is the olde.t 



child of his parents. He enlisted in the Mexican 
war in 1846, and was in the service four months. 
He also enlisted in the Union army, Feb. i, 1862, for 
three years, veteranized, and was honorably dis- 
charged in October, 1865. He enlisted in Mercer 
Co., Ohio, in Co. K, of the regiment known as the 
" Bloody Fortieth," and was a participant in some of 
the hardest-fought battles of the war. 

In ])olitics he belongs to the National or Green- 
back party. He has figured somewhat conspicuously 
in local jwlitics, and has been Justice of the Peace 
10 years. He settled in Sheridan Tp., March i, 
1866 ; owns 100 acres of land, and now has 45 acres 
under cultivation. 



ly^^avid Ackerman, farmer, sec. 22, Fork T[), 




^P»l 'i|. was born in Cayuga Co., N. V., July i, 
*^iX'f^ 1807, and is son of John and Rachel (Ben- 
"'jmiv nett) Ackerman. His parents were born in 
f- New York, and his paternal grandfather, W'ill- 
', iam .Vckerman, was born in France, came to 
this country witli tlie French troops under LaFayetle 
and fought in the American Revolution. 

The mother of Mr. Ackerman died when he was 
but eight years of age, and he was reared by his 
grandfather to the age of 14 years. He engaged as 
a farm laljorer until 1826, when he went to Broome 
Co., N. v., and the ne.xt two summers worked on a 
farm and followed the oc<5\ipation of a lumberman in 
the winter. He went thence to Onondaga Co., N. 
Y., and in 1828 was marrieil to Electa, daughter of 
Daniel and Anna (Norton) Woodford. Six children 
were born of this marriage, three of whom are now 
living: Electa M., Rhoda A. and Emily M. The 
mother died in 1843 and Mr. Ackerman was again 
married Jan. 26, 1846, to Mary Ann, daughter of 
James and Ruth (Gould) Ford, the former a native 
of New York, born Feb. 28, 1776, of English parent- 
age ; the latter was born in Dutchess Co., N. Y., 
May 5, 1779. Mr. and Mrs. Ackerman have had 
five children, four of whom now survive — Alzina I,., 
Charles .\., Edward E. and Imogene N. James H. 
is deceased. Mrs. Ackerman 's grandfather, Nathaniel 
Ford, was a Colonel in the Revolutionary war. 

Mr. Ackerman resided in New York until 1832, 
when he went to Huron Co., Ohio, and resided there 



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six years ; he moved thence to La Grange Co., Ind., 
where his first wife died. He moved next to Cal- 
houn Co., Mich., in 1857, and was there 21 years; 
then he came to Mecosta Co., Mich., in 1S78 and lo- 
cated in the township of Fork. Politically Mr. Ack- 
erman is a Democrat. 



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If ohn H. Bright, farmer, sec. 26, Fork Tp., 

'TF-'2],; was liorn in Darke Co., Ohio, April 21, 1853, 

■ '^ and is a son of Jesse Bright, who was born 

\,'J' in Nortli Carolina, and after the death of his 

if wife in 1859 married again and moved to Ohio, 

V goi'ig thence to Indiana, and after a brief stay 

moved to Montcalm Co., Mich.; in 1870 he came to 

Mecosta County, and settled in Fork Tp., locating a 

farm containing 80 acres, under the homestead act, 

on which he has since resided. 

Mr. Bright acquired his education in the common 
schools and was bred to agricultural pursuits. He 
accompanied his father to Mecosta County, and is 
now resident on- a farm in the same section. He was 
married in 1876, to Rosa M., daughter of William 
and Jane (Sidler) Creevey, born Jan. 8, i860, in Eaton 
Co., Mich. The children of Mr. and Mrs. Bright 
are Eva Jane, Jessie Bell and John William. Mr. 
Bright is a Republican in political adherence, and 
has served his township in several local offices. 




illiam H. Audfews, saw repairer at Big 
Rapids, was born in Sheffield, Eng., Sept. 
17, 1831. Benjamin Andrews, his f.ttlier, 
was born in Sheffield, in May, 1792, and his 
mother, Sarah (Utley) Andrews, in September 
of the same year. The grandparents of Mr. An- 
drews belonged to the agricultural class of England, 
but the sons on the paternal side were brought up as 
artificers in Sheffield, celebrated the world over for 
its cutlery and artisans' tools in metals. Mr. An- 
A. drews' father carried on a general hardware business 
V in Ix)ndon for ten years, and came to New York with 
^ his family in 1834, where he carried on the business 

fof saw repairing until his death, Dec. 3, 1841. The 
mother died in Elmira, N. Y., March 8, 1869. Wm. 
>^ Andrews, uncle of Mr. Andrews, of this sketch, 
(Is) came to the United States in 1819, and brought witli 
V^ him the first saw-makers' anvil ever used this side of 




the Atlantic. The anvil has been preserved and 
was exhibited at the Centennial ExposUion at Phila- 
delphia, by Emanuel Andrews, brother of Mr. An- 
drews, of Big Rapids, himself at that time a saw- 
maker located at Williamsport, and the first founder 
of saw-making as a regular calling in Chicago. The 
uncle went to Auburn, N. Y , and founded an estab- 
lishment for the repairing of saws, where he died. 

Mr. Andrews spent his boyhood's years in school. 
At 14 he was apprenticed to the well-known house of 
R. Hoe & Co., of New York, to learn the trade of 
saw-making, to serve until he attained his majority. 
He remained a year after the expiration of his in- 
dentures, and in 1853 went to Elmira, N. Y., and 
worked a year there with his brother Emanuel, whom 
he accompanied to Chicago in 1854. He afterwards 
returned to Elmira and there pursued his trade until 
187 I, when he went to Williamsport and was again 
engaged with his brother Emanuel for the space of 
two and one-half years. He came to Big Rapids in 
1874, and, associated with his brother Joseph, opened 
a shop for the s.de and repair of saws. His business 
relations with liis brotlier ceased at the end of ten 
months. In April, 1883, he bought the site where 
he is now located, and erected his shop, a structure 
20x36 feet. His business includes re-teething, gum- 
ming and straightening saws, and his trade is pros- 
perous and profitable. 

Mr. Andrews wiis married at Big Rapids, July 24, 
1880, to Anna, widow of Peter Klynsma. Mrs. An- 
drews was born June 22, 1848, in Holland, and is the 
mother of one child from her first marriage. Mr. 
Andrews belongs to the Masonic Order, Union Lodge, 
No. 95, at Elmira, N- V.; also to the Royal Arch 
Chapter, No. 42, of Elmira, and is a member of 
Southern Tier Council, No. 16. 



illis Morse, farmer, sec. 12, Grant Tj 



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lilJLl ''- w^s 1^0''" ^"^- -'' '^3°' ^^ Concord, N. H. 

),^ir'''^' His parents, Jacob and Nancy Morse, 

\3.' were both natives of New York. Mr. Morse 
"IvlT"' was reared to the vocation of agricultiire, 
\ which he pursued until lie was 31 years old, 
wlien the Soutliern Rebellion, with all its horrors 
and attendant calamities, made its fierce onset to 
destroy the national unity. 

He enlisted Sept. 15, 1861, in Co. H, 44th N. Y. 



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V^ Vol. Inf., Cul. Striker. His regiment rendezvoused 
'Tij at Albany about five weeks, and then went to the 
,'^'^ front. The first battle in which Mr. Morse engaged 
was at Yorkiown, followed by that of Hanover Court- 
House, May 27, 1S62, where he received a bad scalp 
wound from a niinie ball. After a lengthened stay 
in the hospital he was furloughed 30 days. When 
he rejoined his regiment at Harrison's Landing, the 
Union fortes were falling back, and his command 
was detailed to protect the Federal Capital when Lee 
crossed ^Llryland with the e.\pectation that that 
State would rise to his aid, and the capture of Wash- 
ington be a comparative tritle. But the rebel chief 
found his hopes vain, and, instead of establishing him- 
self in the seat of the Union Government, he found 
battle precipitated at (Gettysburg. 'I'he regiment of 
Mr. Morse reached that most memorable field of the 
conflict on the second day of the fight, and at once 
went into action. He was wounded twice in the 
head and removed to the hos[)itat, whence he was 
sen', to Baltimore. Four months later he joinetl his 
regiment at Fredericksburg, and was next in the 
fight at Chancellorsville, under Hooker; and, after 
that most disastrous campaign, retreated to the north- 
ern bank of the Rappahannock, near Manassas. 
After the second Bull Run fight he went to Alexan- 
dria, and thence to Washington Hospital, on the sick 
list. He was transferred to the hospital at Point 
Lookout, and after four months again rejoined his 
regiment. The seven days' battles of the Wilderness 
ensued immediately, when Mr. Morse was captured. 
He was held by the rebels about 36 hours, when a 
charge was made by Cen. Custer and a rescue 
effected. He accompanied the forces of the cavalry 
chief to City Point, and went back to his command 
via Washington. He took part in all the liattles 
where his regiment was engaged, until his discharge 
from service, Oct. 11, 1864. 

He came to Michigan, and in July, 1866, entered 
a claim of 80 acres of land, where he established his 
homestead. The entire tract was covered with heavy 
timber. He has added to his estate by subsequent 
purchase, and now owns a fine landed properly of 
240 acres. In jwlitics he is indei)endent. 

He was married Nov. 21, 187 1, to Ruth A., 
daughter of Elijah and Rhoda Blanchard, of Chip- 
pewa, Mich. Mrs. Morse was born Aug. 16, 1S49, 
at Calon, Steuben Co., N. Y. Of this marriage there 

^^^^ — ^-K^na 





are four children, lx)rn as follows : Nancy R., March 
29, 1874; Emmett L., May 8, 1875 ; Leonard E., 
Nov. 19, 1877; Orville T., Aug. 19, 1879. 



'V^^<' l;?;i?"icc;M: ^►i"»,rv. 



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^^^^ames M. Darrah, of the firm of Darrah 
'S^^i'' '^''o*- '''^' ^ '^•' proprietors of the City Flouring 
|te.^% Mills at Big Rapids, 



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'W and Sinia (Mitel: 
Y* Co., Pa., when h 



was born in Luzerne 

^ Co., Pa., March 4, 1835. His parents, Robert 
hell) Darrah, went to Jefferson 
he was two years of age, and 
where his father engaged in farming and lumbering. 
His parents and brother came west in the spring of 
1856, and in the fall he followed. He found eniplov- 
ment in the lumber woods and for some time worked 
by the month, engaging a part of the time in scaling 
logs. He was in the service of the lumber firm of 
Roberts & Hull nine years, and during the three 
last of these he was in sole charge of tiieir lumber 
interests. The force of assistants numbered nearly 
100 men. 

.\t the end of nine years he bought limber land 
and engaged in [lie lumber trade on his own behalf, 
and also conlinucd to fulfill contracts to furnish lum- 
ber for other parties. In the winter of 1S82-3 he 
managed the labors of .So men, and put in nearly 
seven million feet of lumber. 

In .\ugust, 1882, the Darrah Bros. (James M. and 
Ciiarles M.) bought the City Flouring Mills in upper 
Big Rapids, and not long afterward the son of one 
member of the firm, W. E. Darrali, was admitted to 
the firm as a partner. They are now engaged in 
building a new mill for llieir trade and will ap|iropri- 
ate the old mill to custom work and feed. 

Mr. Darrah owns a fine farm on sec. 2ih '^^ dreen 
Tp., containing 80 acres of land; also one of 80 acres 
in the Township of Colfax, and 40 acres of land in 
Missaukee County, besides four lots in the city of Big 
Rapids. He was married at Big Rapids, Oct. 11. 
1874, to Emma L., daughter of Daniel C. and Rhcu- 
ama Gore. Mrs. Darrah was born at Elkhart, Ind. 
Nov. 28, 1852. Of her marriage to Mr. Darrah three 
children have been born, — Grace E., March 9, 1877; 
Ella R. and James Chester. Only the first named 
child survives Mr. Darrah is a member of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, and was one of the charier members 
of the Big Rapids National Bank. He was elected 



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Director al its organization and is a member of its 
present Board. 

As one of tlie reiiresentative citizens of this County, 
and a gentleman well worthy the position, we present 
the portrait of Mr. Darrah in this work. 




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|enjamin T. Lovejoy, farmer, sec. 4, Sheri- 
dan Tp.,was born Jan. 16, 1830, in Catta- 
raugus Co., N. Y. Almon Lovejov, his 
father, was born in Connecticut, June 22, 
1792, and came of a clear line of Puritan 
ancestry, and died Nov. 27, 1880. His 
mother, Hannah (Ames) Lovejoy, w^s of Welsh 
descent, born near the extremity of Lake Ontario, in 
the State of New York, Sept. 18, 1795, and died Nov. 
6, 1880. 

Mr. Lovejoy was married Dec. 25, 1857, in Paris 
Tp., Kent. Co., Mich., to Charlotte A. Van Amburgh. 
She was born May 6 1830, in Oakland Co., Mich., and 
is a daughter of Matthew Van Auiburgh. Mr. and 
Mrs. Lovejoy have been the parents of four children, 
born as follows: Almon M., Oct. 22, 1859; Abner 
L., May 19, i85i; James Nelson and George Ben- 
jamin, twins, born Feb. 16, 1863, and died three 
weeks subsequent to birth. 

Mr. Lovejoy came to the State of Michigan in the 
fall of r843, ^"d settled in Hillsdale County. Li 
1855 he went to Kent County, where he remained 25 
years. 

On the outbreak of the Southern Rebellion, he felt 
himself impelled to do all in his power to avert from 
the nation the impending evils of disruption. He 
enlisted Aug. 5, 1862, in Co. E, 21st Mich. Vol. 
Inf., and was in the service three years, three 
months and seven days. Among other engage- 
ments in which he took part were the battles of 
Perryville, Ky., Oct. 8,1862; Miirfreesboro, Tenn., 
Dec. 31, 1862, and Jan. i and 2, 1863. He was 
transferred to the Livalid Corps on account of dis- 
ability, and was discharged Nov. 12, 1865, at Spring- 
field, 111. 

He came to Mecosta County in 1S80, and boughl 
80 acres of land, where he has since been farming. 
He has improved his farm to the best advantage; 
has 50 acres in tillage, a good frame house, and suit- 
able farm buildings. He is a Republican and be- 
longs to the United Brethren Church. 






ugh Johnson, farmer and lumberman, sec. 
6, Chippewa Tp., was born in Middlesex 
Co., Can., June 18, 1833, and is a son of 
Alexander and Mary (Nesbit) Johnson. They 
were natives of Scotland, where the father was 
born, in February, 1794, and the mother in 
January, 1806. They came from their native land 
to Canada iii 1820, and lived on a farm until the 
death of the senior Johnson, which occurred Oct. 4, 
1874. In 1882 the mother became an inmate of the 
family of her son. 

Mr. Johnson became " his own man " at the age 
of 18 years, working as a day laborer on a farm and 
as a hand in the saw-mills of the vicinity where he 
grew to manhood. He was married in i860, to 
Margaret, daughter of John and Wealthy (Degraw) 
Whiting. The parents were born in the State of 
New York, the daughter in Caradock, Middlesex Co., 
Can. After his marriage, Mr. Johnson operated as a 
farmer in the Dominion 12 years. He sold out and 
in July, 1876, came to Chippewa Tp., Mecosta Co., 
bought 136 acres of land on sec. 6, and engaged 
exclusively in agriculture until 1882. In that year, 
associated with his brother, John, he erected a saw- 
mill and has since been diligently engaged in the 
manufacture of lumber. The niill has all the most 
desirable modern fixtures, with a capacity to saw 
daily 12,000 feet of hard or soft lumber. 

Mr. and Mrs. Johnson have been the parents of 
five children. Three are still living, — Amelia L., 
Alexander G. and Maggie L. Two are deceased, — 
Wealthy A. and Mary E. The family attend the 
Baptist Church. Mr. Johnson is a Republican. 



l.Vharles B. Lovejoy, grocer at Big Rapids, 
i£ was born in Locke, Ingham Co., Mich., 
May 21, 1844, and is a son of Israel H. 
and Mary B. (Hill) Lovejoy. The father set- 
tled in Locke in 1840, when that and the 
' joining townships were in their primeval con- 
dition. In order to reach the location of his claim, 
he was under the necessity of cutting a road through 
the wilderness a distance of three miles. At that 
time only half a dozen families were settled in the 
township, and those at widely distant points. 










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Lansing was the market for the produce of Ingham 
County, and the city pioneers were then clearing 
away the limber, where now the thronging citizens 
traverse finely graded streets and behold stately and 
splendid buildings. Mr. Lovejoy, Sr., was the 
youngest in a family of two brothers and three sis- 
ters, all of whom are now living, each having an 
average age of ^^\i years. He is a second cousin 
of the brothers Elijah Parish Lovejoy and Owen 
Lovejoy, the great Abolitionists. (The former died 
a martyr to princii)le on the evening of Nov. 7, 1837, 
at Alton, 111., and the latter was a conspicuous mem- 
ber of Congress, who died in 1S64.) 

Mr. Lovejoy, of this sketch, is the eldest of nine 
children who attained mature age. (Two sisters and 
one brother are now deceased). He was reared on 
a farm, and at 20 years of age went to Albion, Mich., 
where he took a special course of commercial study 
at Mayhew's Business College. On leaving school 
he made his parents a short visit, and with $8.50 as 
a capital for future operations he set out to Bay City 
to commence life on his own account. Eight weeks 
later he went home and entered the eni|)loy of 
George N. Cady, merchant at Albion, at $10 per 
month and board. Six months later a better situa- 
tion offered, and he went to Litchfield, Hillsdale 
Co., Mich., to enter the store of his cousins, F. E. 
& A. C. Lovejoy, as clerk and accountant, where he 
remained three years; in 187 1 he came to Big Rap- 
ids, where he engaged as book-keeper five years; in 
1876 he formed a partnership with John G. Gill, in 
the grocery business, a relation which existed 18 
months and dissolved. He was for some time em- 
ployed by various firms in the capacity of account- 
ant, and .Sept. i, 1883, entered the business house of 
Cannon & Gottshall, as book-keeper of the Big Rap- 
ids Iron Works, but only remained until October, 
15. '883, when he went into the general grocery 
business on his own account. 

Mr. Lovejoy was married in Litchfield, July, 10, 
1870,10 Lucy E., daughter of Hanford B. and Jane 
Wood. Of their marriage four children have been 
born, namely, Winfield E., Allie M., Edith M. and 
Edna J. (twins). Mr. Lovejoy is a member of ilie 
Mas(jnic Order and Royal Arch Chapter; has also 
been a member of the Board of Education of the 
Fifth Ward five years, and in 1875 was Supervisor of 
that ward. He owns his residence and three lots on 
North Stewart avenue. 




429 ^ 



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.^fjEj^jharles L. Tuttle, farmer, sec. 18, Grant v, 
ij|k=ial Tp. was born in Rochester, Monroe Co., 
^}^ N. Y., Jan. 18, 1836, and is a son of David 
^^ and Mary Ann Tuttle. His father was born 

Vy. Jan. 3, 1 813, in New York, and died Sept. i, 

^ 1879. His mother was born in the Empire 
Stale Sept. 24, 18 15, and died Feb. 15, 1847. 

Mr. Tuttle became a citizen of the Peninsular 
State in 1864. After a stay of a few months at 
Grand Rapids he went to Cannon Tp., Kent Co., 
where he remained a year, and after passing a simi- 
lar period of time in the township of Cortland, in 
that county, he came to Grant Tp., and entered a 
homestead claim of 80 acres. He has since bought 
80 acres across the highway on sec. 19, both tracts 
being choice land. In 1880 he built a fine dwelling- 
house on sec. 18, at an expenditure of §2,000. 

Mr. Tuttle was married Jan. 6, 1858, lo Mary C. 
daughter of R. L. and Mary LTnderhill. The father 
was born April 27, 1810, in New York, and died 
Aug. 10, 1854; his father, Samuel Underbill, was 
born in the same State, in 1777, and died Aug. 17, 
1850. The mother was born Nov. 19, 18 14, and 
died April 4, 1852. The grandmother, wife of Sam- 
uel Underbill, was bom in 1780, and died May 20, 
1859. Mrs. Tuttle was born at Allen, Allegany Co., 
N. Y., March 4, 1833. She is the mother of six 
children: Livingston D., born June 18, 1859; James 
W., Sept. 18, 1861; Roseltha A., June 11, 1863 
(died .Sept. 2, 1876); Irving A., July 4, 1865; Charies 
M., July 9, 1S70 (died July 26, 1870); Florence L., 
Sept. 13, 187 I (died Aug. 30, 1873). Mr. Tuttle is 
a Republican in political sentiment and was the first 
Supervisor after the organization of the township. 
Himself and wife are members of the I'nited Breth- 
ren Church. 

Livingston I). Tuttle, farmer, sec. 19, was married 
March 7, 1881, to Mary Ella, daughter of Ralph and 
Sarah A. Walker, born Sept. 7, 1857. There is one 
child, — Rali)h Latham Tuttle, — born .\pril 15, 18S2. 

In selecting representative men with whose por- 
traits we wish to embellish this .Vlbum, we have cho- 
sen the subject of this biography, Mr. Tuttle, and 
present his portrait u|)on the preceding page. 



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ames P. Cawthorne, fanner, on sec. 36, 
Wheatland Tp., was born in Flint, Genesee 
y.x^ Co., Mich., May 7, 1853. His father, John 
'%% ^^'- Cawthorne, is an Englishman by birth and 
ir descent, and his mother, Myra J. (Calkins) 
I Cawthorne, is a. native of New York. Mr, 
Cawthorne is a music teacher by profession and has 
for years combined his labors in that avenue with the 
other duties of life which have devolved upon him. 
He finished his preparation for his vocation at the 
State Normal School at Ypsilanti and begin to teach 
in 1872. He justly deserves the wide local reputa- 
tion he has earned as a skillful musician and a com- 
petent teacher, whose success in the latter capacity is 
acknowledged without qualification. He teaches 
both vocal and instrumental music. He was married 
March 2, 1876, to Susie A., daughter of John A. and 
Ada ((jolden) Wood, who was born May 27, i860, in 
Chemung Co., N. Y. Her parents are of French and 
German descent. After their marriage, Mr. and 
Mrs. Cawthorne resided with their parents until 18S1, 
when they located on the farm where they now reside. 
The place was purchased some years previous, and 
contains 120 acres, with 47 acres under cultivation. 
Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Cawthorne are 
two children : Charles C, born June 3, 1879, and 
Mabel, Nov. 9, 1882. Mr. Cawthorne is a Reinibli- 
can in politics, and is Secretary of the Order of Good 
Templars. Himself and wife belong to the M. E. 
Church. 



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Jl^^liarnabas Kelley, farmer, sec. 13, Millbrook 
-^lE^Jl^ Tp., was born in Canada, Sept. 15, 1841. 
^'{^Jjif^ His parents, William and Maria (Samos) 
''1^'^ Kelley, were also natives of Canada, and about 
1869 settled in Wheatland, Mecosta Co., 
where they now reside. Until the age of 16 
Mr. Kelley passed his time at school and as a farm 
laborer; after this, until he was 22 years old, he was 
in the employ of various farmers, and passed one 
year working as a lumberman. He came to Ionia 
Co., Mich., in 1S65, and worked one year on a farm, 
coming to Millbrook in 1 866. He purchased 40 acres 
of wild land on sec. 14, and at once commenced 




clearing and otherwise improving it. To his original 
purchase he has added too acres, and now owns a 
valuable farm of 140 acres, with a considerable pro- 
portion under the plow, and a good house and barn. 
He has acquired his property by frugality, persistency, 
and the exercise of good judgment. 

He was married in Canada, Jan. 27, 1863, to Mary 
L., daugliter of Samuel and Betsy Fisher, and they 
have had five children : Almon E., Charles H., 
William E., Ida A., and Medora D. Mr. and Mrs. 
Kelley are members of the Advent Christian Church. 
In politics Mr. K. is an an ardent Republican. 



^JAU^i" 





andall T. Capen, retired farmer, resident at 
Remus, was born in Tolland Co., Conn., 
June 2, 1823. His jiarents, Philip R. and 
Julia A. (Fenton) Capen, were natives of Con- 
necticut and of English descent. During the 
I years previous to attaining his majority, Mr. 
Capen attended school winters, and spent alternate 
summers in labor in the cotton factories at Windham 
and Bozrah. On reaching the age of 21 years he 
entered Swift's cotton mill asoverseer, and afterwards 
occupied the same position in Fitch's mill, in the 
town of Bozrah. He was married June 16, 1S44, to 
Julia A., daughter of Geo. H. and Lydia A. (Miller) 
Armstrong, who was born Dec. 1, 1825, and is of 
English and Scotch descent. She was liberally ed- 
ucated in her native State, and in hergeneral deport- 
ment gives evidence of her New England training. 
Mr. and Mrs. Capen worked in the cotton mills after 
their marriage until the fall of 1847, when Mr. Capen 
had a serious attack of hemorrhage of the lungs, 
and was incapacitated for labor three years. When 
sufficiently recovered he engaged in farming, adopt- 
ing agriculture as a calling in life in 1850, pursuing 
it diligently until the last few months, when he re- 
tired from active life and fi.xed his residence at Re- 
mus. 

In 1850 Mr. Capen went to Jefferson Co., Ohio, 
where he owned a farm, and operated until the fall 
of 1S59. He then came to Wheatland and bought 
I 20 acres of wild land, built a pioneer's shanty and 
proceeded after the most approved pioneer style to 
clear and improve his farm, putting 45 acres in first- 
class farming condition. 

The first election held in the lownshi]) of \\'heat- 



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^ land occurred at the house of Mr. Capen. It was in 
^j the fall of 1864, and 14 voters asseinliloil, i_;ut iliciii 
.'fl castinn their liallots lor Ahiahaiii l.iiuolii k>r I'lcsi- 
• dent. 



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.Mr. and Mrs. Capen luive live cliiUlren, vi/..; 
Cyrus R., born July 5, 1S45 ; Charles H., (U:l. 15. 
1849; Pearl L., Keh. i,^, 1855; Ellen J., .April 19, 
1S63; Estella R., Sept. 1, 1S66. Tiiey have re- 
ceived a good business as well as common-school 
education. Mr. Capen is a radical Republican in poli- 
tics and has held various local offices. He is a 
member of the I. O. of G. T. at Millbiook. 




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eorge Brady, farmer on sec. 22, yElna 'I'p , 
was born in Virginia, Feb. 18, 1823, and is 
a son of Thomas and Jemima (Culver) 
Brady, who were natives of Canada, '{"he 
date of the father's birth i . unknown, but he 
ived in Virginia all the early period of his 
/^ life, and died in Seneca Co., Ohio, in 1839. The 
mother wa.s born in iSi i and died at the age of 72 
years, at the residence of her son, and was buried in 
the Morley Cemetery. On the death of his father 
the maintenance of the family devolved on Mr. 
Brady, and they soon after went to ."^andusky Co., 
Ohio, where they remained until 1847, t'l"-'" .^^oi'ig to 
Fulton Co., Ohio, where th^y resided until 1856, the 
date of their settlement at C'roton, Newaygo Co., and 
after a residence of two years they came to ^l^tna 
Tp., where they fi.xed their residence on 80 acres, 
which Mr. Brady had previously purchased. It was 
all in timber, and Mr. Brady built the usual log 
house and sought his fortune in the lumber business. 
The original purchase of 80 acres is now in a fine 
slnte of cultivation, well supplied with modern build- 
ings except the house, which will soon be replaced 
by a suitable residence. 

Mr. Brady is the uldest resident settler of/Ktna 
Tp. He was an inhabitant of the township seven 
years before its organization. He was married in 
s-^- Fulton Co., Ohio, Jan. i, 1862, at the age of 28, to 
1 Alvira, daughter of John and Permelia (Hadley) 
■-'- Davis, born Feb. 11, 1835; parents were natives of 

fOhio and of Scotch-Irish descent. Mr. and Mrs. 
Brady iiave had eight < hildren, si.\of whom survive: 
^r») Kiugene, born Jan. 5, i8t;4; Adelbert, May 20, 1856; 
^ Adaline, March 6, 1861; William, Aug. 10, 1863; 



'^ 



Isabell, Oct. 23, 1867. Those decased are, Florence, ^ 

born May 1 i, 1856, died July 15, 1857 ; a child born 4 
Sept. [, 1872, died Nov. 12, 1882. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brady are active members of society, 
though of liberal religious views. Mr. Brady is still . " 
in busy life, and, as a land inspector, has no rival. 
He is independent in |K)litical thought and action. 



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lljLgl^iidrew MeFarlane, farmer, sec. 16, C.reen 

i^^^Jt Tp., was born in (iodmanchester, Can., Oct. 

/; f !f> 30, 1835, and is a son of Andrew and Margaret 

V .i ((Jray) MeFarlane. His parents were natives 

of Scotland and emigrated to America in early 

life, locating in Canada, where the father died; the 

mother came to the " States " with her children. -She 

is still living and has a home with her son I'eter, in 

Mecosta County. 

Andrew MeFarlane came to Michigan in 1856. 
Reaching Grand Rapids by established routes of 
travel, he found that an almost trackless wilderness 
lay between him and his \y6\w\. of destination, and in 
the fall of that year he walked to Mecosta County, 
and found employment in the lumber camps during 
that winter. In the spring of 1S57 he bought 160 
acres of land, paying therefor ten shillings per acre, 
located near Hersey, Osceola Co., and on it he 
labored five years. In 1862 he sold his farm and 
bought a half interest in a mill and a tract of land, 
and turned his attention and energies to milling and 
lumbering. He was thus occupied about 16 years, 
sold out again and interested himself in hotel and 
mercantile business at Paris, in which he continued 
si.\ years. In May, 1878, his store was burned, and 
he determined to devote the balance of his life to 
agriculture and settled on his present farm. He 
owns 640 acres of land in Mecosta and Osceola 
Counties, his home place having 150 acres in the 
best condition for agricultural i)urposes. 

Mr. MeFarlane was married July 5, 1862, to Laura 
E., daughter of James and Laura L. (Hungerford) 
Montague, born Oct. 9, 1845. (See sketch of C. H. 
Montague.) Mr. and Mrs. MeFarlane have had 
five children, born as follows: James A., .Aug. 18, 
1865; {Villiam A., March 28, 1867; Henry C., Feb. 
5, 1870; Frederick, Dec. 15, 1882. John M., born 
Dec. 12, 1863, died Aug. 26, 1866. Mr. MeFarlane 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 





^ has always been alive to the public interest of the com- 
^ munity of which he is a meml)er, and served his 
•'.^ townshi|) in several local offices; is at present School 
T and Township Treasurer. Himself and wife are 
^1 members of the M. E. Church. Politically he is a 

Republican. We give a iMrtrait of Mr. McFarlane 

opjx)site the preceding page. 






arry M, Wilder, farmer, sec. 30, ('.rant 

Tp., was l)orn March 20, 1837, in Pontiac, 

Oakland Co., Mich., and is a son of Joel 

and Hannah Wilder, both of whom were natives 

of Ontario, N. Y. His father was born Sept. 6, 

1794, and died June 28, 1S67 ; and his mother 

was born July 19, iSoo, and is now living in Lapeer 

Co., Mich., where tlie family settled in 1836. 

Mr. Wilder became a soldier of the civil war, en- 
listing at Detroit, Aug. 20, 1861, in Co. F, i6th 
Mich. Vol. Inf. His regiment was assigned to the 
Army of the Potomac. He [)articipated in the siege of 
Yorktown, in April, 1862 ; Hanover Court-House, 
May 27, 1862; Mechanicsville, June 26, 1862; 
Gaines' Hill, June 27 ; White-Oak Swamp, June 30; 
Malvern Hill, June 30; Turkey P.end, July i ; 2d 
Bull Run, Aug. 30; Antietam, Sept. 16; Shepards- 
town, Sept. 19; Fredericksburg, Hec. 13; Chancel- 
lorsville, .\pril 3, 1863; Middleburg, June 21; 
Cettysburg, July i to 3 ; Williamsport, July 12; 
Wapping Height, July 21 ; Bristow Station, Oct. 14; 
Rappahannock Station, Nov. 7 ; Mine Run, Nov. 27 ; 
Wilderness.May 5, 1864; Laurel Hill, May 8; Sfx^tt- 
sylvania Court-House, May 18; Magnolia Swamp, 
June I ; Bethsaida Church, June 2 ; Petersburg, 
June iS; Petersburg & Norfolk Railroad, July 30; 
Weldon Railroad, Aug. 18, 19, 21 ; Preble Farm, Sept. 
30; Hatcher's Run, Oct. 27; Dabney Mill, Feb. 6, 
1865 ; Hatcher's Run (2d), March 25, 1865. 

Mr. Wilder holds the following testimonial from 
his superior officer: 

"Sir: Accept my congratulations and thanks for 
having so nobly and successfully perforpied your 
duty during your perilous term of service, ai^d for 
having been connected with an organization which 
has with honor to itself participated in the following 






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named Iwttles : (See foregoing list.) With many 
good wishes for your future, 

I am respectfully yours, 

B. F. P.^ TKinGE, 
Col. Commanding 16th Mich. Vol Inf.' 

Mr. Wilder was married Jan. 15, 1863, to Melinda 
Thompson, of Lapeer Co., Mich., born April 26, 1845. 
One child was born of this marriage — Don J., March 
31, 1866. The mother died .April 21, 1866; and Mr. 
Wilder was again married June 18, 1867, to Lydia 
K., daughter of L. D. and Nancy Marsh, of Charlotte, 
Katon Co., Mich. She was born in Ouincy, Branch 
Co., Mich., May 22, 1849. Of this marriage two 
children have been born: Del. C., .\ug. 17, 1870, and 
l)io D., May 28, 1872. 

Mr. Wilder came to this townshii)in August, 1865, 
and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres, where he 
has since resided. He has held the offices of Justice 
of the Peace and Road Commissioner,- is a member 
of the G. A. R. and of the Order of Masonry. He 
was one of 12 voters who organized the township in 
1 866, and his first wife's death was the first event of 
that character in Grant. The present Mrs. Wilder 
tauglit the first school term of 13 weeks. She re- 
ceived Init $2.20 cash for her services, her patrons 
paying her in such articles as they possessed. One 
man settled his proportion with ax-helves, another 
with part of a harness, another sent his ox-team to 
work on her husband's farm. 

Those people were all honorable, and iiave made 
their way in the world, now owning well improved 
farms. The character of the primary school-ma'am 
of Grant may be better understood from the fact that 
she walked twice to Big Rapids and back — 15 miles 
— to hear political speeches, feeling it her duty to be 
informed on the popular issues of the day. 



unson Lamb, farmer on sec. 5, .Etna Tp. 
was born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Oct. 15, 
1829. His parents, Isaac and Emeline 
(Hickok) Lamb, were natives of New York t^ 
■,!" and Vermont respectively. He came to Mich- 
igan in 1838, and made his first location at 
Hillsdale, where he was married in 1854, to Clarissa, 
daughter of Thomas and Mary (Millsi)augh) Jolls, 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



435 



f natives of the State of New York. Mrs. I.anib was 
born Aug. 9, 1S40, in Hillsdale Co., Midi., where 
■;^^ they continued to reside for eleven years. Mr. 
iLamb removed in 1865 to Lansing, Ingham Co., 
Mich., and there carried on farming 16 years. In 
18S1 he came to Mecosta County and located where 
he now resides, in yEtna Tp. Of five i hildrcn horn 
to Mr. and Mrs. Lamb, one is deceased. Noble was 
born Dec. 29, 1S56, and died Feb. 20, 1S59; Mary 
K. was born Jan. 3, 1859; .Mverta was born Dec. 
15, 1 86 1 ; Thomas J. was born April 11, 1S6.); Ihillie 
was born Feb. 9, 1866. 




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eorge P. Waring, resident on sec. 1, 
W liealhuul Tp., a well-driver by calling, 
I'^r was born in Farminglon, Ontario Co., Can., 
Sept. 30, 1836. His parents, Nathaniel and 
Sarah (( Hid) Waring, were natives of the same 
|>hue. Until the age of 25 Mr. Waring was 
an assistant on liis lather's farm, an<l dbtained his 
education at the academy at Maccdon Center, Wayne 
Co., N. Y. He was married Oct. 9, 1S61, at tliat 
place, to Louise, daughter of Orrin and Betsy (Keed) 
r La|)hani, who was born in Maccdon, N. Y., Nov. 19, 
1842, and educated at the academy in her native 
town. After completing her education siie entered 
upon the duties of housekeeper for her i)arents, 
whicii (Hjst she filled until her marriage. Herself and 
husband lived with her parents two years. In the 
spring of 1865 they came to Kalamazoo Co., Mich., 
and locatedon a farm in the town.shipof Texas, selling 
out two years later and taking jxDSsession of 75 acres 
in Oshtemo Tp., in the same count). In tlic fail 
of I S70 he went to the city of Kalama/oo .ind cm- 
barked in the grocery business. In 1874 he went lo 
riainwell, Allegan Co., Mich., and commenceil to 
operate as a well-driver. In the summer of 1879 he 
locateil on 80 acres of land in Wiieatland Tp . and 
has placed a jxirtion of it under improvement. 
Mr. and Mrs. Waring have had three children, born 
1 as follows: J. Allyn, Feb. 19, 1870; Minnie 1,., 
'cp May 26, 1S73; Marion, Feb. 19, 1874. The last 
y named was killed by the cars Oct. 5, 1865. Mr. 
^ Waring is a zealous Republican and is now Justice of 
the Peace and .School Inspector. Mrs. Waring is a 
member ol the I'lcsbylcrian Cluiri I1. 






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'^g^ enjaniin L. Wolcott, farmer, sec. 23, 
'Sj Milibroiik Tp' ^^''>s born Dec. 5, 1853, in 

fvA-^ the State of New \'ork, and is a son of 
Henry 15. and Ruth (Taylor) Wolcott (see 
sketch). .\l the age of 23 years, Mr. \\'olcott 
bought 40 acres of timbered land whereon to 
establish his home, and as a starting ]X)int to build 
his fortunes. He now has 20 acres cleared and 
under gootl improvements. He was married in Mill- 
brook, Mich., 14, 1S77, to .Mice M., eldest daughter 
of Solomon and Jane (Reed) Evarts. The father 
was a physician in Shiawassee County, where he died ; 
the mother resides with her children. Mrs. Wolcott 
was liorn in N'ernon, ."shiawassee Co., June 9, 1849, 
where lie obtained a good education, and for ten years 
previous to her marriage was a po|nilar and success- 
ful lea<her. 

Mr. Wolcott is a Republii an, and has been the in- 
cuml)cnl of all the responsiiile official i>ositions in the 
tdwnship. Himself and wife attend the Wesleyan 
Melliodist Cliurcli. 



ohn Blossom, farmer, sec. 24, ylvtna Tp., 
•i was born .March 21, 1844, in Jenkins Co.. 
Wis., and is a son of /enas and Mary 
(Hunt) lilossom. His parents came to Mich- 
igan when he was 7 years old, and settled, in 
;\llegaii Co\inly, where lie lived until the out- 
i)reak of the Rebellion. He enlisted in the I'jghth 
Michigan Cavalry, his regiment being assigned to 
the .\rmy of the t'umberland, under Hurnside. He 
was with that command until 1863, when he was 
iransferreil to that of Sherman. At Macon, Ca., he 
was taken prisoner, and sent to the stockade prison 
pen of Andersonville. -After three and one-half 
months incarceration, a removal was ordered to 
Cioldsboro, and he made his escape by jumping from 
the train. He soon foimd a friendly negro who 
secreted him in a barn three weeks. He then fell in 
with Sherman's advanced guard — 17th .Army Corps — 
and joined Sherman at Milledgeville, Ca. 

In the winter of 1865 he came home on a lurlough, 
and uliinud |an. 8, to Tennessee. lie was pu>- 






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moted to a Corporal's rank, and honorably discharged 
at the close of the war, Sept. 28, 1865. 

The following paper is a valuable testimonial to 
the bravery of character and high esteem in which 
Mr. Blossom was held by his superior officers: 

" This witnesseth that Corporal John Blossom of 
Co. F, Eighth Mich. Cav., has no superior in all that 
is reijuired to make an excellent soldier. For the 
cheerfulness and alacrity with which he always per- 
formed the duties assigned to him; for his gentle- 
manly conduct, wliether on the marcli or in the camp, 
and for his fortitude and courage while in the 
enemy's prison and on the battle-field, he will be 
highly esteemed. 

(Signed) Homer Manvei., 

Adjt. Eighth Mich. Cav." 
In January, 1S73, he purchased 80 acres of bind 
on which is now his residence, 60 acres of which are 
improved. His farm buildings arc convenient and 
substantial, and he has recently completed a good 
residence, at a cost of about $1,000. In politics he is 
a Republican, and has held several offices in the ser- 
— r vice or his township. 

1<^ Mr. Blossom was married in 1873, to Rebecca, 

^ daughter of John and Martha (Cuitan) McCormick. 

^ She is a native of Ohio, and was born Nov. 24, 1840. 

S The two children of Mr. and Mrs. Blossom were born 

) as follows: Edward, July 17, 1877, and I-aura M., 

March 20, 1880. The latter died Sept. 14, 1881. 



lexander Bane, farmer, located on sec. 

32 of Deerfield Tp., P. O. Morley, is a 

son of Alexander and Susan (I'.olton) I'ane. 

His father was born in Scotland in 1816 and 

died June 24, 1883. His mother is anativeof 

Lanark Co., Can., and is still living in the 

place where she was born. 

Mr. Bane was born in Lanark County, Jan. 10, 1840. 
He obtained his education at the common schools 
and worked in a saw-mill wlien in youth. At the 
age of 18 years he engaged in luinbering, and in the 
spring of 1871 came to Kent Co., Mich., where he 
stayed three years in the em|)loy of the C. R. & i. 
Railroad Company. (Jn the ex])iration of his engage- 
ment he came to Mecosta County, and bought 40 
acres of unimproved land <>f Henry A. l-'rench, where 




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he now resides. Twenty acres are now in a good 
state of cultivation. 

Mr. Bane was married Dec. 15, 1862, to Sarah 
Jane, second daughter of William and Catherine 
(Sly) Ward. She was born March 17, 1840. Five 
of the nine children of Mr. and Mrs. Bane were born 
as follows: Emery E., Feb. 23, 1864; James, Sept- 
25, 1 871; Addie, June 6, 1874; Ernest, Feb. 10' 
1879; William, Nov. iS, 1882. The deceased 
were Winnie E., Ale\ander,.Susanand an unnamed in- 
fant. The family belong to the Methodist Clnircii. 
Mr. Bane is independent in political sentiment and 
action. 



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■"^ll euben J. Weber, fanner, sec. 35, JVXn^ 

'p., was !)orn in Monroe Co., N. Y., Feb. 

85 8. He is a son of John and I'hebe 



(Martin) Weber, natives respectively of C.er- ( 1 




\'iJ many and Ireland. Mr. Weber remained at 
home under the care of his parents and at- 
tending school until 1867, when he came to Kiddville, 
Midi., and after a residence there of a few months 
he went to (Irand Rapids. Here he went to school, 
and was variously engaged, until the spring of 187 i, 
when he came to .'Etna Tp., and lias been since oc- 
cupied as a farmer. In 1882 he purchasetl 40 acres 
of wild land, and now has a consiilerable portion 
cleared. 

In politics Mr. Weber is a Repuiilican. He is a 
member of the German Lutheran ('hurch, and active 
in furthering its interests. He is still a young man, 
zealous in what he undertakes, and executes intelli- 
gently. He is sure of future success and a life of 
usefulness in his generation. 



mos R. Streoter, junior memlier of the firm 

^1 of Slawson & Streeter, proprietors of the 

^^"^ stave-mill in Mecosta village, Morion Tj). 
was born in Tioga, I'a., July 12, 1854, and is a 
son of Jesse and Lydia (Reed) Streeter. 
He was reared on a farm and received a com- 
mon-school education. His father dying when he 
was about 14 years old, himself and mother man- 
aged the farm one year and then sold out. In 
March, 1871, Mr. Streeter came to Altona, Me- 



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cost.i Co., and, with his brotlier, Wm. W. Strecter, as 
a partner, he estalihshed himself in the hlacksinith 
business. In 1S76 he wcnl to Rustford and engaged 
in the same emiiloyment singly, managing success- 
fully until August of that year, when lie went to 
Roland 'I'l)., Isabella Co., and there operated simi- 
larly one year. In August, 1S79, lie came to Me- 
costa village and opened a sliop, which he still 
owns, together with two lots on Main street, lie 
bought So acres Ml the township of Martiny, and for 
two winters was engaged in cutting cedar timber for 
telegraph j)oIes and fence jwsts. Of the latter he mar- 
keted alx)ut 30,000, and of the former several thou- 
sands ; he also cut a considerable amount of pine logs. 

In the spring of 1883 he formed a business rela- 
tion with \V. A. Slawson and Iniilt a stave-mill. The 
products include tub and pail staves, and are ship- 
ped chiefly to Granil Rapids. Phe mill fixtures 
comprise the most modern machinery, and the ag- 
gregated daily product averages from 15 to 20 cords 
of staves. About 20 men are employed. Mr. 
Streeter owns his residence and three lots on Main 
street, and 40 acres of land on sec. 14, near the mill, 
also two village jots in Sujierior City, Wis. Hebe- 
longs to the .A. O. U. \V., anil was elected a menvber 
of the Town t'ouncil in the spring of 1S.S3. In 
1S80 he was Townsliip Clerk, and in iSSi was 
Superintendent of Schools. 

Mr. Streeter was married in DL-erfieli! Tp., Sc)!!. 
24, 1876, to Lillian, daughter of Lemuel and Kliza 
Chipman, born in Livingston Co., Mich. Tiiey have 
one son. Royal, born in Rustford, May 30, 187S. 
The mother of Mr. Streeter died at Jamestown, 
N. v., Dec. 26, 1877. 



f onathan Milner came to Big Rapids in 

''Ie>?^|j- 1870, and formed an association with Col. 

,, , ^ J. O. Hudnutt and H. M. Hanks in the 

Is F.ilcon Planing Mill. Four years later he sold 

^F his interest to his partners, and devoted his at- 

I tention exclusively to an apiary which he had 

gradually been establishing near his resilience. 

The seasons jjroving favorable, his careful anil skilled 

management brought its reward, and his apiary soon 

numbered 400 colonies ofbees, which he continued to 

manage, with satisfactory success, until 1X79. In 





June of that year he purchased the site of the build- 
ing where he has since carried on his transactions, 
and proceeded to erect a suitable structure for the 
consummation of his plans. The mill is ci)mi)ara- 
tively new, is 50 .\ 130 feet in size, and is fitted with 
the best modernized machinery for turning out first- 
class products in its line. Mr. Milner is skilled in 
his business, and carries on transactions amounting 
annually to about $8,000. He employs a number of 
hands, and does ]ilaning, matching, re-sawing, mold- 
ing, etc. The peculiar situation of the Eagle Planing 
Mill is eminently advantageous to managing its ship- 
ments, having a side track of the D., L. & N. rail- 
road on its west side, and a branch of the G. R. & I. 
road on the east side of the building. 

Mr. Milner was born in Yorkshire, Eng., Oct. 28, 
1S17. His ])arents, Thomas and Rebecca (Long- 
horn) Milner, emigrated to the United States in 
August, 181S, and purchased a farm near New 
Castle, Del. The son was a student at school and 
his father's farm assistant until he was 16 years old, 
when he went to Wilmington and learned the car- 
lienter's trade. He was married in that city, June 
10, 1843, to Minerva Daidy. They had one daughter, 
Elizabeth, now deceased. The mother died in Wil- 
minglon, .\piil 6, 1846. 

In the spring of 1850, Mr. Milner came west to 
Milwaukee, Wis., and was engaged by John Lajioint 
as manager of a sasli and door factory, and later with 
Smith McVicker. Two years afterward he removed 
to .Mlegan Co., Mich., where he was interested in 
luiiil)ering until 1854. In that year he entered the 
sash and iloor fa< lory of Messrs. Krouse iV Kellogg 
at Kalamazoo, as manager, where he continued until 
lie ( anie to liig l\:i|iids. 

Mr. .Milner formed a second matrimonial relation 
in .Mlegan County, Nov. 5, 1854, with Loretta M., 
daughter of Julin and Melissa Barnes. She was born 
in Odeaiis Co., N. Y.. March 9, 1S31. They have 
four children: Charles H., eldest sou, is a druggist at 
Big Rapids; Ceorge W'., second son, is in his employ 
as clerk; 'I'homas J. and Mary E. are the younger 
chikiren. 

Mr. Milner is deeply interested in the educational 
affairs of Big Rapids, and is a member of the Board 
of Education. 

We take pleasure in presenting the jxartrait of Mr. 
M ihuT in this wmk 






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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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ilson E. Darrah, is junidr meinlicr of tlic 
^^Mli? liini of Darrah Bros. iV Co., proiirietors of 
'^IS^'^ the Big Rapids City Mills, and wholesale 
M^} and retail dealers in flour, feed and grain, 
is a son of Charles M. and Sarah E. (Hall) 
Darrah, and was horn April [5, 1856, at 
Hrookville, Jefferson Co., i'eim. I lis parents re- 
moved to this county in i''^57, hetore it was or- 
ganized. His father bought 40 acres of timber 
land in what is now the township of Mecosta. 
In 1S67, having cleared and almost wholly improved 
his tract of land, his father sold and bought 240 
acres of land on sec. 6, with about 1 00 acres cleared 
and under tillage. In 1872, Mr. D. left home, and for 
some years was occupied in locating timber land. In 
1882 Charles M. and James M. Darrah, brothers, 
associated with Mr. Darrah of this sketch, ])urchased 
the Flouring Mills of Big Rapids, situated on Osce- 
ola avenue antl at the foot of Waterloo street. 
Their business reaches an average of $75,000 
annually, and is rapidly increasing. They oper- 
ate four run of stones and employ four hands; arc 
manufacturing about half the amount ot prod\icts 
for which they have capacity. They are now en- 
gaged in the erection of a fine new building near 
the old one for milling purjioses, 37 .\ 50 feet, with 
four stories and basement. It will be the most ex- 
tensive milling establishment in the county and pos- 
sesses a capacity of 150 barrels a day. It will be 
fitted with all the latest improvements, and be form- 
ally styled the Big Rai)itls C"ity Mills. The present 
works of the Messrs. Darrah arc the only flouring 
mills in this city. 



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t acob Parrott, farmer, sec. 12, Millbrook 

fe. Tp., is a native of 1'' ranee. He was born 

W^ Aug. 6, 1835, and is a son of Charles and 

Elizabeth I'arroti, alsf) natives of France. He 

came to the United Slates in the spring of 

^ 1845 and settleil at Detroit, coming five years 

later to Kent ("ounty. He was a farmer there 20 

years, and in the summer of 1S71 came to Mecosta 

County and bought 80 acres of land in the townshiji 



of Millbrook. He now owns 40 acres of his original 
purchase, 25 of which is in tillage. He was married 
in Kent County, Ajnil 9, 1859, to Sarah A., eldest 
daughter of Peter and Louisa (Ford) Aldrich, natives 
respectively of Canaila and New York. She was 
born in Grattan, Kent Co., Mich, Sept. 19, 1844. 
Of their seven children, six survive, viz : Emma E., 
Charlie E., Lewis ?>., Lida A., Vernon L. and Myrtle 
M. Julius (lied when two years old. I'olilically 
Mr. 1'arrotl is a Kepublican. 



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oseph Smith, farmer, sec. 4, Chippewa Tp. 
"^^ was born Jan. 14, 1844, in Norway, a son. 
of Ole and Ine Smith. He came to America 
in 1861, and during the ne.xt two years was a 
sailor on thelakes, from Buffalo to Chicago. His 
ne.xt employment was at (irand Haven, where 
he worked in the hmiber woods one winter, coming 
thence to liig Rapids and engaging in the lumber 
camjis. In the fall of 1867 he homesteaded the farm 
on which he now resides, containing 80 acres, 35 of 
which he has placed under fair cultivation. 

Mr. Smith was married in 1870 to Lucy, daughter 
of Hibbard and Lucy (Lease) Preslon. She was 
born Nov. 27, 1852, in Tioga Co., N. \ . Of six chil- 
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Smith, five arc living : 
Lucy A., Minnie I., Jennie M., Olson K. .ind Wil- 
liam G. One daughter, Ella J., is deceased. In 
]iolitics Mr. Smith is a Kepublican. 



( 'hippew a 'I'l)., 



y!Sg^|lf ohn White, farmer, sec. 5 




l^p||- was born Oct. 31, 1838, in Argyleshire, 
?w'''^ Scotland, and is a son of John and Mary 
4g (McLaughlin) While. 'I'lie jiarents came with 
their family to Canada in 1843, and located in 
in Williams Tp-, Middlesex Co., where they 
lived on a farm. The father died .'Vug. 24, 1863; 
the mother resides with lur son in Chiiipewa Tp., 
aged 70 years. 

Mr. White was married in 1862 to l.ydia .Ann, 
daughter of Martin and Ann (Spanswick) Tol- 
man. Her father was born Oct. 22, 1821. in Phila- 
delphia; heruH)therin 1S26, in \'orkshire, l'',ng., and 
died in 1859. Mr. Tolman resides in Saginaw Co. > 



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Mich. Mrs. While was born in the village of Pres- 
ton, WalcrliK) Co., Can., Sept. 19, 1S42. After mar- 
riage Mr. White was a fanner in Williams Tp. u|)- 
wards of si.\ years, when he became a resident of 
Warwick Tp., Lamhlon Co., Can. Between tliree 
and four years later he sold out and came to Me- 
costa Co., Mich. He reached Chippewa Tp. May 
9, 1 87 2. and bought 160 acres of land. Willi the 
energy atid perseverance characteristic of the nation- 
ality to which he lielongs, he has prosecuted iiis 
lal)ors until one-half of his acreage is in a finely cul- 
tivated condition. 

Following is the record of the nine children of 
which Mr. and Mrs. White have l)een the parents: 
John M. was born July 17, 1S63; Peter, Feb. 6, 
1.865; Lydia Ann, Dec. 13, 1866; Alexander, ( )ct. 
16, 1870; Mary K., Jan. 23, 1876; Hugh, born July 
22, 1877, died Sept. S, 1877; Catherine M., born 
Aug. 20, 1879, died Feb. 5, 1881; .Vn liibald. born 
Aug. 18, 1 880, died Sept. 21, 1880; William C.eorge, 
born June 21, iSS2,died July 7, 18S2. 



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„rnold Ely, farmer, sec. 1 8, Colfax Tp., a 
a prominent 1 iti/.enof Mecosta County, whose 
-■jt'S portrait appears on another page of this vol- 
^\xr ume, was born F"eb. 20, 1845, in .\lbion, Cal- 
houn ("o., Mich., and is a son of Wells and 
Maria .\. l-'.ly. ISoth parents are natives of the 
State of New V'ork and belong to the agricultural 
community o( Hranch Co., Mich., where they are 
now resident. 

When Mr. Ely attained iiis majority he commence<i 
farming in I,it( hiield, Hillsdale Co., where he worked 
a farm on shares. In 1869 he prospected through 
.Mecosta County, and finally purchased a farm of 176 
acres in Colfax Tp., lying two miles from the ( itv of 
Big Rapids and in full view of it. He < losed nego- 
'^ tiations for the land in September of the year named 
I and, Dec. 24, made a permanent location with his 
.,t, family. M the time of purchase the land was all 
"j5 dense forest, 15 acres being pine timber and the re- 
Jg mainder of the tract, lying in a hardwood belt. 
S) Mr. Ely has 90 a<res in a high order of culliva- 
'^ tion, with a comfortable frame house, good farm fix- 

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tures and one of the best and handsomest barns in 
the township, built in i88o. The proprietor, having 
placed his farm in a prosperous condition, is begin- 
ning to give his attention to im()roving his stock. 

Mr. l'"ly was married Sept. i, 1867, to l.ucinda, 
iLiughter of I'liilip and Diana llaight, of Butler, 
ilranch Co. Her mother died Aug 20, 1S81. Mr. 
and Mrs. F'.ly have seven children, Minnie, Maria, 
Diana, Certrude, Myrtie, Philip and Frank. 

Since becoming a citizen of Mecosta Co., Mr. Kly 
has e.xerted every infiuence to promote its settlement 
and induce people in search of homes to make Col- 
fax Tp- f'leir objective ]K)int. He is, and has been, 
operating ipiile extensively in real estate, l)U)ing and 
selling timber lands. 

Mr. l"/ly is a Rei)ublican of the most radical type. 
He has been Supervisor of Colfax three years, Jus- 
tice of the Peace six years and Township Treasurer 
a like period; is a member of the Township Com- 
mittee to build a new town hall on sec. 21 of the 
township. In 18S2 he was the candidate of the Re- 
publican parly for Sheriff of Mecosta County, but lost 
the election through the coalition of the Democrats 
and Nationals. P. O., Big Rapids. 



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SJ ilCl ■■ °^^ ^ Armstrong, farmer, sec. 6, Chip- 

{l^^L ])ewa Tp., was born in Seneca Co., N. V., 

vSn5 ' ^ Oct. 6, t82^, and is a son of Thomas and 

i^ Fjunice (Disbrow) Armstrong. His father was 

jf a native of Albany Co., N. Y., and his mother 

I was born in Fairfield Co., Conn. Their early 

married life they passed on a farm in the Empire 

Stale, and in 1833 located in Oakland Co., Mich., 

where the father died in 1853. The mother died in 

.874. 

Mr. Armstrong was about 10 years of age when 
he was brought to Oakland County by his parents, 
and there he was educated and bred to agricultural 
jjursuits until the age of 20 years, when he set out 
in life on his own res|X)nsibiIity. He was married 
in December, 1851,10 .Susan .\., daughter of Evert 
and Lucy (Newton) Hawley. Her fither was l)orn 
in ( )ntario Co., N. Y., and her mother was a 
of Massachusetts. They located in Wayne 



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>^ Mich., in 1835, and some years after, the father went 

'x-'i to California, returninj; after six years as far as Fay- 

,%, ettc Co., Iowa, where he died in 1867. The mother 

I died in April, 18S1. Mrs. Armstrong was born in 

, Ontario Co., N. Y., Jan. 28, 1830. 

In i860 Mr. Armstrong went to Fayette Co., Iowa, 
and there followed farming for seven years. In the 
fall of 1867, he came to Mecosta Co., Mich., and 
took a farm of 80 acres under the regulations of the 
homestead act. He and his son own 250 acres of 
/ land in Mecosta County, lying contiguous. In 1S69 
% Mr. Armstrong was elected Supervisor of Chippewa 
C and served nine successive years. He has been 
Justice of the Peace 12 years, and is one of the 
jjresent incumbents of that office in the township. 
He belongs to the National party, and was nomin- 
ated in 1880 as candidate for Representative on the 
Greenback ticket, and made a good run. 

Mr. and Mrs. Armstrong have had three children, 
one of whom, Ellen, is deceased. Those living are 
^ Thomas H. and Estella M. 



^H 



illiam Broomfield, farmer and lumber- 
man, sec. 31, Hloomfield Tp., Isabella 
Co., was born in Ontario, Canada, Oct. 
JP 2, 1832. His parents, Neil and Catherine 
l^-^s (McLerin) Broomfield, were natives of Ar- 
gyleshire, Scotland. They came to America 
and settled in Canada, in 1831. 
Mr. Broomfield acipiired the elements of a good 
education at the schools of the place where he was 
born, which he attended until he was 17 years old ; 
by his experience and observation, he has improved 
his early acquirements to an unusually practical de- 
gree. In 1849 he went to Lockport, Niagara Co., N. 
Y., and was there employed some lime in a siiingle 
factory. He went thence to Hamilton, Canada, and 
engaged extensively in the shingle trade. .After some 
months, he made a prospecting trip through Western 
Canada, and in the sjjring of 1853 came to Sanilac 
Co., Mich., and engaged in shingle manufacture. He 
remained there two years, and in the spring of 1855 
.,j journeyed through the Western country, visiting his 
^ home in Ontario in 1856. He extended his stay 
• there tnilil 1861, and in the fall of that year came to 
^ (now) Bloomfield and sijuattcd on the place where he 



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now lives. He could only hold his land by the right 
of possession, as the homestead act was not yet pass- 
ed. He kept himself informed as to the particulars 
affecting the interests of such land-holders as him- 
self, and immediately upon the passage of the home- 
stead act by Congress he entered the first claim 
under its provisions in Isabella County. The record 
was effected in May, 1864. His landed estate now 
includes 360 acres of land, of which he has 
placed 260 acres under the best improvements. .Ml 
the buildings thereon are of the first order, and his 
beautiful residence cost $3,000. In politics Mr. 
Broomfield is a Republican ; has held the position of 
Supervisor in his township for ten years, and has 
been State Road Commissioner by appointment. He 
is a member of the ancient Order of Masonry. 

Mr. Broomfield was married at Ontario, in April, 
1859, to Ellen J., daughter of Marshall and iSIary 
(Jackson) McLerin, who dietl Oct. 31, 186S, of tyjjhoid 
fever, leaving three children: Ida, born March i, 
i860; Marshall, June 17, 1863, and Nellie, March 15, 
1 86 1. Mr. Broomfield contracted a second marriage 
in Ontario, Can., March 17, 1870, with Elizabeth, 
daughter of Malcom and .\gnes (Cameron) Malhiy, 
natives respectively of .Scotland and Canada. She 
was born April 11, 1840. Three of six children 
born of this union are living; Catherine, born April 1, 
1871; Neil, Jan. 14, 1873, and .Archibald, July, 3, 



■(^Si ' ^'^^ Pearson, farmer, sec. 5, l!ig Rapids Tp., 
^^P was born Feb. 2, 1831, in Smith Tp., 
>^* Peterborougii Co., Ont.,'Can., and is a son 
of William and Mary Pearson. The father of 
William Pearson was a native of Massachu- 
setts, an American soldier (if the Revolution, 
and removed to ("anada. ( )n the advent ol 
the second war with (Jreai Briiain, his son Wil- 
liam went to the Bay State and enlisted in the 
American service, fought at Plattsburg and returned 
to the Dominion after the war was ended. He is 
still living there and receives a pension from the 
Government of the United States. 

Mr. Pearson became a citizen of Michigan in 
1870, when he caiue to Mecosta County and bought 
68 acres of land, where he now resides. He has 



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placed 50 acres of his farm in a creditable state of 
cultivation, and has erected tliereon a t;o()d frame 
liouse. Ill- was married in October, 1S54, in 
Kli/.a Jane Diiard, of Canada, where she was l)orn 
June 25, 1S36. Children: William 1)., Jane, Mary, 
Kliza A., John E., Richard /., Harriet A., Joseph 
A., Nellie and Minnie E. 

Mr. Pearson is a member of the Order of I'aUons 
of Husbandry. 



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r. Jerome F. Pease, dnii;i;ist and dealer in 
^ real estate, resident at Big Rapids, was born 



in Otisco, Ionia Co., Mich., Aug. 28, 1848. 

His father, Jerome Pease, was born Feb. 22, 

8 15, in Knfiekl, Hartford Co., Conn., and be- 

K * came a citizen of the Peninsular .State m 1839. 

\ He was married Jan. 29, 1843, to Deiiorah Ann, 

- daughter of Samuel and .\nna Dcmorest, of Otisco. 
He was a man of peculiar temperament, developed 
under the circumstances in which he was reared anil 
fostered. He was by nature ambitious and energetic, 
and his pioneer labors in Ionia County, witli the per- 
plexities under which he strove to accouiplisli his 
life's purixjses, culminated in rendering him a husband 
and father of uncompromising principle. The mother 
was born July 6, 182 1, in Prattsburg, Steuben Co., N. 
Y., of a family of stainless repute and record. She 
is one of eight children, all of whom are living and 
who are wearing worthily the descending laurels of 
their ancestral virtues. They are, Clark L. Demorest, 
Mrs. D. A. Pease, Samuel L. Demorest, Lyman Dem- 
orest, Mrs. Ezra Satterlee, Mrs. Henry Green, Valen- 
tine Demorest and Mrs. Abram Satterlee. 

The second son, .Samuel I,., reached distinction in 
the service of his country during the Rebellion. He 
went to the front us a Captain in the 25th Mich. Vol. 
Inf, performed valiant duty in action, passed through 
the various degrees of promotion and, before reach- 

'~^ ing the termination of his meritorious career, dis- 
played the stars of a Major-General. 

Mrs. Pease was a thrifty and affectionate wife and 
a judicious, conscieniious mother. Three of five 
children live to hoilor and adorn her record as a 
woman and a Chris^an. Her son. Dr. Pease of this 

V sketch, places \\\tvh permanent record his sense of 



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the beauty of her character and unselfish devotion 
to the best interests of her family. Her ( hildren are 
.S)piironia Ann, Charlotte, Jerome K., Sophronia Adele 
and Deborah. The first named daughter died when 
a year old; her namesake, third child, dieil at 19, at 
the dawn of a [iromising womanhood, leaving a most 
precious and beautiful memory. She learned the 
Christian's hope early in her life, and in her prema- 
ture death she verifieil the truth in the words, "Those 
lives are long that answer life's great ends." She 
was a member of the Baptist Church. 

Dr. Pease comes of a long ancestral line of de- 
scent in both the paternal and maternal lineage, 
strongly characterized by almost unparalleled tenac- 
ity of life. Four j)rogenitors within his own jiersonal 
knowledge became centenarians, or approximately so, 
and a great-great-aunt — Peggy Demorest (Mrs. Van- 
\'ranken)— is living in Montgomery Co., N. Y., aged 
io_5 years. The maternal grandmother died of an 
acute bilious attack when she was aged 84 years. 
She was recovering her sight and licr gray hair was 
being rapidly replaced by a new growth, with its pri- 
mal dark color. 

Dr. Pease was a boy of ardent, sanguine tempera- 
ment, entering early into an understanding of his re- 
lations to life and the world at large. His labors as 
the son of a pioneer and the circumstances which 
surrounded him, brought upon him the sobriety and 
apparent maturity of advanced years. At 15, Dr. 
Pease foimd himself destitute in a new world, one 
that demanded of him the best application of all he 
believed himself to be lioth in ])iirpose and capacity. 
His early life had tleveloped in him a determina- 
tion and |X)wer of will that acknowledged no ruling 
element in events, and his ac'ive, energetic, ho[ieful 
temperament stood him in good stead when occasion 
demanded their co-operation. He has naturally all 
the traits of a successful business man, and has met 
with a |>rosperity which refiects a large degree of 
( rcdit upon his abilities. His already generous for- 
tune is the second he has accumulated within 20 
years. He possesses to an unusual degree the traits 
of promptness, shrewdness and perception, is honest 
and upright in his dealings, and understands with 
clearness the re<|uisite ipialifications of a financier. 
His moral character is unimpeachable, his habits 
those of a self-respecting, Christian man. He con- 
siders the means he [assesses as a trust to secure to 
those in whom he is interested the comforts and priv- 



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ileges their merits demand. His character is dem- 
onstrated by the record of his care of and kindness 
to the afflicted family of his wife. He has alleviated 
by every means in his power the burden resting upon 

'§■ them through the disability of the husband and 
father, and is giving the advantages of education to 
the two young brothers of Mrs. Pease and guarding 
the personal interests of all with the same vigilance 
he bestows uixm his individual affairs. In political 
adherence and action he is a staunch Republican. 
He possesses a fine sense of the value of mental 
culture, and acknowledges the supremacy of the 

% world of intellect. He has a keen discrimination in 
books and finds a high enjoyment in terse poetry. 
The following is one of his favorite quotations : 

""Tis toil tliiit over nature 

Gives mini his ])r<)iul euiitrol. 
And i)uritics mid lialliiws 

Tlic t('nii)lc of liis soul : 
It scatters I'oiil diseases 

With :ill tlicir j;li:istly tniiii, 
I'lUs iidii ill the iiiiisclc. 

And ciystiil ill tlic liraiii. 

TIk' giMiid Ahniiility liiiildcr. 

Wild liisliidiii'd (lilt tlic c:irl li. 
li:itli s|:iiii|icil Ids sc:il id' Ikhkh- 

< >M l,:iliiir IVdiii licr liiitli. 
Ill every :iiig'el lliiw er 

'I'lial lilusMiiiis tVniii tlie sod, 
Bellidd llle lll;Hlel' tiillelles — 

'I'lie ll:nidi\\dll< nf (idd!" 

When Dr. I'ease found himself at liberty to enter 
uix)n a career in his own behalf, with wise judgment 
he availed himself of the first opportunity that jire- 
sented, and engaged with Frank Belding, a neighbor- 
ing farmer, in whose employ he remained a year. 
His next service was with the Hon. John Avery, 
M. D., of Greenville, where he won the esteem of 
all by his energy and probity. In 1867 lie entered the 
employ of J. M. Fuller, druggist, now County Clerk. 
In 187 1 he "came to* Big Rai)i(is, where he engag- 
ed in the drug trade and practice of medicine, 
for which he h;ui prepared at intervals during his 
other engagements. His business was prosperous, 
and in 1874 he built a store and dwelling-house. 
In 1876 he relin(iuished his medical practice on ac- 
count of impaired health, and spent about two years 
in travel in the Eastern and Southern States. In 
1878 he began to operate in real estate, to which 
branch of business he has since devoted a portion of 
his time and attention. In 1S79 Dr. Pease estab- 
lished a drug business at Gowen, Montcalm Co., 



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which he is still managing. In 1S83 he purchased 
a stock of drugs, located at the corner of Scotten 
and Michigan avenues, Detroit, where he is doing a 
jirosperous and increasing business. 

Dr. Pease was married July 29, 1878, to Anna, 
daughter of M. F. and Caroline (Hill) Gerls, born in 
Texas, Crawford Co., Ohio, July 26, 1854. Her 
father was a native of Albany, N. Y. He was a man 
of shrewdness and capacity, possessed of natuial 
characteristics such as would tend to secure a large 
degree of puijlic influence; but in 1S72, while yet in 
manhood's prime, he was stricken with paralysis, and 
has since been a sufferer from its irremediable effects. 
He was ever keenly alive to, and solicitous for, 
the best advantages for his children, and made 
many [lersonal sacrifices to secure for them what he 
considered substantial benefits. Mrs. Caroline Gerls 
was born in .Sterling, Windham Co., Ct. She pos- 
sesses the traits of character which in early times 
made the women of New England historical. Her 
patience, perseverance and hopefulness are remark- 
able, and, combined with uncommon mildness and 
amiability of temper, serve to render her a type of 
woman worthy of emulation. She has devoted her- 
self with untiring assiduity to the care of her hus- 
band and father for the past twelve years, and 
yielded most unselfishly to tlie e.xtraordinary de- 
mands incumbent upon her. Mr. and Mrs. Gerls 
have been the parents ol ^\\c cliiidren : Mrs. Eli/a 
^\'est, deceased; Mrs. Ellen Henry, of Sherwood, 
Mich.; Mrs. Pease; 'I'homas W. and J. Henry 
Gerls. The two last nametl are young men of pure 
lives, correct habits and unusual piomise. The elder 
is in charge of the business of Dr. Pease at Detroit, 
the second is occupying the same position at (lowen. 
Thomas. F. Gerls, paternal uncle of Mrs. Pease, is 
Postmaster at Pontiac, Mich., and is generally esteem- 
ed fi)r his sterling traits of character. Henry Hill, 
brother of Mrs. Gerls, was a soldier in the 25th 
Mich. Inf., rose by merit to the rank of Captain, and 
is now cashier of the l'"irsl National Bank of Green- 
ville. 

The earliest ambition of Mrs. Pease was to enter 
the ranks of jiublic educators, and she bent every 
energy to the achievement of her purpose. She be- 
gan her career as a teacher in Mecosta County when 
14 years of age, and alternated as a student at school 
and a teacher until she was 19 years old, when she 
was graduated at the high school at Greenville. 



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She passed eminently creilitable examinations and 
ranked as a superior scholar. Since she left school 
she has been constantly engaged in tlie pursuit of 
her chosen vocation, and has made rapid [)roL;ress in 
the grade of lier position. In 1874 she was Trecei)- 
tress of a school at Stanton, Montcalm Co., and in 
1S76 was Sui)erinteiident of a school at Howard City. 
Tlie suhsemient four years she taught at (Ircen- 
ville, and in 1881 received her appointment as I're- 
ceptress at Big Rapids, where she is doing a work tliat 
will result permanently to the advantage of educa- 
tional interests at that i)lace. Too much cannot he 
said of her as a disciplinarian. Her silent control of 
her pupils is a marvel to witness, and is accomplished 
l>y an innate skill that cannot he described : it is a 
natural gift jxassessed by few. 

Of her work at Greenville, Iv P. Cliurcli, Superin- 
tendent of Schools, says : " She is most excellent 
help. She jwssesses skill to impart instruction, is a 
good disciplinarian, manages pupils easily, is a will- 
ing and faithful worker and presents to her pupils 
the example of a blameless Christian lady in her 
every-day life. We should be happy to secure her 
services again in our corps of teachers. " This ex- 
pression is fully corroborated by testimonials from 
R. F. Grabill, editor of the Greenville Irulcpciulint, 
Rev. J. I-. Patton, Dr. ('has. Martin and Hon. James 
W. Helknai), all of Greenville. I'rof. J. S. Crombie, 
.Superintendent of Schools at I'.ig Rapids, says : 
" Her management of the school, an<l the results ob- 
tained from the work done by her, have been exceed- 
ingly gratifying. Personally, I would say that I re- 
gard Mrs. Pease as a very superior teacher, and one 
who can guide and control a room in a manner sel- 
dom witnessed. At the same time her work is 
thorough and she succeeds in winning the res|)ect 
and g(jod-will of her pui>ils. " A partial iViend says 
of her: "It is to be hoped that a long career of 
usefulnesss lies before Mrs. Pease. .She is a wonian 
of uncommon character and asiii rations, which should 
place her in a fitting si)here to do entire justice to 
herself and benefit the generation to which she be- 
longs, and in whose interests it is her highest 
ambition to labor. Her temperament is as ecpiably ad- 
justed as is |)ossible, and her subservience to con- 
science and religion guides her life in unswerving 
right. She sways her friends by her firmness, her 
candor, her loler.ilion and her hopcf.ilne^s, and lu-r 



possible iiilluencc on the lives of others is always 
with her a matter of constant solicitude. " 

In their relations to Christianity both heiself and 
husband afford worthy examples. They both be- 
canie members of the M. E. Church early in life 
and devote unlimited time and me ms to furthering 
the interests of the Church and Sunday-school. 

A permanent reprint of the features of Mr. and 
Mrs. Pease may be found on page 446, in connection 
with this sketch. 



k^satf s. Baker, Cashier of the Northern National 





bank at Big Rapids, was born near Bridge- 

'.ViFT water, C!onn., Sept. 21, 1853. His parents 

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removed to Chicago in 1864, where his father 
>p operated as a capitalist, and was a member of 
v the Board of Trade. Mr. Baker came to Big 
Rapids when he was 12 years old (in 1865). His 
grandfather, Daniel Stearns, was a resident of Big 
Ra|)ids, as was also a considerable circle of relatives, 
lie attended school and was employed in various 
business houses; kept the books in the mercantile 
house of 1 ). K. Stearns two years, and serveil one 
year in the same capacity with ( ). P. Pillsbury. In 
the spring of 1S72 he became book-keeper in the 
Northern National Bank and has been promoted 
through the different positions to the post he now 
fills, to which he was ap|)ointed in January, 1875. 
He is now one of the Directi)rs, and heavily inter- 
ested in transactions in lumber, being connected 
with three different firms. He owns a half interest 
in the mill and yards of P>aker & Stearns, situated at 
Cra]X), in Osceola County, where the firm have car- 
ried on an extensive lumber trade six years. They 
employ a force of 100 men, and manufacture be- 
tween 12 and 15 million feet of lumber annually. 
Mr. Baker also owned a half interest in the concern 
styled "B. F. Comstock & Co.," founded in 1881. 
Their production of lumber in 1882 was alwut 
twenty million feet. Their mill was sold in the fall 
of 18S2, andthe firm are about to close their rela- 
tions. Mr. Baker keeps a desk in the bank for trans- 
actions in lumber, i)ine lands, etc. His real-estate 
interests include about 20,000 acres in Michigan and 
Wisconsin, and some small tracts of farming Ian 



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Mr. Baker was married in Paris, Mecosta Co., to 
Emma, daughter of James Cooper. She was born 
in Halstead, Essl'X Co., Eng., July 6, 1S53. A son, 
Arthur, was born Dec. 6, 1875, and a daughter, Kitty 
Irene, Oct. 10, i<S8i. 

Mr. Baker served as Alderman of Big Rapids three 
years. 




ji ichard W. Poling, harness and shoe maker, 
Austin Tj)., is a native of New Jersey, 
where he was born Dec. 24, 1846. He is 
a son of Zephaniah and Eliza Poling, natives 
of Ohio, where they still reside. He came 
to this county in 1879, settling in Austin Tp., 
where he is engaged in following his occupation. 
He was married to Julia M. Vining, who died Oct. 
28, 1877, leaving five children: Cornelia A., born 
March 3, r86i ; Viola A., March 15, 1865 ; John W., 
Aug. 17, 1867; Violetta B., Sept. 17, 1868; Rosa 
A., Oct. 28, 1873. April 20, 1881, Mr. Poling mar- 
ried Angeline Wheeler, widow of Orange Wheeler, 
whose maiden name was Walker. By her first mar- 
riage she had had eight children : Rodney F., died 
June 12, 1853; Amos H., Maria J., Justin E., Har- 
riet A., and Edgar L. are living; Eliza and Clara 
M. are deceased. 

Mrs. Poling is the discoverer of a medicine on 
which she obtained a patent in 1872. It is known as 
Mrs. Wheeler's Vegetable Syrup, for which there is 
justly claimed great alterative and tonic properties, 
especially adapted to diseases of the liver. She has 
had great success in the sale of this medicine for the 
short time it has been introduced to the public, and 
for whi< h there is an increasing demand. Mr. 
Poling owns 80 acres of fine farm land, u]i()n which 
he resides. 

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?iharles F. Barnard, of the firm of Reed & 

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'a Barnard, Stanwooil, is a native of Living- 
1^1,^ ston Co., Mich., where he was born Oct. 2, 
fi^ i'*^5.v He is a son of Ely and Aristeen (Cur- 
M^ lis) iiarnard, natives of New York; the 
former emigrated to Michigan in 1834, and 
the latter at a later date, where the father followed 
farming thiongh life and died, in July, 187 1 : the 



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' ^^^ifohn Carr, farmer, sec. 27, liig Rapids I'l)., 
was born Ian. 9, 1843, in Chillenden Co., 
Vt. Abraham C'arr, his father, was Iwrn in 
Champlain, N. Y., April 6, 1806, of Irish and 
Cicnnan i)arentage, and was married in 1828, 
in Vermont, to Eliza Creen. She was born 
Feb. 18, 181 1, in Louisville, N. V. Of her marriage 
to .\braham Carr, 10 children were liorn. The 
father died April 29, 1876. Mrs. Carr is still living. 
Mr Carr was the seventh child of his parents. 
He left his native State Sept. 15, 1863, a few months 
before he was 20 years old, and reached his destina- 
tion, Lowell, Dodge Co., Wis., three days later. 
After a residence there of 1 1 years he deciiled on a 
change of base, and in the month of October, 1874, 
he came to Big Rapids 'I'p., where he has since been 
engaged in farming. 

Mr. Carr was married Sept. 17, 1873, to Lucy A. 



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mother is still living. He was reared on a farm, and, 
altliough his educational advantages were limited, he 
managed, by his own exertions, to obtain sufficient Q, 
knowledge to enable him to teach school, after which 1 
he worked on a farm during the summer season and 
taught during the winter, for several years. In 
March, 1879, he came to Mecosta County and en- 
tered the store of C W. Reed, at Stanwood, as 
clerk. After one year he entered into i)artnership 
with Mr. Reed in mercantile business, under the firm 
name of Reed & Barnard. They keep on hand a 
large and superior stock of dry goods, groceries, 
boots, shoes, hats, etc., and command a large trade, 
their sales amounting annually 10^30,000. Mr. Bar- 
nard is a self-made man. He had no means to com- 
mence life with ; but having early acipiired habits of 
industry and economy he has succeeded in accumu- 
lating considerable property. In all his dealings he 
is marked for his uprightness and integrity. He is at 
present serving the township of Mecosta as Clerk. 

He was married in Livingston Co., Mich., May 13, 
1878, to Alice M., daughter of Staats and kachel 
(Wilcox) (rreen, who was born in Yates Co., N. Y., May 
13, 1861. They have had two children: Edna L., 
born Dec. 25, 18S2; one died in infancy. Politically 
he is a Democrat, and religiously, is lilier:il. 



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S[f Parham, of Concord, Dodge Co., Minn. They have 

'h two children : Ina May and Jennie Eliza. Mrs. 

.'j^ Carr was born Dec. 2S, 1S55. Mr. Carr votes with 

* the Re|)ul)lican [larty. 



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illiam Hugh, senior meniherof the lumber 
linn ot' Higl)ee iV Hugh, was born in Kid- 



*^'(^ willy, Wales, l'"eb. 2, 1829. He is the 
J"' son of \Villi;nn and Rebecca ((lonar) Hugh, 
natives of Kiihvilly, where the father died 
about iS^>5- '"^'l '''^ mother in tiie spring of 
tSSo. 

Mr. Hugh experienced all the hardsliips of the 
class of people to which he belonged in his native 
land, gaining his limited but eminently practical edu- 
cation l)y studying under the most adverse circum- 
stances. He commenced life's active work at the 
early age of 12. His father was the village i)lack- 
smith, and he, assisting in the shop, gradually learned 
the trade. For a period of about five years he was 
occasionally employed in some iron works and rolling 
mills; tlien for a time he was engaged in the timber 
business. His next employment w^as with the South 
Wales Railway Company, in which work he went 
from his native country to England, engaged with a 
railroad construction corjjs. 

SiKin afterward, in 1853, he sailed for this continent 
and, upon landing at New York, at once proceedeil 
to Cincinnati. Here for a year he was occupied in a 
machine-sliop, on blacksmith work, and also on 
sleaml)oat work. He assisted in making the needed 
iron-work and finishing the rountl-house of tlie ("., H. 
& I. R. R., at Cincinnati. 

He had become imbued with a desire to eng;ige in 
fanning in Iowa, and he took a trip to the Hawkeye 
State, but on reaching there changed his intentions. 
He retraced his route as far as Chicago, and thence 
went to New York, where he embarked for \\'ales, by 
way of I,iveri)ool, with the purjxjse of returning with 
his wife. His final decision was that he would first 
establish a home in Cincinnati. He sailed once more 
for the ITnited .States, but when off Cape Clear, Ire- 
land, his steamer collided w ith a coast vessel ; and 
being disabled she put back to Liverpool, her captain 
not daring to venture across the sea in a ( rip|)led 
vessel with 600 or 700 souls on board. Mr. Hugh 



returned then to Wales, and when he finally reached 
New York, proceedeil direct to Hamilton, Province 
of Ontario, Can., locating at a small village near that 
city. He started a common blacksmith shop, and 
finally began the manufacture of agricultural imple- 
ments. His residence there lasted 18 years. In the 
fall of 1S72 he came to Morley, and built the first 
planing mill in the townshiii, which he conducted 
nearly seven years. 

In the fall of 1879 he went into business with Mr. 
Higbee, and built the saw and planing mill where 
they now carry on an extensive business. Politically 
Mr. Hugh is a Re|niblican ; for eight years he has 
been a member of the village Board of Trustees. He 
is a member of the Masonic Order. 

Mr. Hugh is a regular attendant of the Episcopal 
Church. He is a self-made man, financially, as he 
held no pro])erty when he commenced life for himself. 
By habits of industry, economy and fair dealing, he 
has acquired a substantial property, and is now classed 
among the representative citizens of Mecosta County. 

Mr. Hugh was married in Wales, in the winter of 
1851, to Amy Thomas, who was born Nov. 8, 1828, 
the daughter of William and Jane 'I'jiomas. The 
family circle n(.)w incluiles five children: .\nn, Iwrn 
Se|)l. 33, 1853; William, born June 19, 1858; Re- 
becca, born Feb. 20, i860; Jane, born -Aug. 28, 1861, 
and DavitI, born Oct. 15, 1870. 

.\ [)t>rtr:iit of Mr. Hugh is given in this volume. 

—Cdtf — 

P illiam Crecvcy, farmer, sec. 26, I'ork Tp., 
was born in County Rildare, Irelantl, April 
28, 1832, and is a son of Patrick and Rose 
(.Armstrong) Creevey, both of whoni were na- 
tives of Ireland. Mr. Creevey was 18 years 
old when he left his native land to come to the 
New World. He first located in Monroe Co., N. Y., 
and after a residence of three years came, in the fall 
of 1855, to Eaton Co., Mich., and worked as a farm 
laborer three years. In 1858 he married Jane, 
(laughter of Jonathan and Agnes Seidler. She was 
born in Sieinbrook, Penn., where her father died 
when she was quite young. Her mother married 
("onrad l'"riend, and now lives in Eaton, Mich. 

,\fter marriage Mr. Creevey took farms to work on 
shares until he had by industry and good manage- 
ment acipiired sufficient means to enable him to ven- 




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ture upon the purchase of a home for himself, and he 
finally bought 40 acres of land, which he improved 
and occupied until 1867 ; and then he sold out and 
came to Mecosta County, locating 80 acres of land 
under the homestead act, on sec. 26, in the township 
of Fork, which has since been his home. He en- 
listed in the service of the Union Sept. i, 1864, and 
received his discharge at the close of the war, June 
10, 1865. He was taken sick at Newhern, N. C, and 
sent to the hospital at Foster, and three weeks later 
to David's Island Hospital in New York Harbor, 
where he remained until he was discharged. 

Mr. Creevey was elected the first Supervisor of Fork 
Tp., at the meeting held for its organization, a posi- 
tion he has filled 10 years. He has officiated as 
Postmaster of Fork 14 years, was Road Commis- 
sioner 10 years. Justice of the Peace 12 years, Treas- 
urer one year. School Director three years. He is a 
member of the G. A. R., Post No. 77, at Sherman 

City. 

The family of Mr. Creevey comprises the following 
children, born in the named order: Rose M., Jan. 
S, i860; George M., Oct. 8, 1861 ; William J., April 
14, 1863; Charles c:., March 10, 1870; Edwin, Sept. 
27, 1872; Perry, Aug. 26, 1875; Agnes P.., March 
12, 1879; Arthur Grant, Dec. 25, 1881. 

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' jFj^A"!' iiliam C. Philleo, farmer, sec. 27, 
ii t^aMfe Rapids Tp., was born April 25, 1S4 
J^ ' Savannah, Wayne Co., N. Y., and is a son 

'^> of Martin and Elizabeth /\nn Philleo, the 
former born Jan. 20, 1815, in Dutchess Co., 
N. Y., and died Aug. 20, 187 i ; the latter was 
i)()rn June 6,1821, in Herkimer Co., N. Y., and is 
still living, in Ottawa Co., Mich. The paternal 
grandsire was a soldier of 18 12, and fought at the 
battle of Plattsburg. 

Mr. Philleo was married Oct. 30, 1867, to Mary 
Jane, daughter of .Mien G. aid Jane M. Pierce, of 
Flint, Mich. The parents were both natives of 
Orleans Co., N. Y. Two ( hildren have been born of 
this marriage: Anna M., Jan. 6, 1872, and Fannie 
A., June 17, 1882. 

Mr. Philleo came to Michigan with his parents in 
1854, and settled in Ottawa County. He was edu- 
cated chiefly at Kalamazoo College, where in 1863 he 

^^«^#- ^^^F^ 




took a scientific course. He aftenvards took a com- 
mercial course of study at P>astman's Business Col- 
lege at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., which he completed in 
1 806. He has taught 43 terms of school, mostly in 
Ottawa and Kent Counties. Mrs. Philleo taught 
school 12 terms after her marriage 

In 1869 Mr. Philleo bought 100 acres of land on 
sees. 27 and 28, in Big Rapids Tp., and has since 
added 40 acres adjoining by purchase. He has put 
So acres under advanced improvement, and has one 
of the best barns in the county. He has nearly 
completed arrangements for the erection of a dwell- 
ing in keeping with the general character of the 
place. 

In iwlitical affinities Mr. Pliilleo is independent. 
He has been Townsliip Supervisor four years, and 
Justice of the Peace eight years. He was nominated 
for Representative by the Democratic party in 1879, 
but jxjsilively refused to become a candidate. 

^^I'fe^'fe'ames W. Mann, farmer, sec. 15, Fork Tp., 
1|^^li7 was born in Maine, Jinie 24, 1854, and is a 
Wh'"^ ^ son of John F. and Susan A. (Churchill) 
"'^ Mann (see sketch of John F. Mann), who 
were natives of the Pine-Tree State, and in 
1866 came to Saginaw, and later to Fork Tp., 
Mich. He obtained his education in the connnon 
schools of Saginaw an<l was bred to the business of 
fixrmer and lumberman by his father, in which he is 
now engaged in Fork townsliip. He was married in 
1S77 to C:iara L., daughter of John and Mary (IIou- 
ser) Grove, natives of Pennsylvania, who was born 
in the same State, Aug. 21, 1858. They have two 
children, I.ula M. and Ivldie Iv Politically Mr. 
Mann is a Republican. 



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Jl^^^ohn M. Conner, farmer, sec. 23, Big Rapids 

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IS"''^ I'ld-. J"'y 4' ''^■?7- ^^'^ father, James 

Conner, was born in South Carolina, and his 

mother, Mary (McCoy) Conner, was a native 

of Ireland. 

Mr. Conner was a resident of hi 

from his birth until \ov. 17, 1S6.), wl 



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Mecosta Co., Mich., and settled in Jiij; Rapids 'r|>., 
wliere he has since resided. In Oitol)er, 1.S69, he 
located on the farm he at present ociupies. He was 
married Dec. 23, 1S67, to Etta, daughter of A. C 
and T. G. Kneeland. She was born at Indianapolis, 
Sept. 6, 1S40. 

Mr. and Mrs. Conner have three children, horn as 
follows: James C, May 13, 1869; Vesta, Oit. 15, 
1S71; l>ellis, Nov. 17, 1872. In [xditical matters 
Mr. Conner is a believer in the principles of the 
National party. 




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eroy Cartwright, farmer on sec. 10, Hin- 
ton 'I'pi "''^* \'<oxn in Union Co., Ind., Manli 
19, 1846. His parents, Calvin and Tahitha 

(Wright) Cartwright, were natives respe< lively of 
i'^ Indiana and Virginia, and were residents of 

Union County. 'I'liey went to llerrien Co., 
Mich., in 185S and came to Mecosta County in the 
spring of i<S65. Mr. Cartwright was 19 years old 
when he accompanied his parents to Hinton 'I'p., 
where he bought 80 acres of wild land, on which he 
ti.xed his residence in the spring of 1872, and entered 
vigorously into the details of clearing and imi)roving. 
He has since added 40 acres to his original i)urchase 
and owns 80 acres in the Township of Millbrook. 

Mr. Cartwright was married in Trumbull Co., Ohio, 
Kel). 26, t872, to Sarah E., youngest child of Orlo 
Winter. Of four children born of this marriage, 
three survive: Eva, born June i, 1873; Mernett, 
Aug. 26, 1874; Martin, Aug. 28, 1878. A son died 
in infancy. Mrs. Cartwright is a member of the 
Church of the Disciples. Mr. C. is a Repiil)lican ; 
has been Treasurer of his townshii) eight years, and 
Supervisor two years. 




f i^urdoch Sterling, farmer, sec. 28, ]?ig Rap- 
i:53- ids Tp., was born April 8, 1S22, in God- 
' manchester. Province of (^uetiec. Can. 
yi-X. ■ \ His parents, James and Agnes Steriing, 
'' were Ixjth natives of Scotland, and his father 
^ was a soldier in the war of the Revolution at 

^ the time of the surrenderor Burgoyne. 




In [848 Mr. Steriing came to Michigan and was 
engaged lor six years in the manufat ture of lumber 
in Newaygo County, going thence to Ada, Kent Co., 
where he was occupied in farming seven years. In 
1861 he came to Hig Rapids, and two years later 
bought the farm where he has since been engaged in 
agricultural [)ursuils, containing 80 acres of valuabli- 
land. 

Mr. Sterling was niarrieil Jan. 4, 1858, to Margaret 
McFee, of ("roton, Newaygo Co., Mich. She was 
born on Prince Edward's Island, May 3, 1833. The 
records of the children of this marriage are as fol- 
lows : Sarah M., born June 18, 1859, is now the wife 
of John Baird, of Mecosta. William was born May 
26, i86r; James, April 18, 1863; Katie M., Aug. 2, 
1S65 ; John W. M., A|)iil 24, 1867; Cynthia J., Aug. 
10, 1870. 

Mr. Steriing has held the oflicc of School Direc- 
tor during the last five years; himself and wile be- 
long to the Presbyterian Church. 




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i obert Austin, I'armcr, sec, 27, .Austin Tp- 
is a son of William and Takey (Johnson) 
i^^T^' Austin, natives of Elgin Co., Ontario, Can., 
' <V\ ^^here Robert was born Dec. 16, 1853. In 
the summer of 1870 the family came to Me- 
costa County and the spring following pur- 
i based 80 acres of timberetl land, where the father 
and son labored together to i:lear the ground and es- 
tablish a home. Robert Austin was married Feb. 1, 
1876, to Chariotte, daughter of Solomon and Nancy 
(Gray) Cummings. Her parents were natives of 
New York, settled in St. Joseph Co., Mich., where 
the daughter was born .Aug. 25, 1849. The young 
people settled upon 40 acres of the homestead. Of 
this land 25 acres have been reclaimed and placed 
in good condition. They have now an attractive 
home, endeared to them by their labors and the as- 
sociations which center there. Four children have 
been liorn to them, as follows: Maud, Dec. 11, 
1876; William H., Jan. 21, 1878; Ira H., June 20, 
1S82. The latter is a twin child; the other died 
soon after birth. 

Mr. Austin is a liberal Republican in polilus; is 
averse to notoriety, and invariably refuses to hold 
office. Mrs. .Austin is a lady of more than ordinary 



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intellectual accomplishments. She attended the 
district school in her native place until she was ten 
years oUl, when she went to Wyandotte, Wayne 
Co., Mich., and studied at the college about eight 
years. She also studied for a time at Ann Arbor, 
and finished her educational course at the State 
Normal School at Ypsilanti. She was a popular and 
successful teacher four years previous to her mar- 
riage. 







["oseph Falardo, resident at Bit; Rapids. 
||r- was l)orn in St. Es[)rit, I'rovince of (Que- 
bec, July 28, iSj7. He is a son of Louis 
and Lucille Falardo, the former a carpenter 
and wagon-maker by trade. Mr. Falardo is of 
French descent, his ancestors having emigrat- 
ed from that country to America. The family name 
has been changed fnim Falardeau to its present 
form. 

Mr. I'alaRlo began life for liiniself as a clerk in a 
general store, where he was em[)loyed two years, and 
at the end of that time went to New Hartford, Conn., 
where he worked in a cotton mill about i<S months. 
His father moved to Brooklyn, N. Y., and he learned 
the carpenter's trade with him, and pursued it five 
years. At the end of that time his parents removed 
to Cohoes, N. Y., where he went to work in a sash, 
door and blind factory, and was thus employed one 
year, when lie bought tlie machinery and fixtures of 
the concern, and began operations on his own ac- 
count, associated with John De ViHier and his 
father, Ix)uis Falardo. Messrs. Falardo and De Vil- 
Her bought out the interest of the senior Falardo at 
the end of a year, and continued operations si.\ 
months, when the mill was sold, and it became nec- 
essary to remove their macliinery. 

In December, iS6i,Mr. I'alardo formed a partner- 
ship with E. B. Hayes, and established a sash, door 
and blind factory at Vergennes, Vt., wliere they em- 
ployed an average working force of 100 men, and 
usually turned out between 300 and 400 doors daily. 
Their business was extended and [irosperous, and at 
the end of eight years Mr. Falardo liought the interest 
of Mr. Hayes and connected Iiimself with Charles C^ 
Parker. The latter relation e.visted over three years, 
but the financial crisis which wrought such mischief 



in every avenue of business, affected them seriously 
and the affairs of the concern were brought to a close. 
Mr. Falardo went to Essex, N. Y., and entered the 
employ of his two brothers in the same line of busi- 
ness. A year later he went to Whallonsburg, in the 
same county, and managed the mills of Capt. Root 
one year. His next business venture was at White- 
hall, N. Y., where he formed a partnership with Mr. 
Hayes, and leased a mill, which they o|)erated about 
18 months, and in February, 18S2, they came to Big 
Rapids, built their mills, and established themselves 
in business. The concern is vmder the proimetor- 
ship of Joseph F. Hayes, and is conducted by Messrs. 
Hayes iS: Falardo. A working force of 50 men is 
employed, and the daily jiroducls are 125 doors and 
80 pairs of blinds. The machinery employed is the 
best known in the business. 

Mr. Falardo was married at Cohoes, N. Y., Aug. 
23, 1859, to Aiwlline Le lioeuf, a native of Canada, 
born April 8, 1841. The household includes six 
children: Eli V. R., Mary, Theodora, Charles, Ed- 
ward and Lucille. 

During his residence in the city of \'ergennes, he 
was Alderman two years and Justice of the I'eace 
three years. The family belong to the Roman 
Catholic Church. 




M. D. Knettles, farmer, resident on sec. 
Jll!!pJ|| 15, Mecosta Tp., was born in Tompkins 
"^ Co., N. Y., May 27, 1845. His parents, 
Henry and Rachel (Teeter) Knettles, were na- 
tives of N. Y., and were respectively of Dutch 
and English extraction. When Mr. Knettles 
became of age he came to this county and settled in 
Mecosta Tp., locating in the immediate vicinity of 
the Big Muskegon River, soon afterward purchasing 
56 acres of lanil, to which he added 70 acres more a 
few years later. This was all in a wild condition ; 
but on the first place there was a small house, which 
he inhabited 15 years. The energy and persevering 
efforts af Mr. Knettles find his family have reclaimed 
the unbroken forest, and wherfe the dense timber 
shut out the rest of the wodd from view, fair, fertile 
fields have succeeded and the marks of progressive 
civilization are everywhere visible on the place. In 
addition to other improvements is a fine young or- 




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chard, containing 120 trees. The farm is well sup- 
plied with buildings and a new and beautiful resi- 
dence has just been completed, at an expenditure 
ofS2>ooo- Mr- K.. and his family may justly be 
rated among the leading inhabitants of the county. 
Mr. Knettles was married in Tompkins Co., N. Y., 
July 4, 1856, to Susan, daugliter of Joseph and 
Katie (Protts) Everhart, lorn May 21, 1846, in 
Seneca Co., N. Y. The two children born of this 
marriage are still living: Cora B., born .April 6, 1868; 
Libby M., April 18, 1870. Mr. Knettles is a Demo- 
crat in jxjlitical faith, and im lines to the Ur.iversal- 
ist doctrinal views. Mrs. Knettles is theoretically a 
Presbyterian. 



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' p"^'" tephen S. Wilcox, of Big Rapids, whose 
;^ ' , " portrait appears in proximity to this page, 
was born July 29, 1S40, in Schenevus, 
/i\^ Otsego Co., N. Y., and is the son of John and 
Y\ Amanda (Upson) Wilcox. His father, who 
was of English descent, was a soldier in the 
war of 1812, and a pioneer settler near Hartford, 
Conn. The first frame house ever built in Schene- 
vus was erected by him and is still standing. 

Stephen S. Wilcox was the youngest of six children, 
and was educated at tlie schools and seminaries in 
the vicinity of his home, until he was r5 years old ; 
he then removed to Galesburg, 111., wheie he served 
as clerk for his brother in the hardware business, and 
finally learned the trade of tinner. 

After serving tiiree years' apprenticeship, duiing 
which tiine he spent his leisure in study, he, in the 
fall of 1S58, taught the district school in Otsego, N. Y. 
In 1859 he bought a stock of hardware, and con- 
ducted a small business successfully for a short time. 
In 1862 he removed to Detroit, and for several years 
worked as a tinner. 

In 1868, the firm of S. S. Wilcox & Co., consisting 
'^ of Mr. Wilcox and his father-in-law, J. W. Barlour, 
I commenced a general hardware business at 12ig 
\^ Rapids. I'our years later Mr. Wilcox assumed the 
^ entire management of the business and has since 
^ conducted it successfully. 

/■^j His son-in-law, Mr. W. J, Sloss, was admitted an 
^ active partner to the firm of S. S. Wilcox & Co. at the 



459 'X 

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commencement of the present year (1883). Mr. 
Sloss was born in Dearborn, Michigan, where he re- 
sided until his removal to Big Ra|)ids, excepting four 
years spent at the Agricultural College at Lansing. 

Mr. Wilcox is an Odd Fellow, and a charter mem- 
ber of the Knights of Pythias lodge of this place. 
He gives his [wlitical support to the Democratic 
party, but does not aspire to office. Thorough 
accpiaintance with the practical details of his busi- 
ness, and strict personal attention to every depart- 
ment of it, have insured his success. 

Mr. ^Vilcox was married Feb. 7, 1863. to Miss 
Adelaide L., daughter of Theron W. Barbour, who 
removed from Vermont, and settled at Pontiac, in 
1830, when Michigan was a "Territory. ' His family 
comprises the following children : Ida B., born at 
Farmington, Mich., Jan. 26, 1864; and Fred. The- 
ron, born at Big Rapids, Mich., Oct. 29, 1869. 



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ames Caudle, farmer, sec. 24, Big Rapids 
Tp., was born Dec. 14, 1802, in Hailes, 
Gloucestershire, Eng. (Hailes is the sup- 
:*!ij ixjsed site of Troy.) The parents of Mr. Cau- 
'W die, William and Mary (Wallis) Caudle, were 
[ married Nov. iS, 17S4, in Hailes, Eng., and 
never removed from England. The father was born in 
Hailes, Nov. 16, 1759, and died March 8, 1855. The 
mother was born July 25, 1762, and died in the fall 
of 1846. 

Mr. Caudle was married Dec. 12, 1831, to Julia 
Pauline (Francis) Gubeau, born in Kirckerville, Nor- 
mandy, France, Feb. 15, 1805, and died Dec. 27, 
1872, in Walker Tp., Kent Co., Mich. They left 
England March 3, 1832, and landed at the ])ost of 
New York, May i, 1832. They located first at 
Rochester, Monroe Co., N. Y., where they resided 
32 years. They started thence to Michigan April 
II, 1864, and came to Kent County, where they 
lived in Walker about 12 years. They came to Big 
Rapids, Nov. 29, 1876, where they established a per- 
manent home. 

Mr. and Mrs. Caudle had 12 childien. l''.ight of 
these have been removed by deatii. Wm. ),. Cau- 
dle, only surviving son, died July 27, 1865, of dis- 
ease contracted while a soldier of the Union army- 



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Julia (Caudle) Newcomb was born Sept. 3, 1834, 
and lives at Bay City ; Mary (Caudle) Nordon, born 
April 26, 1S36, lives in Walker, Kent Co., Mich; 
Ann (Caudle) Waring, jjovn July 26, 1837, is a widow 
and keeps her father's house. Sarah F. (Caudle) 
Martin was born April 19, 1841, and lives in Sum- 
mit, Mason Co., Mich. 

Mr. Caudle is a Democrat in politics and a mem- 
ber of the Roman Catholic Church. 



Mi obert Jamieson, farmer, sec. 22, Chippewa 
5?A3. Tp., was born July 6, 1845, "" ''""^ 'f*''^ °f 



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J'"' Islay, and is the fifth child of Donald and 
,..-^ Margaret (McDougall) Jamieson, the former 

V a native of the Isle of Bute, the latter born on 
the Isle of Jura. (The islands named are in 
the Atlantic Ocean, west of and belonging to Scot- 
land.) The inxreiits came to Canada in i860, where 
the mother died in 1S64, and the father in 1882. 

Mr. Jamieson obtained a fair education in his 
native country, and came with his parents to America 
and resided a year with them in the Dominion. He 
came to Michigan in 1861 ; in 1867 he located in 
Chippewa Tp., this county, in which year several 
other settlers made their entries of land and began 
with energy the work of clearinof and settling that 
part of the wilderness. 

Mr. Jamieson was married in 1868, to Minnie, 
daughter of John and Mena (Licker) Martiny, born 
in Syracuse, N. Y., in 1850. Her parents were 
natives of Germany, and pioneer settlers of Mecosta 
County, being the first permanent residents of Mar- 
tiny Ti>., which received their name. (See sketch of 
John Martiny.) Mr. and Mrs. Jamieson have had 
three children : Donald, John and Alexander. 



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) r\].;,arwin C. King, Postmaster at Morley, was 

' y' born in Wayne Co., N. Y., Dec. 12, 1846. 

His father, Laban King, was a farmer, and 

is still a resident of Wayne Co. His mother, 

^ Matilda (Ringer) King, died in 1866. Mr. 

\ King was reared at home, and until the age 

of 20 assisted in tlie labors of his father, and ac- 

([uired his education. At that period of his life he 



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went to Yates Co , N. Y., and engaged as a farm 
laborer. In 1869 he came to Michigan, and at first 
found employ in Jackson Co., with his uncle, Jas|icr 
King, remaining 14 months. He then went to Battle 
Creek and s[ient six months as cleik in a store. In 
1872 he came to Morley and found a situation in the 
general store of E. W. Gerrish, and acted in that 
capacity two years. His next engagement was in 
"Schofield's " restaurant. The ne.xt year, 1875, he 
began to operate in lumber, shingles, etc., and has 
been so engaged to date. He was associated for a 
time with D. W. Stewart, and later with W. D. Lake 
in a general store and lumbering. In 1880 they sold 
their claims in the business and Mr. King has since 
continued alone. He received his appointment as 
Postmaster of Morley in January, 1S83. He was 
married Feb. 2, 1881, to Miss Lake, daughter of 
Robert O. and Maviette (Redker) Lake, natives of 
the State of New York. Mr. King is a Republican 
in political faith and has held the offices of Justice 
of the Peace, Assessor, etc., a long period of years. 
He cast his first Presidential vote for U. S. Grant. 



oseph J. Everhart, farmer, sec. 34, Big 

Ra^jids, was born Feb. 17, 1843, in Rose, 

.|,,;, '-■' \\'ayne Co., N. Y. His father, Joseph 

I'liy Everhart, was born Feb. 3, 1799, and died 

'W April 16, 1866, in Lansing, Tompkms Co., 

P N. Y. His mother, Catherine Everhart, was 

born in Pennsylvania, Dec. 27, 179S, and died in 

1872. 

Mr. P2verhart left his native State in 1867 and 
went to La Grange, Ind. In 1868 he came to Ber- 
lin, Ottawa Co., Mich., and after a year's stay there 
came to the township of Big Rapids, and in 1869 
bought 80 acres of land, lying wholly within a belt 
of hard wood. He has 65 acres under the plow, 
and the place and fixtures are in the best condition. 
The tract has a fine lot of bird's-eye maple and 
other standing timber. 

Mr. Everhart was married March 13, 1S66, to 
Dora Teeter, a native of Lansing, Tompkins Co., 
N. Y. She was born Feb. 25, 1846, and' is a daugh- 
ter of Vincent and Catherine Teeter, the former a 
native of Pennsylvania, born April 23, 1807; the 
latter was born in New York in 1822. Children, 



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Lewie E., born Oct. 2, 1867, and died Feb. 18, 1872; 
Oreii v., born Dec. 12, 1870; George K., born Oct. 
7, 1878. 

^fr. Everhart is a pensioner of the hue war, in 
which he was a soldier. He enlisted Aug. 20, 1862, 
in Co. D, Ninth N. Y. Artillery, and was in t'.ie ser- 
vice until Feb., 1864, when he was discharged on ac- 
count of disability, his liealth having become hope- 
lessly broken. He is Road Commissioner, and lias 
been Justice of the Peace one year; is a niemher ot 
the G. A. R. 



^ oah Eaton, fanner, sec. 24, Chijipewa Tp., 
was born in Ingham Co., Mich., July 25, 
1848. He is a son of Edward and Eliza 
(Cole) Eaton, the former a native of Pennsyl- 
vania, the latter of New York. 'I'liey came to 
Ingham County in 1835. 
Mr. Eaton was trained to agiicultural pursuits, 
and had only a common-school education. On reach- 
ing his age of legal freedom he began life for himself 
as a farm laborer, working in Jackson Co., Miih. 
In 1870 he came to Mecosta County, and entered a 
claim of 80 acres under the regulations of ihc lionie- 
stead law, and now has 20 acres in first-i lass fanninii 
condition. 

Mr. Eaton was married in 1875 to Mary, daughter 
of .Simon and Ann (Crawford) Mott. Siie was born 
in Pennsylvania, in 1858, and became the mother of 
one child, Merrilon, born Dec. 16, 1876: she died 
in 1877. In political matters Mr. E. belongs to the 
National party. 



^•^f^^-'o.^' Hayes, resident at Big Rapids, was liorn 
at P.ennington, Vt., Nov. 19, 1837, and is a 



. f^T'th' son of Erastus H. and Maria (Harmon) 
'^< iSv Hayes. His father died when he was between 
i .. four and five years of age, leaving the motiier 
■^ _ with four young children, the eldest of whom 
^ was but nine years old. With the energy and de- 
termination which characterize New I'aigl.ind mothers, 
she kept her flock together, bringing her lio)s up to 
work on the little farm of 36 acres; and when Mr. 



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Hayes, her youngest child, was 17 years of age, the 
place was sold and the proceeds distributed among 
the heirs. Through the mismanagement of a brother, 
Mr. Hayes lost his little patrimony and entered upon 
his life's struggle empty-handed. His first work for 
iiimself was to learn his trade, and he went to Glens 
Falls, N. Y., for the prosecution of that purpose. He 
stayed there five years, accomplishing all the plans 
he had designed and becoming familiar with all me- 
ciianical details. 

Five years later he went to Stillwater, N. Y., and 
became foreman for Cornell & Ladow in the same 
line of business, and filled the position three years. 
He then began business on his own account in the 
same avenue, employing half a dozen youths as as- 
sistants. He soon afterwards admitted John E. Bur- 
rows as a partner, and the ne.xt spring they removed 
their business to Mechanicsville, N. Y., and there 
continued to operate nearly three years, when they 
made another remove to Lape Hollow, near Lansing- 
burg, N. Y., where they remained about a year. 

Mr. Hayes sold out and went to Vergennes, Vt., 
and formed an association with Joseph Falardo. 
They established a large and prosi)erous business, 
whii h they prosecuted about eight years, when Mr. 
Hayes sold out again and bought the establishment 
of the X'ergennes Machine Co., manufacturing pump- 
ing machinery for supplying water to towns and 
cities. He had three associates, and, the affairs of 
the concern eventuating disas'.rously at the tennina- 
tion of si.\ years, Mr. Hayes closed business. Again 
associating himself with Joseph Falardo, they started 
a mill in Whitehall, N. Y., and operated about 18 
nioiilhs in the manufacture of iloors, sash an<l blinds. 
In l'"ebruary, 1882, they removed to Big Rapids and 
built a sash, door and blind factory at the east end 
of the lower dam. Of this establishment Jose[>h F. 
Hayes is the proprietor, and the operative depart- 
ments are managed by Messrs. Hayes & Falardo; a 
force of 50 workmen is usually employed, the busi- 
ness is prosperous and its relations gradually widen- 
ing. Mr. Hayes has a genius for his peculiar line of 
i)usiness. and is naturally adapted to the construction 
of mill machinery. 

Mr. Hayes was married at Glens Falls, March 27, 
r857, to Frances M., daughter of Stei]hen V. R. and 
Sarah Shouts. She was born at Glens I'alls, .March 
28, 1842. Of f(Mir children born to Mr. and Mrs 

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Hayes three are living: Stephen V. R., an attorney 
at Big Rapids, Joseph F. and Fannie J. Lousie, eldest 
cliild, is deceased. 



-•il'P^raines M. Parkill, farmer, sec. 8, Green Tp., 
i^-'/l was born at Beloit, Wis., Oct. 25, 1842. 



•■"'^ He is the second child of Dennis N. and 
Sarah (Dunn) Parkill. The father was born in 



New York, and was a mechanic; he died in 
Wisconsin, and the mother, a native of Ohio, 
spent the last years of her life at Grass Lake, Mich. 

Mr. Parkill was sent to the common schools of 
Farmington, Jefferson Co., Wis., until 14 years old, 
when he entered upon an apprenticeship to learn the 
calling of blacksmith, which he prosecuted until 
1 86 1. On the outbreak of the civil war he enlisted 
in Co. H, 8th Wis. Vol. Inf., and was discharged 
from service in October, 1862, on account of a wound 
received at the battle of James Island. He re- 
sumed his trade on returning home, and continued to 
reside in Wisconsin until 1867, when he came to 
Mec(3sta Co., Mich., and settled at Big Rapids, 
where he worked at his trade five years. In 1872 he 
bought the farm on wliich he hns since resided, con- 
taining 80 acres of land. 

Mr. Parkill was married in April, 1867, to Ella P., 
daughter of Erastus and Sarah R. (Palmer) Fisher. 
Her father was a native of Massachusetts, and her 
mother of Ohio. They are now residents of Me- 
costa County. Mr. and Mrs. Parkill have had six 
children, as follows : Dennis J., L. J., Eva M., Sarah 
M., O. T. and Jessie J. (deceased). 

Mr. Parkill is a Democrat in his jrolitical views 
and sympathies. 




A. Wilcox, farmer, sec. 7, Big Rajjids Tp., 
!■}• was born Feb. 6, 1858, in Wilna, Jefferson 
Co., N. Y., and is a son of Charles and 
t'ox. The father was 
born in New York, 
April 12, 1833, and is now a resident of Ne- 
waygo County. Elizabeth Ressiguie was born May 
17. 1844, in the State of New York, and is of French 
descent. She became the mother of three children : 
William L. Wilcox, eldest son, was born in Hounds- 



M Elizabeth (Ressiguie) Wilcr 
■T^ of German descent and 1 



ville, Jefferson Co., Aug. 29, 1854. He came to 
Michigan in 1S65, and in 1868 went to Denver, Col.; 
is now a resident of San Francisco, Cal. Samuel C. 
Wilcox was born Oct. 16, 1859, in Wilna, N. Y., and 
came to Michigan in 1865; went to Washington Ter- 
ritory April 2, 1883. 

Mr. Wilcox came to Michigan in March, iS65,and 
settled in Oceana Co., Mich. He came to Mecosta 
County, and settled in Big Rapids Tp., Nov. 5, 1880. 
He was married .\pril 25, 1880, at Big Rapids, to 
Emma L. Haight. She is of German descent and 
was liorn in Big Prairie, Newaygo Co., Mich., May i, 
1862. The ceremony of marriage was performed by 
Elder Grice. 

Mr. Wilcox is connected with the National party 
in his jiolitical affiliations. 



homas Shaw, Sr., Circuit Court officer and 
;,i^^i Deputy Sheriff of Mecosta County, residing 
I'T-.rlJiS" *■ at Big Rapids, was born' in Manchester, 



Eng., .'\ug. 28, 1813. He is the third son of 




John and Eleanor (Robinson) Shaw, the former 
I a native of Radcliffe, Lancashire. 
Mr. Shaw passed the years of his youth in the man- 
ner common among the people of his nationality, and 
at the usual age learned the craft of decorator of pa- 
per hangings. He was married Jan. 31, 1835, *o Nic- 
olas, daughter of James and Nicolas Stott, born Oct. 23, 
181 1, at .Alnwick, Northumberlandshire. The family 
came to .\nierica in 185 r and landed at Boston, going 
thence to Lynn, Mass., where he worked at his trade 
a few months. He went successively to Hanover 
Society, Conn., and New Bedford, Mass., where he 
was similarly employed a short time, and then Law- 
rence, Mass., for several years. In 1855 he came to 
Mecosta County and pre-emi>ted a quarter sec. (17) 
of land in Green Tp., the year previous to its being 
taken out of market. His experiences differed in no 
material sense from the oft repeated but never 
wearisome history of the average pioneer settler, un- 
til the clouds of war hung like a pall over the land 
and disunion seemed imminent. The promptness 
with which foreign-born citizens flocked to the Union 
standard was significant of two things: first, the 
sense of obligation awakened by the privileges they 
enter upon at once under the regulations of this Gov- 
ernment; and, secondly, the value of discipline in 



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early training. Mr. Shaw felt that the emergency 
demanded his aid, and himself and two sons enlisted 
at Big Rapids. He enrolled in August, 1863, in Co. 
A, Tenth Micli. C'av., and was assigned to the posi- 
tion of Hospital Steward, and afterward was promoted 
to the post of Assistant Surgeon. The regiment 
went to the Dei)artment of East Tennessee and was 
first in action May 20, 1864, at Greenville, followed 
by the fights at Morristown, Kingsiiort, Carry lirancli, 
New Market, Morrisburg, William's Ford and Dutch 
Bottom. These engagements covered the service of 
the regiment in the months of July and August. 
The work entitled " Michigan in the War " gives an 
interciting account of the wounding and subsequent 
interviewing by Gen. Wheeler ((onfcderate), of a 
farmer named Griggs, who with six others had ex- 
hibited singular bravery. Mr. Shaw was ordered to 
go to Griggs, which he did, with an escort of one, 
brought him within the Union lines and attended 
him until he was well. The regiment was in the 
famous cavalry raid of Gen. Stoneman, which covered 
a period of 72 days. The initial movement was 
made about the middle of March, 1865. One result 
of the expedition through the western part of North 
Carolina was the cafHure of Salisbury and a large 
•piantity of rebel stores. The Union prisoners were 
removed in time to prevent their liberation, but the 
prison pens and arsenal were destroyed. In this the 
Tenth Mich. Cav. participated. On the aSth, Mr. 
Shaw was injured by his horse falling on him. Her- 
nia of a painful type was the result, but he did not 
report himself ill and continued to discharge the du- 
ties of his ix)st until the mustering out of the regi- 
ment Nov. II, 1865, at Memphis. He was dis- 
charged from the service at Jackson, Mich. 

On returning to Green, Mr. Shaw entered upon the 
practice of medicine, which he pursued two years, 
but was obliged to abandon it from inability to per- 
form the necessary duties of the profession at night, 
and he resumed farming. He held most of the local 
offices of Green Tp., and after a few years moved to 
Big Rai)ids. Later, he sold his farm. He has been 
Deputy Sheriff eight years, and was appointed to his 
position in the Circuit Court in January, 1881. 

Eight children were born to Mr. and Mrs. Shaw in 
England, and one in America. An infant died before 
their removal to the New World. Eleanor, eldest 
child, and Mary Ann, fifth child and second daughter, 




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are deceased. James Stott Shaw, eldest son, is a af 
popular physician in Boston. John and Thomas 1^ 



were soldiers, enlisting respectively in the Infantry 
and Cavalry service and passed their terms of enroll- 
ment in safety. Annie Howard Shaw is an ordained 
minister of the Wesleyan Methodist Church, and 
preaches at East Dennis, Caiie Cod.- She is now 
pursuing a course of medical studies, preparatory to 
filling the ]X)st of a missionary where the competent 
services of a Christian woman are in most urgent de- 
mand. Henry Charles, fourth son, is deceased. 



^«— 



^^^® M|j ilbur A. Hendryx, physician and surgeon 
"^^Ml at Big Rapids, was born at Seymour, New 
jljSVi-, Haven Co., Conn., Feb. 21, 1849. He is 
^-^^ a son of Wilson E. and Rosetta (Booth) 
I Icndryx. His father was a mechanic and had 
I harge of the Humphreyville Edge -Tool Fac- 
tory more than 30 years. He was born in South- 
bury, Conn., in 18 10. Dr. Hendryx was a pupil in 
the public schools of Connecticut until he was iS 
years of age, when he spent a year in the establish- 
ment where his father was chief, after which he en- 
gaged as a clerk in a store in Ansonia, New Ifaven 
Co. In 187 I he came to Pentwater, Mich., and 1 e- 
gan to read for his piotession in the office of Dr. E. 
N. Dnndas, and afterward matriculated at Rush 
College, Chicago, where he was graduated. He at- 
tended this school in the winters of 1872-3-4. He 
took there a special medical course in anatomy, 
surgery and diseases of the chest, and sjient con- 
siderable time in special wards of the principal 
hos[)itals of the Garden City. He went theme to 
Evart, Mich., and three months later, in August, 1874, 
came to Big Rapids and entered into partnership with 
Fred. B. Wood, M. D. The relation continued about 
eleven months, when Dr. Hendryx established him- 
self in an office on Michigan avenue. In November, 
i88i,he admitted Dr. Buikart to a co-partnership 
and the connection existed until November, 1882. 

Dr. Hendryx is in the enjoyment of an extensive 
and popular practice. He belongs to the Masonic 
Order and Knights of Pythias, and is a member of 
the Northwestern Medical Society. In 18S1 he was 
appointed local surgeon of the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., 
and in the same year as such for the the D., L. & N. 



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R. R. Co. He was physician in charge of Mercy Hos- 
pital three years, and for some time was Surgeon of 
tlie 2d Mich State Troops, with the rank of Major, 
but in October, T883, was promoted as Brigade Sur- 
geon, with the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. He was 
elected Mayor of Big Rapids in the si)ring of 1880, 
previous to which he served two years as Alderman. 
He has been United States Examining Surgeon on 
pension claims since r876, and operates in the same 
capacity for several insurance companies, among 
tiiem the Travellers' Accident. He has also a drug 
store in connection with his office, in which he is as- 
sociated with A. H. Weber, style \V. .A. Hendryx & 
Co. Their stock includes a full line of drugs and 
druggists' sundries, and is valued at "about $4,500, 
with business amounting annunl.'v to $10,000. Dr. 
Hendry.\ owns a shingle-uiill at Lumberton, Neway- 
go Co., with a capacity of about 1,000,000 monthly; 
shipments are chiefly to Eastern markets. He also 
owns his residence and two lots on the corner of 
Spruce street and Warren avenue. 

Dr. Hendryx was married at 15ig Rapids, Dec. 22, 
1875, to Lucy A., daughter of Dr. Guy B. and Sarah 
A. Shepherd, of Sheboygan, Wis., who was born at 
Sheboygan Falls, March 7, 1856. 

As one of the truly rejiresentative men of Mecosta 
County, not only as a citizen but as a professional 
and business man, we present the portrait of Dr. 
Hendryx in this work. 



*yMi!r eorge Grimes, deceased, was born in Car- 
•lil^l roll Co., Ohio, March 24, 1824. His par- 
"c'kjl" '^ ents, George and Isabella (Smith) Grimes, 
jt ^^^'^ '°"g residents of Carroll Co., Ohio, and 
X died there at an advanced age. Mr. Grimes 
I passed all his early life in his native State, and 
in the fall of 1868 came to Michigan and l)ought 40 
acres of wild hir.d. He built tliereon a board house, 
and at the time of his death had cleared 25 acres. 
He afterwards purchased 160 acres on sec. 15. 
He (lied April 27, 1879. Mr. Grimes was first mar- 
ried Dec. 3, 1848, to Catherine Wathey, who was 
born Sei)t. 7, 1826, and died Oct. 29, 1849. They 
had one child, Matilda, now tiie wife of Wesley Carr. 
Mr. Clrinies was afterward married a second time 
April 13, 1852, in Carroll Co., Ohio, to Eliza J., 




daughter of Peter and Ann (Guthrie) Warren. Her 
parents were natives of Pennsylvania and went to 
Carroll County, where they were pioneers, and where 
they died about the year 1857. Mrs. Grimes was 
born in Ohio Dec. r, 1829. All the children of this 
marriage are living, born as follows : Milion P., 
July t9, 1853; Lorenzo D., Oct. 19, 1855; Cora A., 
May 10, 1859. Mrs. Grimes manages the farm left 
to her by the death of her husband. 



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s"; •i^l'l acob M. Dubois, farmer, sec. 8, Green Tp., 
T'iili was born in Tyre, Seneca Co., N. Y., Oct. 
^ ',',j -' 18, 1826. He is a son of Conrad M. and 
ff Susanna (Spear) Dubois, the former a native 
of Dutcliess Co., N. Y. ; the latter was born in 
New Jersey. The father came to Lodi, Wash- 
tenaw Co., Mich., in 183 1, where he was a farmer. 
He went thence to Ionia County, and afterwards to 
Clinton County, where he died in 1873. The mother 
died in Mecosta County, Oct. 12, 1874. 

Mr. Dubois obtained a reasonable education in tiie 
common schools of Washtenaw and Ionia Counties, 
and remained at home until llie age of 18 years, 
when he set out in life to work for himself. After a 
few years he returned home and interested himself 
in tlie care of llie family for a considerable length of 
time. In the fall of 1855 he came to Mecosta 
County and worked in the lumber camp of W. S. 
Utley during the winter, and in tlie spring of 1856 
he located r2o acres of land, under the provisions of 
the Gradation Act, which has since been his home. 
Sept. 17, 1 861, he enlisted in the Second Mich. Cav., 
Colonel Gordon Granger commanding. He was in 
several sknniishes, and at the battle of Perryvillle. 
In the summer of 1862 he was taken sick and was 
in Hospital No. 7, at Louisville, for some time, going 
thence to Quincy, 111., where he remained a year. 
In the spring of 1864 he went to Nashville, thence 
to rejoin his regiment, and passed the last month of 
his ]ieriod of enrollment in tiie service. He received 
an honorable discharge Oct. 22, 1S64. 

Mr. Dubois was married June 28, i8()5, to Pru- 
dence A., daughter of Tyler and Mary A. (Henlley) 
Duncan, who was born at Oswego, N. Y., Oct. 31, 
1823. Her parents were natives of Fulton Co. 
N. Y., and in 1856 located in Mecosta County, 



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where they resided during the remainder of their 
life. llic mother died Dec. 28, 1863, and the 
father March S, 1867. rohtically Mr. Dubois is a 
Republican. He is one of the pioneers of the 
county, and is considered one of its most reliable 



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'A ■ » ■ t j?e» — 




^apt. James Judkins, Paris, Mecosta Co., 
was born in Hehnont Co., Ohio, March 24, 
1825. His fatlier, Dr. James Judkins, was a 
native of North Carolina, and came to Ohio 
at an early date, where he foUuwcil the prac- 
tice of medicine for more than 50 years. He 
was a brother of Drs. Jesse and William Judkins, well 
known physicians of Cincinnati. His mother, Susan- 
nah (Boyce) Judkins, was born in rennsylvania ; both 
families were Quakers. 

'I'he subject of this sketch was educated at the 
Quaker college, in Mount Pleasant, Jefferson Co., 
Ohio. At the age of 22 he married Miss Mary h. 
Dorneck, daughter of John Doriieck, of Salona, Clin- 
ton Co., Pa. She was educated in the academy at 
that place, and afterward went with her parents to 
Ohio, and settled at Flushing, Belmont Co., where 
she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Judkins have had 
five sons, three living and two dead. Judge Byron 
Judkins, of Hersey, Mich., is their eldest living son ; 
Lewis R. and Henry S. are telegraph operators. 
They also have an adopted daughter. 

Capt. Judkins is a Republican, and has held differ- 
ent township offices most creditably for many years. 
He enlisted May i, 1864, in the i56ih Regt. Ohio 
Vol. Inf., remaining in service until the close of the 
war. 



I^arles W. Pullman, farmer, sec. 16, Big 
Rapids Tp., was born in Oxford Co., Upper 
'anada, Jan. 22, 1856. His father, George 
Pullman, was of English descent and born in 
XewVorkin 1829. He was 1 soldier in the civil 
war and died in captivity in Libby prison, in 
December, 1 863. The mother, Mary (Oamer) Pull- 
man, was born in 1 8 37, in (;ermany,and died in Oxford 
Co., Can., in December, 1863, in the same month she 







was left a widow. She was the mother of three chil- 
dren : Albert \V. was born Oct. 14, 1 858, and settled in 
Big Rapids Feb. 15, 1870, in company with Mr Pull- 
man of this sketch, (leorge R. was born in t S60 and 
died the following year. 

Mr. Pullman was married 0( t. 13, 1S80, to Mar- 
garet A. McCune, daughter of Samuel and Eliza 
(McKee) McCune, born Jan. 13, 1861, in Mecosta 
County. Of this marriage there is one ( hild, Oeorge 
R., born March 6, 1SS2. Mr. Pullman is a Republi- 
can in liis political views. 



i obert H. Bovay, farmer, sec. t^t,, Chip- 
pewa Tp., was born in I'rince Edward Co., 
'" Ameliasburg Tp., Can., Jan. 14, 1846, and 

,rT is a son ot John and Minerva (Hlake) Bovay. 

ty His father was born in England, in August, 

I "792, and his mother was a native of Canada, 

where she still resides. 

Mr. Bovay was reared on a farm and received 
only a common-school education in his native Prov- 
ince. .\t the age of eight years he was " bound " to 
William Anderson, M. P. P., and resided under his 
guidance until between 19 and 20 years of age, when 
he went to Rochester, N. Y., anrf thence to the Che- 
mung River, where he worked two months in a saw- 
mill; then worked on a farm in Canada six months, 
during which time volunteers were called out, and 
he enlisted, going to Prescott, ("an., for a short time; 
then was on a farm on Prince Edward Island three 
months longer, where he had been previously en- 
gaged. He was then at Saginaw until 1868, in the 
lumber camps winters, and working at saw-mills 
during the intervening summers. He then came to 
Chippewa Tp. and bought 80 acres of land, which 
he has since increased to 120 acres. He has 
placed 40 acres under improvements, and has good 
buildings. 

Mr. Bovay was married May 29, 1873, to Sarah 
Jane, daughter of George and Mary (House) Con- 
nor, born in Sheffield, Can., Dec. 26, 1850. Her 
failicr was a native of Irelantl, and her mother was 
born at St. John's, N. B. The four children of the 
family were born as follows : W'illiam .Albert, March 
6, 1874; Alice Lauretta, Nov. 27, 1876; Frankie H. 
and T'"annie May (twins), Jan. 4, 1883. 



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Mr. Bovay is Republican in politics ; was elected 
District Treasurer, Jan. 22, 1882, and Justice of the 



homas Sales, farmer, sec. 7, Green Tp., 
was born in Caroline Co., Va., Aug. 4, 
1823. He passed the first 18 years of his 
life in farming, alternating with other pursuits 
as occasion demanded. He left home in 1841, 
and went to St. Louis, Mo., going thence in 
1S46 to Chicago, where he spent two years in various 
employments. In 1848 he came to Michigan, to en- 
gage in lumbering, and passed through Mecosta 
County, en route to the lumber camp of Delos 
Blodgett, in Osceola County, and was in the employ 
of that gentleman until 1858. In that year he 
bought a farm in the northern part of Creen Tp., 
containing 40 acres of land, where he expended labor 
and energy for five years, selling the property at the 
end of that time, and removing just across the line 
into Newaygo County, where he lived two years. In 
i860, he bought tlie farm on which he is now located 
in Green 'I'p , containing 88 acres of unimproved 
land. He has api>lied his time and efforts to the 
clearing and improvement of his farm to the best 
purpose, and has 40 acres in advanced cultivation, 
with a fine residence, good orchards and fi.xtures, 
generally in e.xcellent condition. He is esteemed 
among his fellow townsmen, and regarded as a valu- 
able and public-spirited citizen. 

Mr. Sales was married in i860 to Mrs. Catherine 
Goose, a native of Germany. Two children have 
been born to them: Maria L. and William T. Mrs. 
Sales had seven children by a former marriage : Kate, 
George, Margaret and Mary, now living, and Henry, 
Lizzie and Mary deceased. 



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jl^red B. Wood, jjliysician and surgeon, at 
miP -iig Kapids, was born Sept. 12, 1844, at 
'" Bainbridge, Chenango Co., N. Y., and is a 
son of Joseph and Sarah (Farnham) Wood. 
When he was two years old his parents moved 
to Williams Co., Ohio, and went a year later to 
De Kalb Co., Ind., where his father dieil within the 





same year. His mother was of Scotch lineage, and 
by her death six years later her seven children were 
fully orphaned. The little Hock — four boys and 
three girls — were scattered, never more to gather 
under the home roof. 

Dr. Wood co'.unienced his career as a practitioner 
after the manner in which children often indicate 
the bent of their proclivities. He experimented in 
surgery on small animals, and dosed with harmless 
compounds such persons as he could induce to 
yield to his importunities. He began to study early, 
and when 1 1 years old went to work for Wm. Mitch- 
ell, of Steuben Co., Ind., receiving $4 per month the 
first season, and a dollar additional during the second 
year. After that he worked for Martin Eldredge two 
summers, at %i a month, and went to school winters. 
He saved his earnings and spent the school years of 
1859-60 at Hillsdale College, where he first studied 
anatomy. In February, 1861, he went to work for 
Benj. Dygert, of Steuben Co., Ind., and in May fol- 
lowing enlisted at Angola, in Co. A, 29th Ind. \'ol. 
Inf , for three years' service. He was the second en- 
rolled soldier from that county, and went out under 
Capt. J. H. M. Jenkins, rendezvoused at La Porte, Ind., 
and crossed the Ohio in June, 1861, from Jefi'erson- 
ville, Ind., to Louisville, Ky. His first smell of rebel 
powder was at Mumfordville, Ky., followed by engage- 
ments at Pittsburg Landing, Corinth (1st and 2d), 
Shiloh, Perryville, Stone River, Liberty Gap and 
Chickamauga, where he received a gunshot wound in 
the head. At Liberty Gap, he was wounded in the 
leg by a niinie ball, and spent a few days in the 
hospital. On the last day of the fight at Chicka- 
mauga, Sept. 20, 1863, he was captured and sent to 
Scott's [)rison at Richmond ; was transferred success- 
ively to Royster, Pemberton and Belle Isle. Feb. 
22, 1864, he was sent to Andersonville in the first 
S(piacl that peopled that (iolgotha of modern times 
He was transferred Sept. 7, 1864, to Savannah, and 
went thence to MiUen, Oct. 3, 1864. Nov. 20, fol- 
lowing, he was returned to Savannah. and exchanged, 
after spending 14 months in rebel prisons. He 
added largely to his medical knowledge by doing 
hospital duty while in cajjtivity. He had charge 
of the sniall-iiu.\ patients at Richmond, and as 
sisted in hosi)ital organization at Andersonville, 
Savannah and Millen. He was sent from An- 
napolis, Md., to Indianapolis, where he was fur- 
loughed 90 days, went home and returned in the 



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winter of 1864 to the place last named, to be 
mustered out of the service of the United States. 
In the spring of 1865 he resumed his studies at 
Hillsdale. The next winter he taught school and 
pursued his medical course with W. Alphonso Wood, 
of Angola, and in the winter of 1866-7 went to 
Hellevuc (N. Y.) Hospital Medical College, and at- 
tended lectures. 

Dr. Wood came to Big Rapids Feb. 14, 1867, and 
began the practice of his profession in company with 
Dr. D. F. Wooley. Mecosta County was in its 
pioneer days, and the experiences of Dr. Wood dur- 
ing the next few years present a fair exhibit of 
the life of a physician in the early history of a lum- 
ber district. Big Rapids had less than 400 inhabit- 
ants, but it was the central point of a large section, 
and the lumbermen, at widely scattered points, de- 
pended wholly on the physicians there located, — 
Drs. Wooley, Whitfield and Wood. The sanitary con- 
ditions in the woods differed from those at local [wints. 
The lumbermen were in constant need of medical 
aid. In addition to accidents, of which there was a 
large percentage, the exposure and carelessness of 
the men at work in the woods occasioned a large 
amount of sickness. In the winter of 1867-8 l)r. 
Wood entered into a contract with all llie lumber- 
men on the Muskegon and its tributaries north of 
Big Rapids, by the terms of which each man paid 
him one dollar monthly, thereby securing medical 
treatment as his case demanded. Dr. Wood set out 
on his route every Monday morning, rode on horse- 
back an average of 68 miles daily, returning Satur- 
day or Sunday following. He carried with him his 
medicines and the mail for the lumber camps he ex- 
pected to visit. The woods he traversed were 
Indian trails or worse, and the incidents of his jour- 
neys included such experiences as are common to the 
early settlement of a lumber section. 

In 1870-1 Dr. Wood attended lectures at Rush 
Medical College, Chicago, was graduated m the lat- 
ter year, and in 1879 completed another course at 
Ft. Wayne, Ind. In 1877 he engaged in the drug 
trade at Big Rapids, and continued the management 
of that branch of business until April, 1880, when 
he sold out to Willard Jeffts and went to La Grange, 
Ind., where he fomied an association with W. A. 
Stewart in the drug business, combining medical 
practice therewith. In the winter of 1881-2 he at- 



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tended a course of lectures at Rush Medical College, 

and again, in the winter of 1882-3, took a jxjst gradu- 
ate course at the same institution. June 26, 1883, 
he returned to Big Rapids and resumed his career 
as a medical practitioner. 

Dr. Wood married July 20, 1865, Maty J., daugh- 
ter of Wm. E. and Eliza J. (Thornburgh) Sargent. 
The parents are of Scotch and Irish descent, and 
the father became a soldier of the civil war, going into 
the service as Lieutenant of the same company in 
wiiich Dr. Wood enlisted. The household of the 
latter includes two sons: J. Fordyce, born Jan. 13, 
1868, and Phonso S., born Feb. 6, 1872. 



ohn S. Weidman, farmer and lumberman, 

'^ resident on sec. 29, Hinton Tp., was born 

in St. Clair Co., Mich., May 10, 1852. He 

t"X is a son of Evan and Harriet (Edgecomb) 

% Weidman, who settled in Hinton Tp. six years 

Y ago and still reside there. Uiit 1 the age of 25, 
Mr. Weidman was attending school and working on 
the farm, and was also employed on the rivers. He 
bought 40 acres of timber land in Hinton Tp., in the 
fall of 1876. In 1877 he was employed in lumbering 
on the Little Muskegon River and passed seven 
months in that occupation, then settled on his tract 
of 80 acres he liad bought for a homestead. He 
built a frame house, and spent five months clearing 
his farm, then returned to liis lumbering interests on 
the Big Muskegon, where he was occupied nearly 
eight months. He has continued ever since to alter- 
nate farm labors with lumbering. He has added to 
his farm and other land until he owns 600 acres, 
witli 60 acres under an advanced state of cultivation. 

Mr. W'eidman was married at Big Rapids, July 3, 
1877, to Maggie E., third daughter of William G. and 
Mary (Plimi)ton) Mitchell, who was born in A-^tna 
Tp., Nov. 4, 1847. They have two children, — Ten- 
ora D., born Sept. 8, 1S78, and Mildred A., Aug. i, 
1880. Mrs. Weidman is a memljcr of the Congrega- 
tional Church. 

Mr. Weidman deserves tlie trilmte due to every 
self-made man. He began in the world ov\\y with his 
hands, his energy and determination as farmer and 
lumberman, and has reached a social and financial 
status that compares fairly with the records of other 

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leading men of Mecosta Count)^ In politics he is a 
Rei)ul)lican. 

We present a portrait of Mr. Weidman in this 
book. 



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lonzo Vangilder, farmer, sec. 6, Big Rap- 
ids, was born Feb. 24, 1824, in Onondaga 

?3': '•■■/ '-°-> ■'^- ^1 '^"'^ '^ ''^^ third son of Ransom 
--•JUrf ,^1-jij A^iiba^ (Vantassel) Vangilder, the former 

a native of Vermont. 
1 Mr. Vangilder left his native State and settled in 
Wisconsin in 1846, and resided in that State princi- 
pally until 1865. He was married at Foud du Lac, 
Wis., Oct. 22, 1854, to Maria Williams, who was 
born Jan. 16, 1826, in Onondaga Co., N. Y. In 
August, 1865, Mr, Vangilder came to Mecosta Co., 
Mich., and settled in the township of Big Rapids, 
where he now owns 100 acres of land, with 40 acres 
in tillage, 20 acres cleared for pasturage and 40 acres 
of good timbered land. 

Mr. and Mrs. Vangilder have had four daughters 
and two sons: Hannah M., Annis R., Mary E., 
James R. (died in February, 1881), Clara L. and 
Grant. 

Mr. Vangilder enlisted in the war of the Rebellion 
Aug. 31, 1864, enrolling in Co. A, 38th Wis. Vol. Inf., 
on what was known as the "one-year call." Mr. V. 
was honorably discharged June 2, 1865, the war be- 
ing practically ended. He is a Republican in poli- 
tics. 



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V /"f. ^ lanson B. Schofleld, farmer, sec. 32, Chip- 
'.\zJ.'JJl. pewa Ti)., was born in Orange Co., N. Y., 



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Aug. 10, 18 1 9. His [)arents, Reuben and 



.^bT Ruth (Kelley) Schofield, were natives of Ver- 
.'-' niont, and removed to the State of New York, 
■ where they resided 30 years, after which they 
located in Branch Co., Mich. After a residence 
there of five years they again moved, going to St. 
Joseph Co., Mich, where they ultimately died. 

Mr. Schofield came to Branch County with his 
parents, and was there interested in farmmg for 20 
years, on a farm of 160 acres. His first change of 
locality was to Black Hawk Co., Iowa, and there he 




engaged three years in land traffic. He came back 
to Branch Co., Mich., bought 100 acres of land, and 
carried on farming two years, when he again sold out 
and went to Polk Co., Iowa, and there engaged in 
farming between two and three years. He again 
liberated himself, and traveled in the Eastern States 
for a time. On his return he came to Mecosta 
County, and in the fall of 1875 bought 160 acres of 
land in Chippewa Tp., and again became practically 
interested in farming. He has continued to add to 
his landed possessions until he now owns 640 acres 
in Chippewa Tp., and is the most extensive land- 
holder within its limits. He owns also 100 acres of 
land in the township of Martiny. In regard to the 
principles of national government he is a Re- 
publican. 

Mr. Schofield was first married in 1840, to Cor- 
delia Schofield, a native of Orange Co., N. Y., who 
died in 1841, leaving one child, .4nna C. He was a 
second time married, to Rachel Bates, born in the 
State of New York. She died in 1857, leaving a 
daughter who bears her name. The third and 
present wife of Mr. Schofield was Delilah Bates, a 
sister of his second wife, by whon\ he has three 
children, — Robert R., Essa May and Bertha D. 



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||fWiil|,, urelle P. Glidden, Attorney at Big Rapids 
pl lJ'.iy/i ^' (firm of Glidden & Marsh), was born in 
ff^'"^ Orleans Co., N. Y., June 12, 1S50. He is 
%^^ son of Oliver D. and Adaline L. (Coy) Glid- 
den. His father was a farmer, and in the fall 
of 1 8s 2 removed with his family to Paw Paw, 
Van Buren Co., Mich., where he engaged in farming 
and afterward in mercantile business. Young Glid- 
den attended the public school until he was 16, when 
he taught a term or two in the common schools. 
The following year he matriculated at Hillsdale Col- 
lege, and was graduated in the Latin Scientific 
Course, with the degree of B. S., in the class of 1873. 
Meantime, he had taught a year in the high school 
at Paw Paw as assistant, and another as Principal of 
the public schools at South Haven, Mich. During 
his teaching and college course he had been reading 
law, and after graduation at college entered the 
office of Hon. James Gould, of Jackson, Mich., 
where he continued his legal studies until February, 
1874, when he was admitted to the Bar. In Marchi 



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1874, he opened an office at Paw Paw, remaining 
there until September, 1875, when he came to Big 
Rapids and entered upon the practice of his pro- 
fession. He formed his present partnershij) with 
E. J. Marsh, April i, i<S78. The firm occupy a suite 
of rooms fitted up for tliem in the Northern Hotel 
block. They are rated among the leading attorneys of 
Mecosta County, and are doing a successful liusi- 
ness. They are also engaged in real-estate opera- 
tions, which they conduct almost exclusively in their 
own interests. 

Mr. Glidden has figured somewhat prominently in 
the political arena of the county and district. He is 
a staunch Democrat, and during the Presidential 
ca:r.paign of 1876 supported Tilden & Hendricks 
with great zeal, throughout the Ninth Congressional 
District. He is the Chairman of the Democratic 
County Committee, and has done much to organize 
that [larty in his county. He, with his father, start- 
ed the Big Rapids Herald, in Ai)iil, 1875, it being 
the first Democratic pai)er in the county, and one of 
the first in Northern Michigan. Mr. G. is Grand 
Chancellor of the Order of Knights of Pythias in 
Michigan, having been elected at the Grand Lodge 
session at Kalamazoo in July, 1883, and is also a 
member of the Masonic fraternity. 

The marriage of Mr. Glidden to Lynn Van Ant- 
werp occurred at Edwardsburg, Cass Co., Mich., 
Dec. 21, 1874. She is the daughter of Simon and 
Louisa Van Antwerp. There are two children : Coy 
H., born June 4, 1877, and Grace L., born March 2, 
1880. 



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t^jj: ou A. Pelton, hardware merchant, at Mor- 
i ley, was born at Grand Rapids, .April 3, 



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He is a son of Aid rich W. and 



'iy^ Amanda (Gray) Pelton, the father a native of 
f'S Canada, and the mother of Troy, N. \. L'pon 
: their marriage they settled at Grand Rapids, 
Mich., and were among the pioneer settlers where 
that city now stands. The senior Pelton still resides 
there; his wife died in February, 1872. 

Mr. Pelton was apprenticed to learn the tinner's 
trade, where he remained three years, and prosecuted 
his trade at Grand Rapids until the age of 21 years, 
when he went to Chicago and there remained 
two years, working as tinsmith. He then returned to 




;niir:>T 

COUNTY. 



Grand Rapids and remained nearly eight months, 
going thence to Cadillac, Mich., and was in the em- 
ploy of Hicks & Peck for 13 months. This engage- 
ment was ended I5y the burning of his employer's 
store. He went to Cedar Springs, Kent Co., and 
was there em])loyed fouryears. In September, 1881, 
he came to Morley, bought the building and lot he 
now occui)ie3, and has a fine stock of hardware, agri- 
cultural implements and farmers' tools, and is man- 
aging a flourishing and increasing trade, ranking 
among the first business men of the town. 

Mr. Pelton was married at Grand Rapids, Mich. 
July 5, 1877, to Mary A., eldest daughter of J. S. and 
Nancy L (VVeeden) Wright, who was born in \\'alker 
Tp., Kent Co., Feb. 12, 1854. They have one child, 
La Verne A., born April 16, 1879. In politics Mr. 
Pelton has always been a Republican ; has been 
Village Assessor, and was Township Clerk of Solon 
Tp., Kent Co., one year, but on removal resigned the 

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acob J. Tallman, farmer, sec. 34, Chip- 
pewa Tp., was born in the City of New 
PS^IP^ York, July 10, 183 1. His father, John J- 
Tallman, was born in Rockland Co., N. Y., 
Sept. 10, 1796, and was a farmer, carrying on 
that business for a number of years, when he 
sold his farm and went to New York city, where he 
resided eight years. He purchased a house at Hack- 
ensack, N. J., and engaged in real-estate tranbactions 
until his death, which transpired in 1875. The 
mother was a native of New Jersey, and s still resi- 
dent there, in the township of Passaic. 

Mr. Tallman was bred on his father's farm and in 
the city of New York, where he attended the public 
schools. At the age of 25 years he came to Cass 
Co., Mich., and found employment in the town of 
Porter, where he remained 'iw^ years. He was the 
owner of 40 acres of land, which he purchased and 
put into an improved condition. 

Three years afterward he sold this and went to 
Kalamazoo, where he resumed his occuiiation of 1 
laborer by the day and month, which he followed two ^ " 
years. 'I'aking advantage of an opportunity that (:. 
offered, he went to Mieldlc Tennessee, to engage in ^ 
bridge building on a railway, and after a stay of si.\ (? 
months returned to Kalamazoo, where he worked at ^ 



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the Seminary about iS months. After three months' 
residence at Big Rapids, he moved upon his farm, 
which he had " proven up," containing 80 acres of 
land; this he began to clear and" prepare for the pur- 
poses of cultivation. 

Mr. Tallraan was married March 31, 1858, to 
Mrs. Electa Irene (Tyler) Truesdell, widow of Ali- 
merin Truesdell, who died in Sacramento city, Cal., 
in 1 85 1. Of her maniage with him two children 
were born, one of whom died in infancy. The sec- 
ond, Jonathan Alimerin Truesdell, was born in 1850, 
and died Jan. 14, 1882. 

Mrs. Tallman was born in Onondaga Co., N. Y., 
July 16, 1829. Her father. Job Tyler, was born in 
Onondaga Co., N. Y., and was a farmer, as also a 
minister of the M. E. Church five years, when he 
became a convert to the tenets of the Seventh-Day 
Baptist Church, and entered its ministry, continuing 
his labors until his death in 1851. The mother, 
Sally (Davis) Tyler, was born in Vermont, and died 
April 21, 1877. Mr. and Mrs. Tallman have had 
two children: Milford J., born July 19, 1863, and 
died July 27, 1865; Josephine Alida, born April 4, 
1866. 

Mr. Tallman is a Republican in political senti- 
ment. He has been Justice of the Peace four years, 
and has officiated in the positions of Constable, 
Township Treasurer and School Assessor of Chip- 
pewa Township. 



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ugene F. Burdiek, teacher, residing on 
N^Qi'; sec. 3, Hinton Tp., is a son of Reuben S. 
®)v4^"^^° and Laviuia (Bailey) Burdiek, natives of 
jiW the State of New York, where they now reside 
and where tlicir son was born, June 20, 1S50. 
He spent his youth in the common schools and 
finished his course of study at Aurora Academy, 
Erie County. He taught school in his native State, 
and on attaining his majority came to Mecosta 
County and located in Hinton Tp. In the spring 
following he bought a small tract of land, on which 
he built a frame house, where he now resides. Since 
coming to the county he has been engaged in teacli- 
ing, and has earned an enviable reputation in his 
calling. 

He was married April 5, 1874, in the house which 
he now occupies, to Evaline, youngest child of Emery 




and Ruby (Petiingill) Hewlett. Her [)arents were 
natives of the State of New York. They moved 
thence to Indiana and afterward to Michigan, finally 
settling in this County, where the father died in 1876. 
The mother is now residing in the Township of 
Wheatland. Mrs. Burdiek was born in Berrien Co., 
Mich., Feb. 26, 1858. She is the mother of two 
children, — Gertrude E., born Aug. 3, 1881, and Reu- 
ben R. born April 26, 1883. Mr. Burdiek is a Re- 
publican and has held the office of Notaiy Pul)!ic 



I 



fames Johnson, farmer and miller, resident 
p at Paris, this county, was born in Sandusky 
Sj"'^*^ Co., Ohio, Oct. 28, 1834, and is a son of 
H Lewis and Abigail (Stults) Johnson. The 
r father was born in Ohio, of Irish parentage, 
I audjnoved to Jay Co., Ind., when the son was 
but seven years of age, afterward removing to Port- 
land Co., Ind., where he died. His mother was born 
in Virginia, and died in 1880, at Winchester, Ind. 

Mr. Johnson remained with his parents until he 
reached the age of 19, working on the farm and learn- 
ing the trade of machinist. When he left home he 
went to Fremont, Ohio, and worked as a machinist 
and millwright until the outbreak of the civil war. 
He enlisted in i86i,in the 71st Ohio \o\. Inf., sta- 
tioned at Fremont, and was seized with an affection 
of the eyes which, after three months, caused his dis- 
charge. Afterward he enlisted in the same regiment, 
and was in the service nine months, when he was 
again discharged, on account of sickness. 

Ou leaving the army he went to Ohio, bought a 
saw-mill and interested himself in lumbering, operat- 
ing until Sept. i, 1S64, when he enlisted a third 
time, enrolling in the 64th Ohio Vol. Inf., the regi- 
ment being attached to the command of Gen. 
Thomas, and was in the service until the termination 
of the war. Returning to Ohio, he resumed the pro- 
fession of millwright. In 1868 his place of business 
was burned, and he lost everything. He came at 
once to Mecosta Co., Mich., and located at Paris, 
where he followed the callings of millwright and 
miller. In 1875 he bought a farm on sec. 15, where 
he is now engaged in agriculture, and continues to 
manage his mill for the accommodation of the coun- 
try trade. 

Mr. Johnson was married to Bridget Mulholland, a 



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native of Ireland, and daughter of Owen ard Bridget It was first in actional Bull's Run (2d), wliere an 

engagement lasting only 15 minutes (Aug. 29) cost 



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Mulholland. Four cliildren have been born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Johnson, three of whom are living, vi/. : 
Francis, Mary Ellen and Sarah Jane; James is de- 
ceased. In his political principles, Mr. J. is a 
Democrat. 

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•.ol. Nathan H. Vincent, resident at Big 

pfa^^; Kapids, was born in Allegany Co., N. V., 

Dec. 5, 1839. His parents, David and Freegift 

■^r (Saunders) Vincent, resided 50 -years on a 
farm in Almond Tp., Allegany Co., N. Y., and 
died there in the fall of 1866, the demise of 
the father occurring three months before that of 
the mother. 

A few months after Col. Vincent had attained his 
majority, the country was convulsed by civil war. It 
roused to activity every sentiment of loyal patriotism 
existing in the North ; it taught men how strong were 
their own unrecognized love and fealty for home and 
country; it brought to the altar of the Union the best 
blood in the land, and developed to the awe-stnick 
and wondering nations of the earth the imperishable 
character of American institutions. 

Col. Vincent enlisted Aug. 29, 1861, in Ilornells- 
ville, N. v., in Co. D., 86th N. Y. Vol. Inf., Capt. D. 
S. Ellsworth, and his rc;;imcnt was mustered into ser- 
vice at Elmira. After six months' service as a private, 
he was promoted to the rank of Corporal, and suc- 
cessively to those of Sergeant and Sergeant Major, 
and Feb, 15, 1863, was commissioned Second Lieu- 
tenant. May 3, following, he was promoted to be 
Captain of his Company. His commissions as Major, 
Lieutenant Colonel and Colonel followed in swift 
succession, and after a command of eight months he 
brought the regiment to Elmira, where it was mus- 
tered out, .\ug. 5, 1865. 

On leaving Palmira tlie 86th N. Y. Regt. proceeded 
to Washington, and was engaged during the winter 
building fortifications for the defense of the Capital. 
Early in the spring it was assigned to detached ser- 
vice in Washington and Georgetown, and did provost 
guard duty until the return of the Army of the Poto- 
mac from the Peninsula Campaign under McClellan, 
when it joined the army at Manassas Junction, and 
was assigned to the command of Fitz-John Porter. 




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the senior Captain killed, and Captain Ellsworth 



the regiment upwards of 200 men. Col. Vincent 
was wounded below the knee, and was sent to the 
hospital, where he remained until the following morn- 
ing. As the coming daylight streaked the east, he 
discovered that the Union forces had moved to the 
heights at Centreville, and the rebels were advancing 
to occupy the ground held the previous day by the 
Federal soldiers. He pressed two fence pickets into 
service for crutches, and made his way to a ruined 
bridge, crept across on a stringer, and joined the 
army. 

He recovered in time to participate in the destruc- 
tion of Fredericksburg. May 2, 1863, he was again 
under fire at Chancellorsville, at the close of what is 
on record as exceeding in disaster any previous 
campaign in which the Federal army had been 
engaged. 

The loss in officers of the 86th at Chancellorsville 
was terrific. Ceneral Whipple, on the first day, led a 
rcconnoitering force toward the left from the point 
held by the right wing (Howard's corps), and at- 
tacked the rear guard of Stonewall Jackson. Mean- 
while the latter made his daring Hank movement with 
his advance, and utterly routed the right wirg. 
After some hours' severe figluing, Gen. \\'hipple fell 
back to an open field in the vicinity of the position 
whence the " right " had been driven. It was after 
nightfall, and the rebel pickets surrounded the field 
on three sides, a portion following in the rear of the 
withdrawing force and closing in, while the other 
sides were guarded by pickets from Jackson's force 
holding the former position of Gen. Howard. The 
night was thus spent, and at break of day it was dis- 
covered that the enemy's pickets had not joined on 
the side nearest the Union forces, and the beleaguered 
troops under Gen. Whipjjle availed themselves of the 
promise thereby afibided, and made a precipitate 
bolt, followed by the rebels. The soldiers crossed a 
ravine and met Gen. Hooker with his forces, who 
joined battle with the troops under Jackson. 
Whijjple's men moved to a position to support 
Hooker's batteries, but were obliged to cross the 
ravine on the right to intercept the enemy marching a|.' 
"n the Union lines. Under the severe fire to which 
the 86th was subjected, the Lieutenant Colonel com- 

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Co. D fell at the side of Col. Vincent. Whipple's 
men came up into the road, but an enfilading fire 
compelled them forward toward the batteries which 
they had previously supported, to find them fallen 
back to the Chancellor House, whither they follow- 
ed, and while yet heated and panting were ordered 
back to the relief of a regiment that had been cut off. 
The destruction of officers had been so great that it 
was next to impossible to determine who was the 
legitimate leader, and Col. Vincent, the junior Sec- 
ond Lieutenant, assumed command, led back the 
regiment, rescued the organization and flag, but lost 
more men of his own force than he saved of the regi- 
ment he delivered. He was covered with blood from a 
scalp wound, and while standing amcjVig the battle- 
stained men. Gen. Whipple came up and advised him 
to go to the rear. Col. Vincent e.xpressed his deter- 
mination to abide with the regiment. His General 
marked him for promotion and moved on. A few 
minutes later they were once more in action, below 
the Chancellor House, where Col. Vincent received 
another scalp wound, a slij;ht injury in the right arm, 
and another in the right hip. Gen. Whipple was 
shot, and his duty devolved on others. 

The regiment was next engaged in a fight at Bev- 
erley's Ford, whither they went on a forced march, 
and did effective service, capturing the rebel head- 
quarters, with papers outlining Lee's plans for carry- 
ing the war into ALaryland and Pennsylvania. The 
rebel chief found himself unexpectedly on the eve of 
battle, and his hopes scattered like autumn leaves 
when it became certain that two years of indecisive 
war had lulled his sagacity blinded his judgment, 
and inveigled him into premature battle. 

The 86th N. Y. Regt. was prominent through the 
Gettysburg campaign, where it did heroic service in 
repulsing the impetuous attack of the corps of Gen. 
Longstreet, July 2, 1S64. Being in Sickles' corjis, he 
participated in several actions along the route of the 
Orange & Alexandria railroad, and in the valley of 
the Shenandoah. It was transferred to the command 
of Gen. Hancock, and went into action at the battle 
of the Wilderness, May 5, having 770 etjuipped men. 
The struggle ended seven days later, but at roll-call 
at the close of May 10, only 50 men of the 86th re- 
sponded to their names. 

Col. (then Capt.) Vincent was disabled by gun- 
shot wounds in the left arm and thigh, and was off 





duty three months. His left arm was badly shat- 
tered, and has never recovered. He was an inmate 
of Seminary Hospital at Georgetown, until sufficiently 
well for furlough. At the end of 60 days he went to 
the Convalescent Hospital at Annapolis, Md., and 
was sent thence on detached duty to Camp Gilmore 
Concord, N. H., where he was occupied in the duties 
attendant upon the assignment of recruits. In 
November he made application to be relieved, and 
joined his command before Petersburg. On his way 
he stopped at Albany, and received his intermediate 
and final commissions from Gov. Seymour, and 
assumed command of his regiment as its Lieutenant 
Colonel. Soon afterward he ijecame Colonel in 
verity, and took part in the closing conflicts of the 
spring of 1865, among tliem Hatcher's Run, Peters- 
burg (final battle), and the other engagements in 
pursuit of Lee, until the surrender of the latter to the 
Federal authority at Appomattox Court-House. The 
regiment went thence to Beeksville Junction, and on 
to Washington for the Grand Review. 

Col. Vincent hears on his body seven scars — the 
ineffaceable credentials of his bravery on the field. 
The regimental flag of 1864 is preserved at Albany, 
N. v., with the record of the year and the following 
statements : " This flag was received at Brandy Sta- 
tion, Va., in March, 1864 : " and " Four Color-bearers 
have fallen beneath its folds." This was but one of 
several flags carried by the "86th " during the war. 

Col. Vincent returned to Hornellsville, where he 
went into business as a real-estate broker, and oper- 
ated three years, officiating also as policeman and 
ticket agent of the Erie railroad. \\\ May, 1868, he 
came to Big Rapids, where he purchased a lot and 
built a residence, which he sold soon after, and 
bought the well-known Stimson farm, containing 280 
acres of land, situated on the north border of the 
city of Big Rapids, and lying on sees. 3 and 4, Big 
Rapids Tp. On this he moved, and followed farm- 
ing about II years. He has made considerable im- 
provements, and still owns the place. Li 1881, he 
bought 25 acres adjoining his farm. In the spring 
of 1883 he sold 21 acres off the southern extremity. 
He also owns two lots in the rear of the Northern 
Hotel, each 240 x 60 feet; two lots adjoining, front- 
ing on State street, 50 x 150 feet, on one of which he 
[jroiioses to erect his residence. He is engaged in 
breeding trotting slock, in which he takes great pride 
and satisfaction. 



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Col. Vincent was married at HornellsvlUe, N. Y., 
Feb. i6, 1864, to Angeline Ellsworth, sister of Capt. 
Ellsworth, and a daughter of Horace and Susan 
Ellsworth, born in New York, Dec. 22, 1841. Mr. 
and Mrs. Vincent have two children: Clara A., born 
at Hornellsville, May 7, 1865, and Daniel H.,boni at 
Big Rapids, Sept. 7, 1869. 

In the fall of 1S76, Col. Vincent was ele<ted 
Sheriff of Mecosta County, on tlic Republican ticket, 
and was re-elected to the following term. He served 
two years afterward as Under-Sheriff, and is a mem- 
ber of the Order of Masonry, and several insurance 
societies. He is the present Deputy United States 
Marshal. He was an actor in the organization of the 
city of Big Rapids, and was a member of the com- 
mittee which framed its charter. 

A recent writer says a man's temperament is his 
fate. The statement probably amounts to a truism 
in the case of Col. Vincent. It is always imijossible 
to estimate the exact degree to which a man's traits 
of character are inherent, or to determine whether 
they are the result of education and circumstances. 
The question is too broad for present discussion, but 
its interest in this individual case is no less intense, 
awakened as it is by a career and position which 
must lead every careful observer to reflection, and due 
weight must be accorded to innate tendencies, train- 
ing, and ihe influence of events. The fatlier of Col. 
Vincent was such a man as made tlie period in 
which he lived a most significant era, from its bear- 
ing upon that which lay in the immediate future. 
The Whig i)arty, of which he was an adiiereni, 
reached its ultima/inn during his active life, and the 
element of which he was the type, in its quiet but in- 
flexible and unswerving methods, made the political 
history of this people during tlie last 40 years a grand 
possibility, and an illustrious certainty. 

The character of Col. Vincent was molded by that 
of his father. The reflective habits of the latter 
trained him in such directions that in the simultane- 
ous advent of civil war and his legal freedom, he 
found the opportunity of his life. The disaster of the 
first Bull Run engagement brought the nation face 
to face with a most ixjrtentous fact. The culmina- 
tion of a colossal national wrong was precipitated 
u{>on an apathetic people. The sentiment of the 
Englishman who scornfully informed the parties at 
Big Rapids with whom he was negotiating, where 





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news was received of the disaster at Bull Run, that 
their business was off because they had no country, 
was identical with that which filled the North with 
unutterable shame, and awakened her hidden lieroes 
to a sense that men were needed at the front. The 
young Vincent, in the first flush of his untrammeled 
existence, only saw one fact, — that the time to act 
had come, and the emergency demanded promptness 
and self-abnegation. The story has already been 
told in brief, but in the cause wherein was the- ele- 
ment of success is contained a lesson that the young 
men of this generation might consider with profit. In 
a cursory review of the facts of his career he was asked 
concerning the governing impulse of which he was 
conscious. " I only realized an earnest desire to 
understand my duty," was the resjxjnse which merits 
permanent record, both as an exponent of its author's 
character and in what it may mean to others. 

On reaching his post of duty, his incompetency irt 
military detail led Col. Vincent to strive in every 
way to remedy the defect, and lie devoted all the 
time and opportunity he could control to that pur- 
pose. His aiiparent proficiency in acquiring the 
details of mililaiy tactics obtained his rapid advance- 
ment through the non-conmiissioned grades of [iromo- 
tion : his bravery in action did the rest. Like jxiets, 
leaders are born. 

The grandest development of the civil war was the 
exhibit to the world of what stuff Americans are 
made ; how quiet men, moving in humble walks in 
life, rise to heights reached by few others under the 
impelling power of an unheralded emergency. Fore- 
thouglit and self-knowledge are the foundation of 
Col. Vincent's achievements, in whatever avenue he 
acts. He needs no eulogy : his record is his crown 
of fame, but its luster pales in the glory of his perfect 
and pre-eminent manhood. His portrait on page 
476, enhances the value of this volume. 



^PgiUlen Chapin, merchant at Morley, is a son 
^*' of James and Mary A. (Rice) Chapin, the 
father a native of Massachusetts and the 
mother of New York. At the age of 1 2 years 
Mr. Chapin left home to enter ujion his life 
work alone. He was engaged in farming and 
other occupations until 18 years of age, when he i^n 
rented a large dairy farm in Illinois, which he man- ^ 



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aged one year. His parents had moved to Michigan 
where they were pioneers, and Mr. Chapin has passed 
his life at different points in Michigan, Ohio and In- 
diana. In tlie fall of 1868 he came to Morley and 
has since resided here uninterruptedly. He carries 
on a general merchandise business, with an average 
slock of $5,000. He is also owner of 40 acres of 
land in the township of Deerfield, 20 acres of which 
is cleared. He is independent in political sentiment 
and action, and has occupied the positions of Town- 
ship Clerk and Village 'I'rustee, and has declined 
several offices to which he was elected. 

Mr. Chapin was married at Logansport, Ind., June 
12, 1862, to Carrie, daughter of William and Nancy 
Warner, who was born Jan. g, 1S45. They have one 
child, Frank, born Feb. 29, 1864. 



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.enson IiIcDuffie, farmer, sec. 18, Big Rap- 
ids Tp., was born in Harrison Co., Ky., in 
1823. His father, Enoch McDuffie, was a 
native of the same county and State, and his 
mother, Catherine (Pope) McDuffie, was born in 
I New Jersey. They removed to Ohio and two 
years later fi.ved their residence in Rush Co., Ind., 
^ where the father died in 1840, aged 45 years. The 
mother married the Rev. James Stallard, after two 
years of widowhood, whom she outlived, dying at 
the age of 70 years. 

After the marriage of his mother, Mr. McDuffie 
went West and stayed about two years in and about 
Fort Des Moines, Iowa. He returned to Indiana .and 
, in 1846 married Miss L. J. Beckner. Of their marri- 
•ft, age eight children — six sons and two daughters — 
■^ were l>orn, two of whom are deceased. 

In 1S64, Mr. McDuffie became a Union soldier, 
and was in the campaign under Gen. Shemian. He 
returnt"d at the close of the war to tind his wife a 
hoi>cless suffeivr under the ravages o{ consumption, 
of which she died in 1867. 

Mr. McDuffie was again married in i8o8, to Elvira, 
youngest child of Andrew and Jane (Day) McFarlin, 
lK)m in Ohio, in 1S35. Her father was bom in 
County Tyrone, Ireland, in 17 82. His parents came 
' with their family to America in 1796, and the son 
^ Andrew iHv.ime a soldier in the war of 1812. 

Mr. McDuffS- came to Mecosta County in 1871 
and established himself in the township of Big 



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Rapids. He is the present Township Clerk, and has 
held the position six years. Mrs. McDufifie is serv- 
ing the township as School Inspector, and is the first 
lady incumbent of that office in Mecosta County, re- 
ceiving her appointment from the Township .School 
Board. 




r alorus W. Bruce, editor and proprietor of 
the Big Rapids Cm rent, was born in Leslie, 
Ingham Co., Mich , March 26, 1843. His 

V father, William Bruce, was a native of Massa- 
chusetts, born Sept 12, 18 18, and was a black- 
P smith by trade. His mother, Diantha C. (Rice) 
Bruce, was born in Vermont, Dec. 22, 1822. 

Mr. Bruce, in early life, was for a brief season em- 
ployed in his father's shop, after which, until the age 
of 19. he interested himself in agriculture. 

On the outbreak of the Rebellion he shared the 
enthusiasm of the hour, and, despite the fact of his 
minority, enrolled himself as a private soldier in Co. 
.•\, 17th Mich. Inf.. Capt. L. L. Comstock. He was 
in the service iS months, and was in action at 
Fredericksburg and Vicksburg. .^t the battle of 
Campbell's Station, Tenn., Nov. 16, 1863, during 
Longstreel's advance on Knoxville, he received a 
severe wound, which resulted in the loss of his right 
leg. He. with 19 others, was captured by the rebels, 
and placed in a field hospital. He was carefully 
nursed by Mrs. Nancy S. Galbraith, a Union widow- 
lady ; and when the countr\- was once more at peace 
he made a practical exhibit of his gratitude by secur- 
ing to her from the general Government a just 
remuneration for her services. Mr. Bruce was 
discharged at Detroit, March 4. 1S64. 

The use and advantages of a more extended edu- 
cation to one in his circumstances became a fixed 
conviction during his illness, and on recovery he 
entered college at .-Vdrian, Mich., and there pursued his 
studies until 1867, when he obtained a position as 
clerk in the office of the Auditor-General at Lansing. 
He discharged the duties of the situation continuously 
until May, 1870. At that date he came to Big 
Rapids and established himself in business as a book 
and stationery dealer. He continued his trade until 
the autumn of 1S76, when he sold his interests. 

During the session of 187 1, he acted as Engrossing 
and Enrolling Cleit of the Michigan House of Rep- 



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resentatives, at Lansing, and while absent at his post 
his name was placed on the Union ticket of Big 
Rajjids as a candidate for City Recorder. He was 
elected and served one year. At the Legislative 
Assembly of 1877, he was elected Postmaster of tlie 
two Houses. 

In June, 1877, .Mr. Bruce commenced his career as 
an editor, by the purchase of the Recorii, at Howard 
City, Montcalm Co., which he managed until 1879. 
On the 6th of February of that year, associated with 
\V. F. Slawson, lie founded tlic I'lig Rapids Ciimiit, 
and soon afterward sold the Howard Record. .After 
a partnership of a few months he jnirchased the 
interest of Mr. Slawson. 

The Current is a creditable representative of the 
Republican press, anil is ably and consistently con- 
ducted. It is the official newspaper of the county, 
is (piarto in size, and has eight pages of seven col- 
umns each. It has the largest circulation in tlie 
county, and, mechanically, is an evidence of the good 
taste of its manager. It is printed on a fine Camp- 
bell i)ress. The office receives a considerable 
amount of job patronage. 

Mr. Bruce was married in Creeii Tp., Mecosta Co., 
Oct. 22, 1873, to Maria, daughter of Jesse A. and 
Caroline Barker. She was born in Cascade Tp., 
Kent Co., Mich., Dec. 19, T847, whither her parents 
came to Mecosta County in 1855, as pioneers. 
They made the journey to Green Tp. from the city 
of Grand Rapids with an ox team, coming all the 
way through the woods. Mrs. Bruce was educated 
at Grand Rapids and Muskegon, and began her 
labors as teacher at the age of fifteen, and continued 
them until her marriage. Herself and sisters were 
prominent among the pioneer educators of Mecosta 
County. .Mr. Barker, her father, was Chairman of 
the first Board of Supervisors of the county, and was 
its first Probate Judge. 

In 1872, Mrs. Bruce was appointed to the charge 
of the money-order department of the ixjstoffice at 
Big Rapids, under her uncle, Thomas Lazell, Post- 
master. The abilities of Mrs. Bruce are in rei|uisi- 
tion co-ordinately with those of her husband in the 
publication of the Current, in whose profits and 
resix)nsibilities she is with him e([ually interested. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bruce have one child, Carrie C"., born 
at Big Rapiils, Jan. 13, 1876. 

Mr. Bruce is a zealous member of the M. E. 



Church, and has been Superintendent of the Sunday- 
school since 187 1, e.xcept during his brief residence 
at Howard City. 



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li Frederick, Siieriff of Mecosta Co., resi- 

> dent at Big Rapids, was born near North 

Liberty, Knox Co., Ohio, -Aug. 24, 1843, 

^^ and is a son of Christian P. and Esther (Divel- 

K bess) Frederick. When he was 14 years old 

! his parents moved to Richland Co., Ohio, where 
his father bought a saw and grist mill, and, in addi- 
tion to the management of these, followed agricul- 
ture. 

Mr. Frederick was trained to active liabits, and at 
the age of 17 commenced to prepare himself for the 
vocation of blacksmith, which he followed about two 
and a half years. In 1863, he yielded to tlie influ- 
ences which controlled men and events, and enlisted 
at Mansfield, Richland Co., (^hio, in Co. G, 71st 
Ohio Vol. Inf , and served in the ranks until the close 
of the war. He was in action at Pulaski, Franklin 
and Nashville, besides being in a number of skir- 
mishes, and was discharged at San .\ntonio, Texas, 
Oct. 16, 1865. He returned to his home and trade 
in Ohio, and pursued farming to some e.xtent. 

In the fall of i868 he came to Big Rapids and 
opened a blacksmith shop, in company with a Mr. 
Chellis, which they managed about 18 months. Mr. 
Chellis was succeeded by James M. Parkhill and the 
last relation existed about four years, the firm selling 
out their Inisiness in 1874. 

Mr. Frederick bought a half interest in the carriage 
and wagon manufacturing establishment of L. C". 
Lincoln. The concern continued to transact busi- 
ness until the fall of 1882, when Mr. Frederick was 
elected Sheriff of the county on the Fusion ticket, 
running against Arnold Ely. His majority was 433 
votes, showing an advance of nearly a thousand 
votes ahead of his ticket. 

He was married in Big Rapids Jan. 24, 1S70, to 
Anna, daughter of James and Susan Cooper, a native 
of England, born .\ug. 24, 1850. They have three 
children: Harley E., Cora M. and Lora E. Mr. 
Frederick is a member of the Order of Masonry and 
belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows. He has 
been Supervisor of the Second Ward two years and 

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He is of a speculative tuni of mind, and has 

f always been engaged more or less in handling real 
estate, which is now his sole business. He owns his 
f residence on State street, 80 acres of farming land on 
'^ sec. 22, Grant Tp.,80 acres in Newaygo, and a house 



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and three acres of land in Walworth Co., Wis. He 
belongs to the fraternity of Odd Fellows, and is a 
member of Post French, G. A. R. 

Mr. Jacques was married in Ottawa, Waukesha 
Co., Wis., April 5, 187 1, to Alice I., daughter of 
Thomas and Alvira Boone, a native of Iowa. They 
have one daughter, Nevada P., born in Wisconsin, 
Jan. 28, 1876. 

Mr. Jaciiues has given a great deal of time and 
interest to the science of fish culture. He has stocked 
a number of the water courses of the county, and in 
1874 established a trout fishery on sec. 24, Big 
Rapids Tp., starting with 10,000 eggs. A year later 
he was compelled to abandon his scheme on account 
of his fish being stolen. 



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ames Martin Denney, farmer, sec. 30, 
Sheridan Tp., was born Aug. ri, 1817, in 
Ciallia Co., Ohio. He is a son of \Villiani 
F. and Mary Ann (Fulk) Denney, l)orn in 
^F North Carolina, respectively in 1794 and 1791. 
' Tlie former was of Scotch and Welsh descent 
and the latter German. In 1831 they settled in Jay 
Co., Ind. 

Mr. Denney was married Sept. 20, 1842, to Lois 
E., daughter of Nathan and Laura (Miner) Scranton, 
born April 5, 1820, in Cortland Co., N. Y. Her 
father was a native of Rhode Island, and of Welsh 
descent. Her mother was born in Connecticut. Mr. 
and Mrs. Denney have had 11 children, as follows: 
John S. (dec.) , Mary A., William T., James M. 
(dec), Nathan, Laura, Joshua (dec), Jordan, 
Henry F. (dec.) , Lois L. E. and Riley S. 

Mr. Denney came to Michigan in August, 1865. 
He first located on sec. 21 of Wheatland Tp., and 
came thence to the section where he now resides. 
Everything was in a state of nature, and he has re- 
claimed the land from a dense forest and established 
himself comfortably. He has served two terms as 
Justice of the Peace, and filled other offices. 






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He is an old-line Democrat, and belongs to the 
Methodist Church. He owns 120 acres of land, 
of which are under good cultivation. His timbered 
land includes pine of first-class cpiality. 



ather Henry W. Grimme, Priest in charge 
,„ of the Parish of St. Mary, at Big Rapids, 
^'^ was born at Hanover, Germany, July 3, 
■q,-^ 1849. He is a son of Joseph and Margaret 
■S"-. Grimme, and when 16 years of age accompa- 
i nied his parents to the United States. 

His early education was obtained in his native 
land, and on his arrival in this country he was sent 
to Mount St. Mary's Seminary, at Cincinnati, to pre- 
pare forhis vocation, the priesthood. After ten years' 
arduous application to his studies, he was placed in 
charge of the Roman Catholic Church at Wyandotte, 
Mich., where he officiated three years and three 
months. He then went to Olisco, Ionia Co., 
and after a brief tarry there, in December, 1880, he 
came to Big Rapids, and entered upon the duties of 
his station here. The society includes the members 
of 150 families, and has doubled since the beginning 
of his labors as parish Priest. 

His mission stations are at Cedar Springs, Morley, 
Ensley, Croton, Fremont Center, Newaygo, Hesperia, 
White Cloud, Reed City, Evart, etc He is popular 
among his people, and liked by tlie comnuinity. 

Attached to the parish buildings is the Convent of 
the Sisters of Mercy, including about 15 sistera. 
The school belonging to their quarters was discon- 
tinued for a while, owing to the destruction of the 
convent by fire, l)ut has since been re-opened in con- 
nection with the Church. 

Ifdl^ illiam P. Montonye, one of the earliest 

ft raj Mk 

\^S!m L comers to Big Rapids, is a son of Hiram 

'JiJ^O '''"'^ Elizabeth (Shafer) Montonye, and was 
*> born Dec. 7, 1835, at Forty Fort, Luzerne 
Co., Pa. At 15 lie left home and proceeded 
\^ u|) the west branch of tlie Susquelianna River 
to [.ock Haven, where he jiassed three years in the 
occupation of lumberman, when he arranged to per- 
fect himself in the details of the carpenter's trade. 



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and spent two and a half years in the prosecution of 
'i^ this calling. 



In the simng of 1858 he came to Big Rapids. 
While (•// route he reached (Irand Rapids and paid 
three dollars to be conveyed to this place. He was 
accompanied by other travelers of similar destination; 
and soon after leaving Grand Rapids he and one of 
his companions became disgusted willi their tardy 
progress, and made their way on foot, outstripping 
the stage by several hours. At that date there were 
but two residences on the west side of the river. He 
worked as a carpenter at Big Rapids and bought of 
Zera French a block in the Third Ward; also some 
lots in the First Ward, and continued to work at this 
trade until the advent of tlie civil war. 

Yielding to the influence which swayed the entire 
North, Mr. Montonye enlisteii, Feb. 22, 1862, in Co. 
E, Third Mich. Cav., Capt. Lattimer. His regiment 
was attached to the Western army, and he was in 
active service at the battles of Shiloli, luka, Corinth 
(first and second), and was taken prisoner at Rocky 
Ford, Miss. He was first sent to Mobile, and suc- 
cessively to Richmond, Andersonville and Savannah. 
He spent eleven months in captivity, undergoing all 
the horrors whose unparalleled activity stand out in 
bold relief on the events of modern warfare. At the 
expiration of that period he was exchanged, and in 
June, 1865, was discharged from service, at Baton 
Rouge, La. 

On his return to Big Rapids he embarked in mer- 
cantile traffic, in company with Charles Shafer. 
Their store was located on part of the site of the 
Furniture block, and the business relation existed 
three years, when Mr. Montonye sold hisinterest and 
built a livery stable on Michigan avenue, in com- 
pany with George B. Jones. Two years later he sold 
to his partner, and since that time has been operat- 
ing in scaling logs for various lumber firms. 

Mr. Montonye resides in the Fourtli Ward, on 
Woodward avenue. He owns 15 acres of land in 
that precinct, and two city lots and barn on .Maple 
street, rented and occupied by an omnibus line, and 
also owns the dry-goods store on Michigan avenue, 
tenanted by S. Wildberg. He was married at Grand 
Rapids, to Amanda Eggleston, a native of Connecti- 
cut. She died at Evart, Osceola Co., and Mr. Mon- 
tonye was again married at Big .Springs, Ottawa Co., 
in January, 188^, to Mrs. Lydia Demond. lie be- 



489 \ 



longs to the Order of Masonry, and during the first ^ 
year of his residence here was elected Constable, A 
holding the office one year. *•',■• 

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-jj,j_5-_*,on. William Ladner, Probate Judge of Me- 
|-||^ali costa County, residing in Me<osta Tp., 
1^ whose iiortrait is given on the opi)3site 
(& page, was born in Cornwall Co., England. He 
i is a son of James and Jane (C'hirgeoin) l.adner, 
I natives of the county of Cornwall. The father 
was born Dec. 15, 1807, and died Scjit. 21, 1882; 
the mother was born Nov. 22, 181 2, and died Jan. 
26, 1876. The record of their ten children is as fol- 
lows: William, born Nov. r, 1834; Richard D., 
April I, 1837; Herbert, June 15, 1839; Jane E., 
June 8, 1841 ; James, May 21, 1843; Frank, Feb. 
25, 1845; Thomas, May 3, 1847; ttenry, Oct. 8, C 
1849 (died Sept. 24, 1878); George, Sept. 4, 1851; 
Emily A., Oct. 10, 1853 (died in May, 1875). Mr. f^ 
I.adner's parents came to America in 185 i, with eight ^ 
children, and settled on a farm in Cannon Tp., Kent />' 
Co., Mich., where the father and mother died. ^ 

William was kept in school until his parents came V/ 
to the United States. His father purchased a farm ^ 
of 80 acres in the township where he located, and 
his son became his assistant, remaining on the home 
place until he was 20 years of age. He then came 
to Muskegon and interested himself in lumbering, 
operating winters and engaging in farm labor sum- 
mers. In 1856 he settled in Mecosta County and 
bought a timbered tract, 80 acres in e.xtent, in 
Mecosta Tp., then an annexation of the township of 
Leonard (now i5ig Rapids). Mr. Ladner brought his i' 
inherited energy and perseverance to bear uiwn the 
portion of wilderness of which he had become the 
possessor, and added to its dimensions by purchase, 
until he now has a valuable farjn of 440 acres, with 
240 acres under the best improvements. 

Mr. Ladner has been identified with the interests 
of his township since his first location therein, and 
has held most of the positions of trust in the man- 
agement of its local affairs. In 1876 he was placed 
in nomination by the Republicans of the county for 
I'robate Judge, and receiveil a decisive majority over 
Dr. Gruber, of .Mtona, opposition candidate. In the 
fall of 1880 he was again the successful nominee of 



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his party, running against Wni. Warren, of Hinton 
Tp. Judge Ladner has been a member of the 
Masonic fraternity 20 years. He resides on liis 
farm, located five and a half miles from Big Rapids, 
and drives to the city during the sessions of court. 

He was married in the township of Big Prairie, 
Newaygo Co., Mich., Aug, 21, t86o, to Lucy A. 
Howe, daughter of Samuel and Margaret Howe, 
who was born in Pennsylvania, March 12, 1843. 

Their family includes seven children: Linnie, Fred, 
Harry, James, Eugene, Allen R. and Florence. 
Judge Ladner has never had occasion to call a 
physician to treat his children, and has always man- 
aged his affairs so judiciously that he has never 
needed the services of a lawyer. 



-tec- 



illiam Miller, farmer, sec. 10, Grant Tp., 
.. „ was horn in Glasgow, Scotland, April 15, 
'"^l^yf 1838. His parents, John and Mary Mil- 
ler, came to the United States in 1842, and 
l^-y ■> settled at Mooers, N. Y., where the mother 
lived but a sliort time. Not long after her 
death, the father returned to Scotland, and there 
passed the remainder of his days. After the death 
of his mother Mr. Miller went to C'anada, and there 
found a home with a farmer, with whom he remained 
until he was 15 years old. 

ill 1S53 he returned to Mooers, N. Y., and three 
years later went to Orwell, Vt. He remained two 
years in the Green Mountain State, and then went to 
Nunda, Livingston Co., N. Y. Three years afterward 
he returned to Orwell, where he was married Sept. 
14, 1859, to Emily, daughter of John and Susan 
Rogers, who was l-orn in West Haven, Vt., Oct. 11, 
1S39. Her father is still living, in (.rant T|). Her 
mother died April 16, 1875, in Orwell. 

Mr. Miller enlisted Dec. 16, 1863, in Co. K, i ith 
Vt. Heavy Artillery, and was detailed for duty at 
Fort 'I'otten, Washington, 1). C, where he continued 
until the following spring. In May, 1864, his regi- 
ment was sent to the front, and he was first initiated 
■'■*? into the merits of war, with all the accompaniments 
/ of fierce battle, at Laurel Hill, Va. The fights at 
fjy. Petersburg and Cold Harbor followed in swift suc- 
1® cession, and his command was sent on to guard the 
^> Weldon Railroad. The force was cajjtured by the 



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rebels, taken to Libby Prison, and held there a week, 
when they were transferred to Danville, and thence 
to Andersonville, arriving in time to witness the exe- 
cution of six Union soldiers for the crime of stealing 
from their comrades in bondage, a proceeding which 
received the sanction of the Confederate and United 
States authorities. On Sherman's appearance within 
the borders of Georgia, the prisoners were removed 
to Millin, where they were retained a short time, 
and then taken back to Andersonville, w-here, two 
weeks later, the stockade was broken by heavy rains, 
and the captives were sent to Savannah. P'our 
weeks later they were remanded for the third time 
to Andersonville. In November, Mr. Miller was sent 
again to Savannah to be paroled, and while waiting 
suffered all the miseries of cold, nakedness, disease 
and exposure, froze his feet badly, and lay on the 
ground in the bitter atmosphere without covering. 
When he was sent to the parole camp at Annapolis, 
Md., he was in so exhausted a condition that he was 
carried from the steamer on a stretcher. He re- 
covered somewhat, and received a furlough of 60 
days. When the time expired he joined the Union 
forces once more, returning just in time for the final 
assault on Petersburg. His discharge papers bear 
date June 17, 1865. 

In the fall of 1868 Mr. Miller came to Michigan 
and entered a homestead claim of 80 acres of valu- 
able land, on which he is now resident. He is a 
member of the G. A. R. The Miller household in- 
cludes two children: Mary E., born Sept. 16, 1862; 
and Julia, July 30, 18S0. 



I^^L orest W. Aldrich, wagon-maker, Millbrook 
^^JL village, was born in the township of MIll- 

r'^ '■- brook, Aug. 28, i860. His father's family 
were the first white settlers in the township, 

...^ removing there in 1859 and settling on sec. '4. 

{ His mother, Sarah J. (Decker) Aldrich, is still 
living, and is a sister of Peter, James and John 
Decker. (See sketches). Leonard Aldrich, her first 
husband, and father of Mr. Aldrich of this sketch, 
died, and Mrs. Aldrich was married to J. S. Denney, 
brother of W. F. Denney, who died leaving seven 
children. She was married a third time, to Hazen 
Aldrich, brother of her first husband, and lives on 

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5ec. !. F. W. Aldrich was the oldest of three chil- 
dren, and was the first white child born in the town- 
shij), receiving his name, Forest, from tlie forest 
in whose depths his conscious existence commenced. 
He obtained such education as the facilities of that 
l>eriod afforded, attending school as opiJOrtunily 
served, until the age of 17 years. In 1877 his 
parents removed to Montcalm County, where he was 
emi)loyed two years in a shingle mill ; he afterward 
returned to Millbrook, where he has since been en- 
gaged in the manufacture of wagons, and manages a 
repair shop. He is independent in politics. 



^*HJH»^ 




wjt'enjamin F. Woolworth, Morley, harness- 

^3^ maker, was born in St. Joseph Co., Mich., 

Aug. 29, 1846. He is a son cf Benjamin 

'/if'^ and Sarah Woolworth, the latter born in 

'i Pennsylvania, the former in New York. Mr. 

! Woolworth was apprenticed in 1869, to learn 
the trade which he is now pursuing. His engage- 
ment lasted three years, and he entered the employ 
of the L. S. & M. S. R. R. Co., and there continued 
eight years. 

In 1879, with a capital of S90, he established liis 
present business at Morley, and now owns a fine 
stock of goods peculiar to his line of trade, and is 
free from debt. In politics Mr. Woolworth is a Re- 
publican. He was married at Elkhart, Ind., about 
1873, to Lizzie Ross, whose parents were of .Swiss 
nativity. Charles H. and Frederick B. are the names 
of their children. 






li Hathaway was born in Lewis Co., N. V'., 
July 25, 1820; he is a son of Henry and 
Lucy (Seavill) Hathaway, natives of New 
York: they settled in Kalamazoo, Mich., in 1842 
the father died in Allegan Co., Mich., and the 
mother came to Mecosta County, where she 
died in 1880. 

Although his advantages for an early education 
Were limited, Mr. Hathaway managed by his own ef- 
forts to obtain sufificient learning to enable him to 
teach school, which he did several terms. He has 






'' *" '''^ bridge, Mass., Jan. 30, 1S36. 



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followed farming principally through life. He was 
married in .-Xllegan Co., Mich., in 1850, to Sarepta, fl- 
daughter of Silas and Polly Nicholas; she was born -i 
in Berrien Co., Mich., in October, 1828. They have 
had the following children: Mary, wife of Timothy 
Haughy; Lina, wife of William King; Henry; Ed- 
ward E. ; Lucy; and Matilda, deceased. 

Mr. Hathaway is an uncompromising Rei)ublican 
and prohibitionist. He has held nearly all the town- 
ship offices; was Justice of the Peace several years. 
He is a member of the M. E. Church. He came to 
Mecosta County in 1869, settling in Big Rapids, and 
now owns a farm of 60 acres, in Creen Tj). 






i 



|tQ'?J?' tephen R. Crandell, Assistant Postmaster 
at Big Rapids, was born in West Stock- 









He is a son 

«^^ of Stephen W. and Harriet (Frisbee) Crandell. 
His mother died when he was a few weeks old, 
and soon afterward his father removed to 
Columbia Co., N. Y., where he was placed in charge 
of Mrs. Starks, of Whiting's Pond. He remained 
with her until he was three years old, when his 
father was again married, and he was taken to Hud- 
son, where the family resided. 

He received a good common and select school 
education, and at 18 secured a position on the West- 
ern railroad, where he reuiained 14 years, acting in 
the capacity of foreman of section corps. He was 
next employed as engineer on a " stationary," where 
he operated one year. 

In 1866 he bought 50 acres of land in Tioga Co., 
N. Y.,near Owego, which [jroperly he held two years. 
DisixDsing of his interests at the North, he bought 
land in Virginia, and entered the employ of the Point 
Lookout & Washington R. R. Co., and became 
Superintendent of road construction in Maryland, 
where he operated about 18 months. He next en- 
gaged with the Fredericksburg i^- OordonsviUe K. R. 
Co , to construct five miles of track; but the |)rojeclors 
failed, involving Mr. Crandell in a loss of $8,000. 

This disaster (()mi)ellcd him to begin his career •^i 
anew, and he went to Washington, where he entered Jc 
into the service of contractors, and was employed one •'i 
year on the public works. He then returned to ^ 



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New York and engaged in agricultural pursuits until 
1879, when he came to Big Rapids and accepted his 
present position under his brother, C. W. Crandell. 
(See sketch.) He is a member of the Order of 
Masonry, and was elected Treasurer of the City of 
Big Rapids, April 2, 1883. 

Mr. Crandell was married in November, 1857, in 
Canaan, N. Y., to Mary A. Anderson, a native of the 
Empire State. The wife died, leaving one daughter, 
Harriet, wife of George Michaels, residing near 
Owego, N. Y. He was married a second time in 
Cheshire, Mass., Dec. 25, i860, to Ella Jenkins, a 
native of Berkshire Co., Mass. Four sons have been 
born of this marriage : E. Burdette, Stowel A., Fred- 
die W. and Ellis M. 




115 infield S. Tucker, merchant, Stanwood, 
was born in Southfiekl, Oakland Co., 
Mich., Nov. 18, 1852. His parents were 
Ransom D., and Maria (Dexter) Tucker, the 
I i. former a native of Vermont, and of English 
!_, descent; the latter a native of Massachusetts, 
and also of English ancestry. His father died in 
Oakland County, in February, 1S77 ; his mother was 
killed by the cars, Sept. 28, 1883. Winfield S. was 
the eldest of two children, and was reared on his 
father's farm. 

His chances for an early education were limited, 
yet by his own studious efforts he obtained a suffi- 
cient education to fit him for almost any commercial 
position in life. He worked on the farm during the 
summer season, to earn means to enable him to at- 
tend school during the winter. 

AVhen 1 8 years old he learned the art of telegraphy 
and first operated at Milford, Oakland Co. He fol- 
lowed this occupation eight years, four of which were 
on the F. & P. M. railroad. He came to Mecosta 
County in 1877, entering into the mercantile business 
at Stanwood, which enterprise he still follows. 

He was elected Supervisor of Mecosta Tp., in 
1876, which position he still holds and fills accept- 
ably. He was appointed Postmaster in 1877, and is 
the present incumbent ; is also a Notary Public. 

He was married in this county, July 18, 1874,10 
Mary, daughter of William T. and Sarah A. (Davis) 
Russell, who was born in Rock Co., Wis. Her 






father was a native of Pennsylvania, and her mother 
of New York ; both were of German descent. They 
emigrated to Mecosta County in 1868, where they 
still reside. 

Mr. and Mrs. Tucker have had three children ; 
Anna L., born Aug. 10, 1882; two died in infancy. 
Mr. Tucker begrn his business career without any 
means, but by industry and frugality has acquired 
considerable property, and bids fair to become one of 
Mecosta County's most useful citizens. 



illiam W. Smith, farmer, sec. 8, Fork 
Tp., was born in Lenawee Co., Mich.i 

j|^> Smith, was born Nov. 6, 1812, in Pennsyl- 
li/^ vania, and came to Michigan in 1834, where 
t he was a farmer, until his death, Oct. 12, 1864. 
His mother, a member of a well known Vermont 
family named Terrill, was born in the Green Moun- 
tain State, Nov. 14, 18 11, and died Nov. 22, i860. 

Mr. Smith received a common-school education, 
and was an assistant on his fiither's farm until his 
marriage with Phebe Sanford, which occurred Oct. 
14, i860. Mrs. Smith was born in New York, and 
died in Michigan, June 6, 1864. Their first child, 
Augusta A., died in infancy. A second daughter, 
Cora E., is now Mrs. B. F. Laraway. 

Mr. Smith was a second time married April 20, 
1867, to Frances Amelia, daughter of Everett W. and 
Mary Jane (Sweezy) Horton, who was born in 
Orange Co., N. Y., Aug. i6, 1839. Her father was 
born in Wallkill, same county, Dec. 28, 1816, and 
her mother was born July 24, 1819, in New Jersey. 
They came to Michigan and located in Woodstock, 
Lenawee Co., in 1848, and are now residing there. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith have two children, Mary Annora 
and William Evert. 

Mr. Smith was a farmer in Lenawee County until 
the spring of 1878, when he removed to the county 
of Mecosta, and located 80 acres of land under the 
homestead act, in the township of Fork, where he 
has with vigor and success prosecuted the work of 
clearing and placing his farm in a condition suitable 
for the best type of farming. It was heavily tim- 
bered, and the manual labor necessarily severe ; but 
the reward is in jjvoportion to the effort, the farm 
ranking now among the best in the township. It has 



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an unusually good spring, which by means of a 
"hydraulic " sends living water to the house. There 
are other springs on the farm where required. TIk' 
first place of shelter erected on the land was a tent, 
where he and his wife lived several weeks, until he 
made a clearing and luiilt a tog house, in whi( li he 
still resides. 

Politically, Mr. Smith is a Republican. He is one 
of the most prominent citizens of the township, and 
has held all the local offices of any importance. 



dwin H. Kenrick, druggist, MiIII)rook vil- 
lage, is a lineal descendant of Philip Hen- 
ry, who was born in the city of London, in 
** 163 1, and educated at Westminster, and was 
1 one of the 2,000 clergymen who left theC'hurch 
{ of England in 1662 in consequence of the pass- 
ing of the "act of uniformity." 

Our present subject lias in his possession the en- 
tire chain of genealogy extending back through more 
than 250 years, but was himself born in Allegany 
Co., N. Y., Aug. 25, 1845, and is a twin brother of 
Edward A. Kenrick, of Hillsdale Co., Mich. He is 
of English descent in the paternal line, his father, 
Edward Kenrick, being a native of Worcestershire, 
England, where he was born Feb. 10, 1801. His 
mother, whose maiden name was Sarah Wilcox, was 
of Rhode Island stock, but born at White Creek, 
Washington Co., N. Y., April 28, 181 r, and was at 
the time of her marriage with Edward Kenrick the 
widow of Abraham Kalder. After their marriage the 
parents settled in Allegany Co., N. Y., and in 1855 
came to Hillsdale Co., Mich., where they are yet 
living. 

Mr. Kenrick acquired the rudiments of an educa- 
tion at the common schools, where he was a student 
until 15 years of age. He entered the grammar 
school at Hillsdale and afterward the college in that 
city, where he studied five years. He completed his 
educational course at Bryant & Stratton's Commer- 
cial College at Chicago, where, after a year of study, 
he graduated, receiving his diploma in November, 
1866. To allow his twin brother to complete his 
college course he returned to Hillsdale County and 
for two years managed the farming interests of his 
father. 

Mr. Kenrick went to Ohio in September, 1868, 



and engaged in general merchandise at Pioneer, 
Williams Co., forming a partnership with A. C. Mar- 
shall, under the style of Marshall iV Kenrick. Dur- 
ing the three years of their combined business 
engagements, circumstances impelled them to take an 
interest m a lumber mill owned by (r. R. Joy & Co., 
wliich they lield some months. In the springof 1871 
Mr. Kenrick sold his interest in the mercantile 
branch of the concern, and confined his efforts to 
the prosecution of lumber manufactures. Radical 
changes had placed the mill property in wholly dif- 
ferent conditions, and it was now operated under the 
style of Sweet, Kenrick & Co. 

A few months later Mr. Kenrick embraced an op- 
portunity to sell out his mill property, and at once 
embarked in the drug trade, three years of his col- 
lege course having been taken with a view of grad- 
uating as an M. D. Mr. E. N. Skinner.of Hillsdale, 
Mich., became a partner, and they operated under 
the style of E. H. Kenrick & Co. The firm entered 
upon the prosecution of the business and operated 
one year, when Mr. Skinner sold to the senior part- 
ner, who conducted the affairs of the concern alone 
until the spring of 1878. He then sold out his en- 
tire property in Pioneer, Ohio, and in May of that 
year he came to Mecosta County, located at Mill- 
brook and became by purchase the proprietor of the 
small stock of drugs owned by Dr. E. B. Tucker, at 
that lime the only representative of liiat line of trade 
between Stanton, Montcalm Co., and Big Rapids, 
north and south, and Mt. Pleasant, Isabella Co., and 
Morley, east and west, thus covering a diameter of 
more than 50 miles. At the date of writing, the drug 
establishment of Mr. Kenrick ranks favorably with 
any other in the same line north of Grand Rapids, 
and he is engaged in a thriving, prosperous business, 
conducted on commercial principles of acknowledged 
uprightness, which have secured him a large confi- 
dential patronage. A special branch of his business 
is the manufacture of a "diphtheria cure," which is 
swallowed, and is considered an antiseptic for this 
dread malady, and is claimed to be the first medicine 
ever given internally for this disease. He ships 
large quantities of the medicine to all parts of this 
country and to England. 

He was married at Adrian, Mich., Dec. 24, 1866, 
to Caroline A., daughter of David C. and Abigail T. 
(Jackson) Fuller. She was born in Hillsdale Co., 
Mich., May 9, 1846. They have one child, Maud 



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C, who was born at Pioneer, Ohio, March 14, 187 1. 

Mr. Kenrick has always been a Republican, and 
in 1880 was a delegate to the State Convention at 
Jackson; but he is a practical business man, intensely 
devoted to his private interests, and, as he s;ys, 
" has Yankee blood enough in his veins to make him 
love a good bargain more than political advance- 
ment." 

He is a Knight Templar, and made the " Pilgrim- 
age " to San Francisco in 1883, and devoted more 
than three months to the journey, "doing" not only 
the Rocky and Sierra Nevada Mountains, but the 
whole Pacific coast as far north as British Colum- 
bia; and on his return delivered several lectures on 
" What I heard and what I saw in a Journey of 
10,000 miles." He also wrote a series of letters de- 
scriptive of his trip, which were published in the 
the Big Rapids Current and were well received. 

We take pleasure in presenting the portrait of Mr. 
Kenrick in connection with this sketch. 



a.^iharles H. Crane, Abstracter, Notary and 
i ^ Conveyancer, Big Rapids, was born in 

IP^^ East Smithfield, Bradford Co., Pa., May 
j* 30, 1858. He ii a son of Stephen R. and 
Lorinda W. Crane. His father was born 
March 15, T822, in Port Byron, N. Y. ; is 
a blacksmith by trade and is still residing in Ulster, 
Pa. His mother was born in East Smithfield, April 
16, 1822, and was married there Sept. 12, 1844. She 
became the mother of eight children, born as fol- 
lows : Ezra H., Oct. 14, 1846 (died Aug. 6, 1850); 
Lucy J., Oct. 17, 1848; Lewis E., Oct. 9, 1850; 
Ella J., Apiil 27, 1853 ; Almira E., Dec. 11, 1855; 
Charles H., May 30, 1858; Harlo G., Nov. i, i860; 
T. Cornell, Aug. 14, 1864. The parents removed to 
Columbia Cross Roads in i860, and in 1873 Mr. 
Crane of this sketch went to Troy, Pa., and was 
there employed two years as clerk in a hardware 
store. At the expiration of that time he came West 
to Lansing, where he entered the employ of Jones 
& Porter, real-estate and insurance agents. Two 
years later he entered the office of J. H. Moores, 
dealer in pine lands, etc., and a year after returned 
to the employ of Jones & Porter, remaining with 
them until April, 1882, when he came to Big Rapids 





and engaged, and is at present, with Joel Perry. 
The set of abstracts in their possession was made 
originally by J. ^L Colby, and has been supple- 
mented and brought down to present date by Mr. 
Crane. They are complete in every respect, and are 
the only set in Mecosta County. Abstracts of any 
property within the limits of the county can be fur- 
nished. 

Mr. Crane was married in Lansing, Dec. 15, 1S81, 
to Ada M., daughter of D. K. and Mary A. Fuller, 
born June 12, i860. Mr. Crane is a member of the 
Big Rapids Lodge of Sons of Industry. 



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A. Verity, senior member of the grocery 
^^l | house of C. A. Verity & Co., Big Rapids, 




was born in Kimball Tp., St. Clair Co., 
Mich., Marcli 3, 1856, and is a son of Will- 
iam B. and Maria L. (Adams) Verity. The 
latter was a lineal descendant of John Quincy 
Adams. His father was a native of New York, of 
German lineage, and followed the calling of a farmer 
all his life ; he died in Oshtemo Tp., Kalamazoo Co., 
June 28, 1872, at the age of 51 years. His mother 
was also born in the Empire State, and died in Osh- 
temo, Oct. 19, 187 I, at the age of 49 years. 

Mr. Verity was taken to Kalamazoo County by his 
parents when he was nine years of age. He found 
himself an orphan at 16, and went to Kalamazoo, 
where he attended school two years, and afterward 
entered the grocery and crockery store of Barrett & 
Torrey, where he operated two years, going thence to 
Sturgis and engaging about si.\ months in the same 
capacity. His ne.\t employ was with L. E. White, 
dry-goods merchant, and he continued to serve in the 
house as a clerk two years, after which he obtained 
a situation with L. (i. Twitchell. Six months later 
he opened business for himself at Kalamazoo, selling 
groceries and provisions about seven months. 

He came to Big Rapids Jan. i, 1879, where he en- 
tered into a business connection with W. H. Swift in 
the sale of groceries. The relation existed about 
eight months, when Mr. Swift sold his interest to E. 
R. Keith. Two years later Mr. Verity became sole 
proprietor, by purchase, changed his location and 
operated alone until Feb. 20, 1S82, when he admitted 
William Fish, his present associate. The firm 






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2K carries a stock valued at §2,500, and transacts an 
i) annual business of §30,000. 

,',\"» Mr. Verity received the appointment of agent for 
T the U. S. Express Co., Sept. 15, 1880, and is siill 
$. managing in that capacity. He is a member of the 

M. E. Church, and belongs to the Royal Templars of 

Temperance. 



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ohn Lonsdale, farmer on sec. 16, Green 
Tp., was liorn in .Vccrington, Lancashire, 
England, May i, 18 ig. His parents, Ed- 
mund and Manila (Hindle) Lonsdale, were 
English by birth; fatlicr was an engraver by 
profession, and was employed in the manufac- 
ture of designs for calico printing. The family 
I came to America in 1842, and located in Providence, 
'P R. L Some time later they went to La Salle Co., 
t 111., where the father died. 
/S Mr. Lonsdale passed Iris boyhood in the manner 
° common to the youth of his class in his native land, 
\^ acquiring such education as he could, and at 14 
^ commenced to prepare himself to follow the business 
of block-printing for calico. He came to America 
with his parents in 1842, and in 1841 was married to 
Ellen Wilson, an English girl, daughter of John H. 
and Agnes Wilson. He became acquainted with her 
in Pawtucket, Mass., where he worked at his trade 
five years, and as an engraver two years. In 1850 
lie went to Manchester, N. H., where he engaged in 
the technical business of roller etching and polishing 
for the Manchester Print Works. He passed a year 
in that capacity, and then went to Lawrence, Mass., 
where he was four years in the employ of the Bay 
State Manufacturing Company, and worked two years 
in the Pacific Mills. 

He came to Mecosta Co., Mich., in 1856, and 
bought a farm in Creen Tj)., which lie at once began 
to improve. He has added to his first land invest- 
ment until he now owns 320 acres, with 90 acres un- 
f*st der the plow. The privileges and progress possible 
i to all men under a republican form of government are 
exemplified in the career of Mr. Lonsdale. He came 
to this country to find a remunerative field for the 
practice of the craft to which he succeeded by heri- 
6*' tage and training, as is customary in England. Our 
^ institutions plant the germ of advancement in the 



1 



heart of every foreigner who sets his foot on our free 
borders, and foster the growth with such equality of 
rights and advantages as he has earned by honest 
industry and self-respect. 

In 187 1, Mr. Lonsdale took a trip to Florida for 
the benefit of the health of his wife, and in Septem- 
ber, 1875, went to California ; returning in 1876, he 
spent a brief time in Philadelphia at the Centennial, 
passed the remainder of that year at the East, return- 
ing in the spring of 1877 to Michigan. Mr. Lons- 
dale has held the position of Treasurer two years 
and officiated as Justice of the Peace four years. 
He was a Whig in early life, and joined the Republi- 
can ranks on the organization of that party. 

Robert Wilson Lonsdale is the only child of the 
household. He was born July 27, 1846, and married 
Marion Simons, of Salem, Mass. Mrs. Lonsdale 
died Sept. g, 1883, after a long and painful illness. 

||S*ij nsel Rowley, farmer, sec. 14, Grant Tp., 
^ ^f&BM ' ^^''s hoxn Dec. 28, 1836, in Winstead, Litch- 
I|i3? "^ field Co., Conn. His father, Elias Rowley, 
S']^ was born March 22, 1798, in Winsted, and 
;|^ there died in 1875. His mother, Lura Row- 
I ley, was born in East Hartland, Litchfield 
County, and died in 1870, at Winsted. The ances- 
tral descent of Mr. Rowley on the side of the father 
is English, and on that of the mother, Scotch. He 
passed the years of his minority with his parents in 
the "land of wooden nutmegs," and after leaving 
home worked for some time as a farm assistant. In 
i860, he went to work in a carriage-bolt factor)', 
where he remained three years. 

Sept. I, 1863, he enlisted for one year in the 
United States Navy, and reported for duty aboard 
the "Commodore Hull," Capt Joslin, which was 
assigned to the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron, 
and cruised chiefiy along the coasts of North and 
South Carolina, on special duty, to search for rebel 
torpedoes. That fleet will be a subject of Ameri- 
can history for all time, as it disjiatched the torpedo i 
boats thai destroyed the rebel ram " Albermarle " at ^ 
Plymouth, N. C. «/ 

In July, 1864, an order was issued from the Naval ^ 
Department discharging such recruits as had less *> 
than three months to serve on their periods of enroll* v 



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ment ; and, having been in the service nine months 
and eight days, he received his discharge papers. 
He went to Orwell, Vt., where he remained three 
years, coming to Michigan in 1868. He entered and 
proved a claim under the homestead law, of 80 acres 
of choice land, which he has placed under good cul- 
tivation, and has a comfortable house and farm 
buildings. 

Mr. Rowley was married Sept. 12, 1857, to Delia 
R. Rogers, of Henrietta, Monroe Co.,N. Y., who was 
born in Orwell, Vt., Aug. 12, 1841. Her father was 
born in i8og, and is yet living; her mother was born 
in Benson, Vt., in 1821, and died in Orwell in 1875. 
Mr. and Mrs. Rowley have five children; Estella D., 
born Feb. 22, 1859; Carrie A., Nov. 12, 1863; Kate 
S., Feb. 16, 1861: Leman E., Aug. 23, 1870; Jen- 
nie L., Sept. 6., 1873. Mrs. Rowley is a member of 
the M. E. Church. Politically, Mr. Rogers is a Re- 
publican, and belongs to Post French, No. 28, 
G. A. R. 

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Pi ^jf f^fji. ohn Frederikson, Jr., of the firm of Beu- 
S ^llSMJ,,' iliien & Frederikson, proprietors of the 
vi' J " Cierman House, is a son of John andChar- 
'm£ lotte Frederikson, and was born in Copenha- 
^t gen, Denmark, Aug. 13, 1852. His father is a 
I seaman and owns a trading vessel, of which he 
is himself Captain. The son was trained to life on 
the sea on board his father's ship until the age of 18, 
when he shipped as an able seaman on the U. S. 
man-of-war, " Plymouth," and belonged to her crew 
three years. 

He came to Big Rapids in 1873 and followed vari- 
ous vocations until July 5, 1883, when lie associated 
himself with Mr. Beulhien in the management of the 
German House, where he is engaged in a prosperous 
business. He is a member of the Lutheran (.'hurch. 





such remuneration as a boy of that tender age might 
receive, and managed to procure his living. At 17 
he apprenticed himself to Henry Buckner, of Lancas- 
ter, Ont., and served four years. On the termination 
of his indentures he went to work for himself. In 
the spring of 1855 he came to Ionia, Mich., and there 
passed 14 years in vigorous prosecution of his trade, 
going thence to Stanton, where he operated one year. 
In 1870 he sold out and came to Mecosta County, 
where he has since worked at his trade. In the fall 
of 1875 he purchased a farm containing 160 acres. 
He sold 80 acres, and has improved the remainder 
until it is one of the best farms in that part of the 
county. 

Mr. I,ockman was married Sept. 7, 1874, in Isa- 
bella Co., Mich., to Mrs. Lura Brown, daughter of 
Gilbert and Mary (Hall) Shepard, natives ol Ontario, 
Can., where Mrs. Lockman was born April 13, 1843. 
The family includes nine children. Mr. LockiiAan 
has four by an earlier marriage, three girls and one 
boy. Of her first marriage Mrs. Lockman has one 
son, and four children have been born of her mar- 
riage with Mr. Lockman — Maud A., June 15, 1875 
Edmond, April 20, 1876; Earl, Jan. 28, 1878; 
Edith, Aug. 31, 1882. 

In politics Mr. Lockman is a Republican, and be- 
longs to the Order of Good Templars. 



bram Lockman, farmer and blacksmith, 
li ^STtf ^ sec. 12, Wheatland Tp., was born in Ham- 
>Jj|(-jE' ilton, Ontario, Can. His father, Abram Lock- 
"•jiil man, was a native of New Jersey, and his 
■r mother, Rachel (Patterson) Lockman, of 
, - Pennsylvania. When Abram was eight years 

^ old his father died, and he went to work, obtaining 



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.^f 8^.^pharles D. Crandell, Postmaster at Big 

^|fc^3 Rapids (1S83), was born at Bridgeport, 
^^^ Conn., Dec. 5, 1845. His father, Stephen 
UU W. Crandell, was born in Columbia Co., 
'J^ N. Y., in 1800, of Welsh lineage. He was 
engaged nearly all his life in mercantile busi- 
ness in the city of New York, residing meanwhile at 
Hoboken. He began his commercial life as a com- 
mission mercliant in West Washington Market, in that 
city, and afterward established himself in the whole- 
sale grocery trade on Vesey street. He was a man 
of most positive character. He possessed abilities of 
much more than ordinary tyjie, and fi.xed himself 
firmly in all his connections, basing his views uix)n 
an instinctive understanding of his obligations to 
himself and humanity. He died at a period that 
roused to active life all the best impulses of a man 
who cherished home and country, and realized the 



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peril of both in view of the issues that were ap- 
proaching cuhnination in tlie national affairs. He 
understood that safety lay only in the watchfulness 
of the generation of that day, and in rearing his 
cliildren he instilled into iheni both by deed and 
Word that lives were worse than worthless unless 
guided by inflexible princijjle and moral courage. 
Mr. CrandcU, Sr., was an active iwliiician and a zeal- 
ous abolitionist. He was no demagogue, never held 
or sought the emoluments of office ; but, recognizing 
the fact that the strength of a republic lies in the 
people, he strove to do what he believed the incum- 
bent duty of every man under the protection of the 
national flag, — to uphold whatever was right and just 
in the institutions of the Government, and to throw 
all his influence against the evils which threatened 
the life and |)rosperity of the nation. He was killed 
by the cars Jan. 9, 1865, at Chatham Four Corners, 
Columbia Co., N. Y. The mother, Sarah Ann 
(Conklin) Crandell, was a member of an old English 
family, and was born in Litchfield Co., Conn., in 
1810. She died at Chatham, Sept. 29, 1861. 
^ Mr. Crandell of this sketch was in earlv childhood 
•^ when his parents removed from Bridgeport to Ho- 
p= boken. In 1855 his father placed his family"^ at 
Chatham to secure for tlieni the salubrity of that 
well-known section of the Empire State, and to re- 
move them from the mulliiuiiinous dangers to health 
and morals in and near the great city where he con- 
tinued to push his business interests. Mr. Crandell 
aciinired his elementary education at the ])ublic 
schools of Chatham, and was placed for a few terms 
of study at the Seminary at Armenia, X. Y. His 
father designed to fit him for the profession of law, 
and in 1864 he was sent to Ypsilanti, Mich., to at- 
tend the union school preparatory to a collegiate 
course of study. Tliis purpose was frustrated by the 
accident which deprived him of his father,^and he 
was compelled to abandon the career which had 
been marked out for him. He left school and re- 
turned to New York, where lie passed the ensuing 
three years. 

Mr. Crandell came to Big Rapids .\pril 28,1868, 
and connected himself with the Tioga Manuf.n tur- 
Co., becoming a stockholder and interesting himself 
-y actively in its operations as accountant. He con- 
<5v tinued this relation until Jime, 1874. 

His public career in Big Rapids commenced two 
years earlier. He was elected City Treasurer in 



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April, 1872, and served three successive years. He ^ 
received his appointme. t as Postmaster, Feb. 16, £ 
1875, and has continued since in the discharge of '•-• 



the duties of that position, aided by his half-brother, 
Stephen R. Crandell, and two assistants. The 
affairs of the office are conducted with systematic 
energy, and its affairs are managed to the entire sat- 
isfaction of the public. 

Mr. Crandell is conspicuous among the multitude 
of irerilorious citizens of Big Rapids, from his ac- 
knowledged inflexibility in adherence to principle. 
One of the best evidences of the esteem and ap- 
preiiation in which he is held is the outspoken esti- 
mate of his political opponents. No imputation of 
vacillation or uncertainty of purpose lies against 
him. No vagary of political advancement can 
lure him from his undeviating pursuit of duty in 
the light of principle. In thought, word and ac- 
tion he invariably "hews to the line." He is 
a born and bred Republican, and in every jjolitical 
issue follows his innate convictions unswervingly 
and regardless of possible advantage to be derived 
from the casuistry which is so marked a feature in 
the management of local and national campaigns. 

Mr. Crandell was married at Big Rapids June 26, 
1.S74, to Joanna, daughter of Timothy H. and 
Joanna Lee, born in Dedham, Mass., Oct. 9, 1S39. 



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arl E. Hobart, photographer. Big Rapids, 
was born at Ann Arbor, Mich , July 27, 
1^/15- ^ 1845, and is a son of Horace O. and 
^'Y\ Frances A. (Monroe) Hobart. In early 
j* youth his time was devoted to acquiring a com- 
mon-school education. At 2 1, he commenced 
the study of medicine, in the office of Dr. Breakey, 
after which he entered the Medical Department of 
tiie University of Michigan, wliere he was graduated 
in the spring of 187 I. Meanwhile he had acquired 
the photographic art, for which he had a great liking, 
and in the fall of 187 r came to Big Ra])ids to engage 
in it as a business. He bought the stock and inter- y 
est of W. F. Louckes, who was located neatly opposite t 
the Opera block, where he continued three years, re- *• 
moving in 1874 to where now stands the Morrissey & 
& Stickncy block. After a year he went to Texas ^ 
and established his business at San Marco, Hays Co., * / 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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Longview. His stay there was brief, and in 1876 he 
returned to Big Rapids and opened a gallery on 
Michigan avenue, in the building now occupied by 
J. Wiseman. Two years later he established his 
business on the southeast corner of Maple street and 
Michigan avenue, his present quarters. He is a 
pojjular and successful artist in his line, doing an 
annual business of $5,000. 

Mr. Hobart was married at Big Rapids, July 12, 
1882, to Lucy E., daughter of General Stephen and 
Amelia (Barker) Bronson, born in Chicago, 111. (See 
sketch of Gen. Bronson.) Mr. Hobart belongs to 
the Odd Fellows, and to the A. O. U. W. 

A portrait of Mr. Hobart is inserted on another 
page of this Album. 




A. Brigham, farmer, sec. 2, Chip- 
pewa Tp., was born in Fayston, Washing- 
^ ton Co., Vt., Dec. 21,1821. His father, 
5s. Elisha Brigham, was a pioneer of that section 
i of the Green Mountain State. His mother, 
Sophronia (Ryder) Brigham, was a descendant 
of the Chase family, well known and widely esteem- 
ed in the eastern part of the State. 

The Brigham stock is traced back to Northumber- 
land Co., England, which adoiJted the family patro- 
nymic under one of the appointments of the Dooms- 
day Book. The name has been upheld in honor 
through descending generations, and is rejiresented 
at Grand Rapids by Dr. G. N. Brigham, who has been 
established in that city since 1879. He is a gentle- 
man of considerable literary standing, being a con- 
tributor to several medical publications and to a large 
number of leading newspapers in various sections of 
the country. 

Mr. Brigham was reared to the calling to which he 
has devoted his life's energies, and was a member of 
the paternal household to the age of 26 years. In 
1847 he invested his time and entire capital in a 
saw-mill, and on the termination of the enterprise 
five years later, had lost both. 

In 1852, he went to Franklin Co., N. V., where he 
remained seven years, engaged in farming, removing 
thence to Nebraska, where he resided about iS 
months. He returned to Michigan, and remained 
near Grand Rapids until the fall of 1867, when he 
'"- - _>r^,,W^ -^^'» n 11 




came to Mecosta County and bought 40 acres of land 
in the then unorganized township of Chippewa. 
Here he accomplished pioneer service in a forest so 
dense that the work of removal seemed impossible. 

Mr. Brigham was married June 20, 1849, to Celia 
Baxter, daughter of Eber H. Baxter. She was born 
in Moretown, Washington Co., Vt., March 16, 1826, 
the third of 14 children born to her parents. Mr. Bax- 
ter was an esteemed citizen of Fayston while he was 
a resident there, and in 1851 removed to Michigan, 
with 10 children. One child died in infancy and two 
remained in Vermont. Twelve of the children born 
in this family survive. Ira C. Baxter, sixth son, 
yielded up his life for the Nation's redemption from 
disruption, Sept. 20, 1863, on the field of Chicka- 
mauga. Seven of the fraternal band have become 
more or less known through their literary work. Al- 
bert Baxter, of the Grand Rapids Eagle, has been a 
resident of Michigan since 1845. Mrs. Brigham has 
been a poetical contributor to the current press many 
years. Her work is imaginative and graceful, with a 
spiritual tendency, which adds largely to its merit and 
beauty. Her sisters, Mrs. Cadwell, of California, 
Mrs. Cooper, of Evart, Osceola Co., Mich., and Mrs. 
Corman, of Lowell, Kent Co., Mich., wield facile 
pens ; and Uri J. Baxter, a lawyer in Washington, 
D. C, is no less distinguished for poetical genius and 
literary ability than the other members of this gifted 
and accomplished fraternity. 

Mr. and Mrs. Brigham have had four children : 
Rosa May, born April 4, 1859, died Jan. 5, 1S68. 
Ziba W. was born May 8, 1850; Elisha K., Dec. 23, 
1851; Edwin B, Oct. i, 1857. 

Ml". Pirigham is a Republican and a member of 
the M. E. Church. On the organization of Chippewa 
Tp., he was the first Clerk, and has been Justice of 
the Peace 19 years. 



F. MeElroy, veterinary surgeon, Big Rap- 
ids, was born at TuUmore, Queens Co., 
5f;!^*^ Ireland, May 28, 1848. His parents, James 
and Elizabeth (Smith) McElroy, came to the 
United States when he was six months old, 
settling at Syracuse, N. Y. In May, 1850, 
they went to Elgin, 111., where they now reside. 

Mr. McElroy learned his business of his father^ 
and practiced with him until 1876. In that year he 





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came to Grand Rapids, where lie operated in the 
same jirofession. In tlie fall of 1879 he came to Big 
Ra|)ids and established his business, which he has 
since i)rosecuted witli success and growing [X)pularity, 
the custom covering an area of 50 miles square. 

Mr. McElroy was married at Spring Lake, Ottawa 
Co., Mich., May 27, 1874, to Emmeline, daughter of 
Duncan Stewart, a farmer of Gratiot Co., Mich. 
Two children have been born of their marriage, — 
William J. and Mary E. 



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l^harwin B. Kelley, employe in the steam 

||. saw-mill of John E. Reiter, at Sylvester, 

|i^"^ Hinton Tp., was born in Ionia, Feb. 15, 

;^ '859. He is a son of Travis and Amanda 
(Banks) Kelley, natives respectively of New 
York and Ohio, who came to Michigan, settling 
first in Hinton Tp., where the father was employed 
in the steam saw-mill at Sylvester. In the spring of 
1 88 1 they went to Isabella County, now their place 
of residence. 

At the age of 18, Mr. Kelley bought half the mill 
interest of Joseph Misho, and in December, 1881, he 
sold out to John E. Reiter. He went South in the 
summer of 1882 and was there employed a short 
time in a mill, but returned .ind entered the employ 
of Mr. Reiter. 

Mr. Kelley was married at Big Rapids, Sept. 17, 
1878, to Amelia, daughter of James N. and Cath- 
erine (Flanagan) Decker, and they have three chil- 
dren : Mabel, born Aug. 13, 1879; Ida, born June 
27,1881, and an infant, born Sept. 8, 1883. Mr. 
Kelley acts politically with the Republican party. 



ames W. Fuller, builder, residing at Big 
- Rapids, was born in Somerset Tp., Hills- 
dale Co., Mich., Oct 7, 1844. He is the 
son of Lewis and Chloe (Lee) Fuller, who 
moved from Monroe Co., X. V., about 1835, to 
Michigan and settled in Hillsdale County. In 
1854 they went to Hudson, Lenawee Co., and occu- 
pied a farm they owned there several years, after 
which they returnetl to Somerset, where they now re- 
side. The father is 86 years of age, and the mother 
is 79 years old this current year (1883). 




While living with his parents in Hudson, Mr. Ful- 
ler fixed uixjn his calling in life, and at 16 years of 
age came to Cortland, Kent Co., and worked with his 
brother Lewis about two years, going next to Chicago 
and soon after to the Pacific slope, where he passed 
four years in San Francisco and at other joints. In 
187 I he returned East and entered at once ujKjn his 
business as contractor and builder. Among the 
buildings constructed under his management are the 
hardware store of S. S. Wilcox, the First-Ward school- 
house and a number of private residences. He em- 
ploys a force of 10 assistants. In 1880 he built a 
planing mill on the east side of the river, near the 
mill of Hayes & Falardo, which he managed with 
success nearly three years. He owns a residence 
and lot on Michigan avenue, and a lot with dwelling 
one block south; also two dwellings in the Fifth 
Ward. In 1876 he was elected City Treasurer and 
held the post one year; in the spring of 1881 he was 
elected Alderman and officiated two years. 

Mr. Fuller was married at Big Rapids Aug. 26, 
1874, to Ellen, daughter of Clark Ransom, born in 
Ransomville, Niagara Co., N. Y. Her parents were 
early settlers of that place, which received its name 
from her family. One child, Linnie, born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Fuller, is deceased. 



Pilndrew Breakey, farmer on sec. 11, Hinton 
^ Tp., was born at Rochester, N. Y., Nov. 23, 
844. His parents, Andrew and Catharine 
j{^ (Crass) Breakey, were natives respectively of 
Ireland and Canada, and removed to New 



York prior to their marriage, which took place in that 
city. Three years after, Andrew Breakey, Sr., re- 
moved with his family to the city of Rochester, X. Y., 
where he was employed by the contractors of the 
Erie Canal as a stone mason. He had been 
employed in his native country in peddling dry goods 
and linens, and early in his life was a companion of 
A. T. Stewart. Himself and wife died at Rochester. 
I'ntil he was 10 years of age, the subject of this 
sketch atti-nded the public schools of Rochester. 
He began to jjrepare for the business of boat-calker 
and was so emiilo)ed three years. The work was so 
severe and the manager so exacting that the proprie- 
tor himself remarked that " that fellow would not 



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stay a week;" but he persisted, and managed to 
accomplish his business to the entire satisfaction of 
the parties interested. In 1861 he went to Canada 
on a visit, but concladed to remain there, and was in 
the employ of his brother-in-law for nearly four years. 
He visited the city of New York and his old home at 
Rochester, and in the summer of 1866 came to Me- 
costa, Mich., and bought 40 acres of unimj^roved 
land in Hiptjn Tp., where he built a log house and 
began his career as a pioneer. Later on he added 
40 acres to his original [uirchase and now owns 
a fine farm of 80 acres, with 50 acres under first- 
class improvements. He also owns 40 acres in Mill- 
brook Tp. 

Mr. Breakey has been Constable of Hinton Tp. 
for nine years. School Inspector two years, Highway 
Commissioner two years, Town Treasurer two years, 
and in the spring of 1880 was elected Justice of the 
Peace, and Supervisor in the springof 1883, of which 
positions he is the present incumbent. He has been 
School Director six years, and is identified with the 
issues and interests of the Democratic party; him- 
self and wife were formerly communicants of the 
English Church. 

Mr. Breakey was married in Canada, July 19, 
1864, to Matilda, fourth daughter of James N. and 
Catherine (Flannagan) Decker. The father was a 
native of the State of New York, the mother of 
Canada, and are now residents of Hinton Tp. Mr. 
and Mrs. Breakey have had six children : James G., 
born Nov. 28, 1867 ; Andrew N., July 15, 1872; Ed- 
ward and Edwin (twins) July 15, 1874 ; Nellie, Jan. 
5, 1880. Ella was born Aug. 9, 1869, and died Oct. 
1 1, 1870. 



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fames MoCormick, proprietor of the Sher- 
man House at Big Rapids, was born in 
Wyoming Co., N. Y., May 2, 1847. He is 
a son of John and Catherine (Mercer) McCor- 
niick. At the age of 2 1 he came to Michigan 
and settled at Saginaw, where he found em- 
ployment in the lumber woods, and afterwards on the 
river, at rafting. After strenuous labors for a period 
of six years he commenced to work as a contractor) 
and cut and put in logs about nine years at Saginaw, 
going thence to llartland, Livingston Co., Mich.> 
v» where he bought 80 acres of land, which he worked 



18 months, and in the spring of 1870 came to Big 
Rapids, where he took charge of a lumber camp in 
the woods, for A. J. Bentley, and followed that oc- 
cupation three years. He went to Evart in 1S73 and 
opened a saloon; four months later he rented the 
Union House, which he managed six months, return- 
ing at the end of that time to Big Rapids and fol- 
lowed lumbering a year, and afterward opened a 
saloon. In January, 1875, he rented the National 
Hotel, which he conducted until May, 188 1. At 
that date he purchased a residence and three and 
one-half lots, of Charlie Lovejoy. 

He began the building of his hotel in September, ' 

1881, and opened it to the traveling public in July, 

1882. It is two stories in height, 53x96 feet, with 
accommodations for 70 guests. A bar with the 
usual accessories is attached to the estaljlishment. 

Mr. McCormick was married in Hartland, Livings- 
ton Co., Mich., Sept. 24, 1866, to Ellen, daughter of 
Patrick and Mary Kelley, born in Detroit, Mich., 
Jan 22, 1 84 1. Of this marriage there are three 
children, — William P., Mary and Elizabeth. 




• 000 " 

homas Ariss, retired farmer, Remus, was 
born in Waterloo Co., Ont., Can., July 3, 
1S33. He is a son of James and Mary 
P^ (Bacheldor) Ariss, natives of England. Mr. 
Ariss made his first venture in life as a lumber- 
man, and spent some years in the woods and 
in "chopping fallows." He was married Aug. 14, 
1854, to Myra Smith, a native of Canada, and they 
have had nine children, three of whom are living- 
James was born April 26, 1858; John, April 22, i860 • 
Thomas, April 23, 1862. The mother died, and Mr. 
Ariss came to Wheatland Tp., in the spring of 1862, 
and settled on sec. 23, where he bought 160 ac:res of 
land and pursued farming. 

In 1880 he came to this place and settled, being 
one of the founders of Remus. He was again mar- 
ried, March 3, 186-, in Mecosta County, to Cath- 
erine, daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Campbell) 
McLeod, who were natives of Scotland. The 
daughter was born in Russell, Ont., Can., June 15, 
1840. Nine children have been born of this mar- 
riage, as follows: William F., Aug. 8, 186-; George, 
Oct. 19, 186-; Mary A., April 24, 1869; Alvira, July 



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17, 1871; Benjamin N., June 25, 1873; William V., 
May I, 1875; Emily, Aug. 19, 1877; Bruce, March 
19, 1880; Viola, March 4, 1883. 



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j^uncan McLellan, a iiionecr resident of Big 
Rapids, was born in Huntington, Canada, 
[uly 15, 1830. He isof Scotch extraction, 
his father being a native of Paisley, Scotland. 
^^ He is a son of Malcom and Margaret (Carrie) 
McLellan, and obtained his education in the 
common schools of his native province. At the age 
of 13 he began to learn the trade of shoemaker at 
Huntington, and four years later settled at Grand 
Rapids, then a small village, where he spent a year. 
His next remove was to Croton, Newaygo Co., where 
he worked at his trade four years. In the fall of 
1857 he bought 120 acres of pine lands on the Big 
Muskegon, located about 60 rods from the present 
site of the village of Paris. Mr. McLellan moved 
into the woods to give his personal attention to cut- 
ting and "putting in " the timber. He lived in a log 
shanty with " scoops " for its roof and with a punch- 
eon floor. The timber was cut in the winter and 
sold, at Muskegon, to John Rudnian, a well-known 
lumberman there, still living. In the spring of 1858 
he bought 120 acres of land seven miles north and 
east of Newaygo, on what is known as Maringo 
Prairie, and passed the summer in farming. In the 
winter of 1858-9 he purchased 140 acres of pine 
land two and a half miles below Big Rapids, and 
passed the season as he had done the winter previ- 
ous, in personal supervision of his lumbering inter- 
ests, — returning to his farm in the spring. His wife 
was in a decline, and he took her to Chicago for 
medical treatment, and there s[)ent tlie summer 
without any benefit to her, and she died in the fall of 
1859. The summer of i860 he spent on his farm at 
Maringo Prairie, and in the autumn bought 160 acres 
of pine land at Byers' Station, built lumber camps 
and passed the winter of 1860-1 in active business 
life. 

His connection with the history of Big Rapids 
commences in 1859, when he bought 80 acres of 
farm land in the townshi]) of Leonard, changed by 
act of the Legislature in 1865 to Big Rapids. This 



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property is still in his iwssession, in addition to a 
considerable acreage he has since purchased, his 
homestead now aggregating 320 acres. Mr. McLel- 
lan went to Muskegon in the spring of 1861 and 
bought the Forest City Hotel, and continued its man- 
agement until 1862. The tide of war that over- 
whelmed the land swept away his individual plans 
and purposes, as of so many others who realized 
their ])rivileges under the institutions of the country, 
and he returned to Big Rapids to enlist in defense 
of the Union flag. He was enrolled in September, 
1S62, in Co. I, Sixth Mich. Cav., with Capt. Deane, 
of Pentwater, going out with his regiment as a sad- 
dler. He was in active service three years and three 
months, and in the item of constant, unremitted ser- 
vice he has an almost unparalleled record. From the 
date of his enrollment and being mustered into the 
service of the United Slates, he personally partic- 
ipated in every battle in which his regiment was en- 
gaged. After the virtual collai)se of the Rebellion in 
the spring of 1865, his command was sent to Powder r 
River, Dakota, remaining there until the fall of the ^ 
same year. He received an honorable discharge at ^ 
Jackson, Mich., in December, 1865. *<•' 

In the fall of 1S61 Mr. McLellan purchased two i=l 
lots in tlie city of Big Rapids, at that time in a wild \^. 
state, which he improved and on which he erected 
the building he now occupies in the -year following 
the purchase. In 1868 he purchased a lot on Mich- 
igan avenue, which he at once improved, and pro- 
ceeded to erect a large three-story frame building. 
It was destroyed by fire a year later, involving a loss 
of $3,000. In 1868, with E. L. Gray, of Newaygo, 
as associate, Mr. McLellan constructed a State road y 
from Big Rapids, southwest nine miles, in the direc- 
tion of Big Prairie. As a remuneration they received 
3,300 acres of swamp lands belonging to the State, a 
considerable portion of which was well covered with 
pine. Some hundreds of acres of this are still in 
Mr. McLellan's possession. He continued to prose- 
cute the business of lumberman mail 1870, when 
he bought the tannery property of Robert A. Moon, (*' 
which he still owns and operates. The annual prod- 
uct is shipped chiefly to Boston and amounts in the 
aggregate to §25,000. 

In the same year in which he made his first in- 
vestment in real estate at Big Rapids, he established 
a boot and shoe store, which in 1872 he converted 



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into a harness shop and still continues its manage- 
ment. 

The gross landed estate of Mr. McLellan in Me- 
costa and Osceola Counties is about 1,200 acres, 
besides 27 lots in the city of Big Rapids. He re- 
sides in the rooms above his place of business, on 
South Michigan avenue, opposite the Opera-House 
block. . He has served two years as a member of the 
City Council, and he belongs to the A. O. U. W., and 
also to the Grand Army of the Republic. 

Mr. McLellan was married in Grand Rapids, Sept. 
25, 1855, to Margaret Lee, born in Massachusetts. 
Their only child, Mary Ann, died when three 
months old, and in i860 the mother passed to the 
land of silent mystery. Mr. McLellan contracted a 
second marriage with Adaline, daughter of Abram 
and Eliza Carr, of Croton, Newaygo Co., in October, 
1862. She was born in Vermont in 1834. 

The publishers take peculiar satisfaction in pre- 
senting on another page the portrait of Mr. McLel- 
lan. He has had a long and successful career in 
Mecosta County, and his name will ever be associ- 
ated with the records of the city of Big Rapids. His 
public and private character will long be revered by 
this and future generations. 




illiam H. Hicks, druggist at Morley, was 

born July 30, 1849. He is a son of John 

■J^^'" and Delia A. (Myers) Hicks. His father 

X' was a native of England and his mother of 
Connecticut. At 11 years of age Mr. Hicks 

went to live with an uncle and accompanied 
him to Michigan in the fall of i860, settling in Ionia 
County. Aug. 4, 1864, he enlisted in the Third 
Mich. Vol. Inf , and was in the service two years, re- 
ceiving honorable discharge in Texas. He returned 
thence to Ionia County and went to school, and was 
engaged on the farm at the same time. In the fall 
of 1866 he was employed as clerk in a hardware 
store in Ionia, and there learned the tinner's trade, 
following it over three years. He then went to Grand 
Rapids and not long afterward to Morley, where, 
about the year 1870, he went into partnership with 
Nelson Pike. The connection existed about one 
year, and Mr. Hicks established himself in the hard- 
ware business at Cadillac, Mich., wliere he continued 





nearly eight years. He sold out and embarked in 
the drug business. Shortly afterward he came to 
Morley and commenced a substantial business, tak- 
ing the lead in the drug trade in that place. His 
business is in a flourishing state, and he is justly es- 
teemed an upright and honorable man in his dealings. 
In pol'tics he is a Republican ; he holds tlie office of 
Justice of the Peace, is a member of the School 
Board, and belongs to the G. A. R. and K. of H. 

Mr. Hicks was married in Morley, July 7, 1872, to 
Hattie M., daughter of Michael and Elizabeth 
(Forbs) Swanger. Of this marriage three children 
have been born, as follows : Fred G., July 28, 1873; 
Percy J., Aug. 30. 1878, and Ivy M., March 12, 1881. 



-f«- 



1 umner Barstow, farmer, real-estate broker 
and luml)er dealer, at Big Rapids, was born 
in Tioga Co., N. Y., April 24, 1833. He is 
a son of Charles R. and Charlotte (Coburn) 
Barstow. The father was appointed Post- 
master of Owego in 1849, and Mr. Barstow 
of this sketch left school and engaged in the office as 
clerk. 

This occupation terminated in 1853, when Mr. 
Barstow became connected with the N. Y., L. E. & W- 
railroad, and in a short time rose to the positon of 
conductor, which situation he retained on several 
roads successively until June, 1874. His railroad 
experience was continuous for 21 years, save during 
the period of his service in the civil war. He en- 
listed in Owego, N. Y., in April, 1861, as Captain of 
Co. C, 23d N. Y. Vol. Inf., for a term of two years, 
and was in action at Antietain, Fredericksburg, and 
numerous other engagements of greater or less im- 
portance. He was discharged at Elmira, N. Y., in 
1863. 

In June, 1874, Mr. Barstow came to Big Rapids, 
and with his father engaged in lumbering, and the 
association existed until the death of the latter, Dec. 
10, 1880. They purchased pine lands, and placed 
the lumber on the market. Mr. Barstow owns a 
a farm containing 365 acres in Norwich, Newaygo 
Co., and has transferred considerable real estate in 
the city of Big Rapids. There are in the Third 
Ward two additions known as " Barstow's, " and a 
third in the same ward designated "Barstow's Second 



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Addition. " He is also the proprietor of two stores, 
and owns six lots with houses. He was elected in 
•v^"* the spring of 1880 member of the Common Council 
I of the city and resigned after three months. 

Mr. Barstow was married in Dansville, Livingston 
Co., N. Y., Oct. 13, 1857, to Mary F. Dubois, born 
May 10, 1837. Of their three children, but one, 
Fred. D., is now living; he is an employe in the U. 
S. Express office at 82 Broadway, New York, and 
acts in the capacity of cashier. Edmund P. and 
Jessie are deceased. The mother died in Ale.xan- 
dria, Va., March 5, 1864, and the father was again 
married in Omaha, Neb., Dec. 20, 1867, to Sarah E. 
Lewis, born at Cooperstown, N. Y. Of five children 
three aie yet living: Charlotte, eldest daughter, is 
deceased; Charles L., an infant child who died, Al- 
len and Thomas P. are the names of the children in 
the order of their birth. 

I) 



1 
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iS^WSj illiam J. Hyatt, for the last 19 years a 
'I ksJM i? prominent citizen of Hinton 'I'l)., is the 
'^1^/^'^^'^ youngest son of Newton and Susannali 
^ («^^ Cooley) Hyatt, and was born in West 
Virginia, April 3, 1850. His father was 
from German ancestry, his mother from Irish, 
and they had a family of tliree sons and two daugh- 
ters. Until nine years of age, .Mr. Hyatt, the sub- 
ject of this notice, was brought uj) on Little JJeaver, 
in Beaver Co., Pa.; then, in the fall of 1859, he went 
to .\ugusta, Carroll Co., Ohio, and when 14 years of 
age he commenced operation in a portable saw-mill; 
in the spring of 1865 he moved witii the mill to Me- 
costa Co., Micii., arriving April 26. This was the 
first steam mill in the eastern part of tjie county, 
Mr. Hyatt being among the first settlers. His prin- 
cipal occupation to the present time has been steam 
engineering and milling, and by his reliability in these 
specialties he has won for himself an enviable repu- 
tation. He is a gentleman of considerable reading, 
making an intelhgent use of the liest works. In 1873 
he was Constable in his township. 
^ A few months after he was 17 years of age he was 
V married to Miss Fannie, eldest daughter of Matthias 
'S and Magdelana K;issner, and they now have three 
I* daughters, namely, Emma Viola, Mary Henrietta 
4._ and Adella Magdelana. 



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509 




^fpl^ji^'ames M. Colby, ex-Register of Deeds of 
J^^BL' Mecosta County, resident in Big Rapids, 
Ij p ' ^ Tp., was l)orn in Freeman, Cattaraugus 
|!Jj Co., N. v., July 12, 1834, of English ancestry. 
It His parents, James and Abigail M. (Mctcalf) 

\ Colby, were born in Vermont. The former, a 
farmer by occupation, died in Wisconsin, where he 
went in 1843 and resided about 40 years. The lat- 
ter was born May 30, 1803. She came with her 
parents to New York in her childhood, going later in 
life to Wisconsin, and is yet living, at Wesley Station, 
Kossuth Co., Iowa. 

Mr. Colby was married in Delafield, Waukesha 
Co., Wis., to Anna M. (Harris) Jacipies, both of 
English extraction and born in Nova Scotia, emigrat- 
ing thence in 1844 to Wisconsin. Mrs. Colby was 
born in Nova Scotia Aug. 12, 1841. Mr. and Mrs. 
C'jlby have six promising children, the two eldest of 
whom were born in Wisconsin, and the other four in 
Michigan, as follows; Milton J., June 20, 1862; 
W. T. Sherman, April 5, 1865 ; Maria A., April 5, 
1867; lo Vesta, Sept. 17, 1869; Alta R., Sept. 8, 
1873, and James M., April 13, 1883. 

In 1864 Mr. Colby came to Montcalm Co., Mich., 
and resided at Greenville a year, removing thence to 
Hinton Tp., Mecosta Co. In 1867 he came to the 
city of Big Rapids, and in 1878 fixed his permanent 
residence on sec. 24, of Big Rapids Tp. 

Mr. Colby enlisted in the cause of the Union in 
Delafield, Wis., .'\iig. 11, 1861, and did valiant ser- 
vice in his country's defense, until wounded at the 
battle of Perry ville, Oct. 5, 1861. 

He is a Republican in politics, and in November, 
1866, was the successful candidate on his party 
ticket for the office of Register of Deeds of Mecosta 
County, and held the position 16 years. While the 
incumbent of the post he compiled the set of ab- 
stracts now in use. 

Milton J. Colby, the eldest son, was five years of 
age when his parents came to Big Rapids. He was 
a pupil at the schools of the city until he was 17 
years old, when he entered the office of his father, 
Register of Deeds, and served as Deputy during the 
remainder of the term of office, which expired Jan. 
I, 1883. He then re-entered school and was en- 
gaged in the duties of a student until April i, fol- 

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lowing, when lie was employed by Chas. H. Crane, 
[^ Abstracter, to jKepare a sectional index of the lands 
•v^j of Mecosta County. That labor accomplished, he 
I entered the employ of Stephens & Remus, sash, 
door and blind manufacturers, at the east end of the 



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lower bridge in Big Rapids. 











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eorge E. Sparks, farmer, sec. 23, Chip- 
pewa Tp., was born April 25, 1853, and is 

W""^ the son of John W. and Mary E. (Har- 

v-^ ris) Sparks. (See sketch.) His parents were 
natives of Crawford Co., I'a., and went to 
Ashtabula Co., Ohio, when the son was but 
two years of age. When he was 14 years old he ac- 
companied them to Mecosta County, and until he 
23 years of age was the assistant of his father. 

Mr. Sparks was married May 7, 1876, to Nettie 
Buckland. She was born May 16. 1853, in Wyoming 
Co., N. Y., and the daughter of Timothy W. and 
Jane (Prey) Buckland. Her parents were natives of 
Vermont and her mother resides at Hersey, Osceola 
Co., Mich. Her father was a soldier of the civil 
war in 1861, and died a prisoner in the iiands of the 
rebels at Salisbury, N. C. No comment is needed 
upon the manner and means of his death. Salisbury 
prison pen is the synonym for every species of con- 
summate atrocity that human ingenuity can devise. 
Of the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sparks three ciiil- 
dren have been born : Edna, Aug. 27, 1879; John- 
nie, born Jan. 13, 1883, and died Feb. 7, 1883, and 
an infant. 

Mr. Sparks is a Republican in his views of 
National questions. He has held the offices of School 
Inspector and Justice of the Peace. His farm con- 
tains 120 acres of land, 40 of whicii is improved. 



'^^^^'^ 

|| dward P. Shankwiler, miller. Big Rapids, 

was born July 28, 1853, in Seneca Co., 

N. Y. His father, Dewitt P. Shankwiler, 

f|^ was born in the same county, Nov. 25, 1823, 

of German lineage. His mother, Mary J. 

(Thomas) Shankwiler, was a native of the same 

place, born in 1825. 

Mr. Shankwiler was brought up on his father's 




if 




farm, receiving a good education and graduated at 
the University at Rochester, N. Y., in 1872. He 
came to Michigan in 1877, and, in company with 
J. P. Burroughs, rented a flouring milljat Hersey, Os- 
ceola Co., where they operated a year. Mr. Shank- 
wiler came to Big Rapids and bought the Mecosta 
County Flouring Mills, situated on Ryan Creek, one 
and a half miles southeast of the city, admitting 
D. L. Garling as a partner. The business has 
proved a success, its demands requiring three assist- 
ants. In jMay, 1883, Mr. Shankwiler rented his 
interest to his partner and turned his attention princi- 
pally to real estate. He erected and owns a resi- 
dence on South Ives avenue, is the owner of several 
city lots, and of 116 acres of land on sec. 24, Big 
Rapids Tp. 

Mr. Shankwiler was married in Seneca Co., N. Y., 
Feb. 20, 18S0, to Annie B., daughter of David and 
Mary Selmser, born Nov. 9, 1856, at Amsterdam, 
N. Y. They have tvvo children, both born at Big 
Rapids; Eleanor May, Jan. 12, 1881, and Donald, 
Jan. 13, 1S83. 



iWWl'?'- aniel Stearns, one of the first settlers in 
f I^MIr Mecosta CouTity, resident at Big Rapids, 
llf'^^ was born in Brattleboro, Vt., June 29,1799. 
v^£^ He is a son of Reuben and Annie (Stuart) 



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(Stuart) 
Stearns. His father was a farmer in Wind- 
ham Co., Vt., and Mr. Stearns was bred to 
the same pursuit. 

When he reached the age of 21 years he went to 
Bath, Steuben Co., N. Y., and went to work in a dis- 
tillery for his brother, remaining one year. He then 
went to Ellisburg, and, associated with another bro- 
ther, established the business of cloth-dressing, which 
existed about five years. He came to Newaygo in 
1854, and built the Brooks House, named in honor 
of its owner, John Brooks, which Mr. Stearns man- 
aged two years. In 1S59 he came to Big Rapids 
and bought a building on the southwest corner of 
Michigan avenue and Maple street, which he con- 
verted into a hotel and ran two years. In 1861, in 
company with George F. and Daniel E. Stearns, two 
of his sons, he opened a general store, in which he 
continued until 1879, when he retired from business. 
He owns a fine residence and two lots on the corner 









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of Warren avenue and Oak street, and two lots on 
State 'street. 

Mr. Stearns was married in F-Uisburg, N. Y., to 
Elizabeth Coburn ; she died at EUisburg, Ai)ril 10, 
1829, leaving two sons, Chester E. and Sanuiel C. 
Mr. Stearns was a second time married, at EUisburg, 
to Elizabeth Martin. Of this marriage eight chil- 
dren were born : George F., Sarah E. (dec), Francis 
C, Martha H. (dec), Daniel E., Mary C, .\lfrcd P. 
and Albert S. (dec). The moihcr died in 1863, and 
Mr. Stearns was again married in 1871, to .Mary 
Gollady. 



libel B. Knapp. farmer, sec. 2, Grant Tp., 
^BJLffi was born Dec. 13, 1843, in Bronson, Huron 
^l^p° Co., O., and is a son of Adolphus G. 
' l.^]« and Hannah (Richardson) Knapp, botii na- 
> ll^ tives of New York. Tiie fatlier is a son of 
'^ 1 Brundage Knapp, a native of Massachusetts, 
° and was born Feb. 19, 1820; in early life he went to, 
^ Salem Tp., Westchester Co., O., and afterwards to 
° Huron County, where he was married Nov. 12, 1842. 
^ The mother was born Sept. 22, 1824, and accom- 
S panied her parents to Ohio when she was eight 
years of age. She became the mother of seven 
childreri, all of wliom are living in Michigan. The 
senior Knapp, in the course of his active life, had 
frequeiit occasion to change locality, and a singular 
fact resulting was that in passing alternate periods of 
his life in Michigan and Ohio, three daughters were 
born in Michigan and three sons in the Buckeye 
State, alternating in order. In January, 1859, the 
S family removed to \\' right Co., Mo., but the secession 
element governed that portion of the State and they 
returned to Ohio, and finally, in 1866, came to Me- 
costa Co., Mich., settling in Grant Tp., where the 
father secured 80 acres of land. One of che sons 
bought 60 acres in Chippewa Tp., and Mr. Knapp of 
this sketch entered a claim of 80 acres in Hersey 

iTp., Osceola Co. The mother died March 26, 1879, 
of pneumonia, followed by heart disease, after an ill- 
ness of a week. Her children hold her menH)ry 
-y sacied, and speak in loving remembrance of her 
^ motherly devotion, her unselfish, sacrificing spirit 
I * and her lovely character. 
/:_ Mr. Knapp of this sketch remained under his 




parents' supervision until he was 18 years old, when 
he was released by his father to become a tanner and 
currier. He worked at his trade until Januar)-, 1864. 
He is now a stalwart, sinewy man, but he was in 
youth of light iMiild and matured slowly. Repeated 
efforts to enlist when the war broke out were futile; 
the examining surgeons were inflexible and he suc- 
ceeded in enrolling as a soldier for the Union only 
at the date named. He enlisted in 1863 in Green- 
ville, Huron Co., but did not weigh 100 [jounds, and 
was rejected. 'I'he following year he was successful, 
and was credited on the quota of Mansfield, Rich- 
land Co., as a recruit. He joined Co. L, loth Ohio 
Cav., at Chattanooga. The regiment was ordered to 
La Vergne, Tenn., and went into winter quarters. 
A detail was sent to Nashville for horses, and the time 
was spent in drill until spring. The regiment joined 
the command of Kilpatrick at Ringgold, Ga., and 
made its first ac(iuaintance with set battle at Resaca. 
.'Xfter the victory there the loth Ohio was ordered 
out light mounted and spent a day in hot action, 
fighting from nine a. m. to five p. m., repulsing a 
charge and retiring to the morning's position. The 
same orders were repeated the following morning, 
and they were on the scout five weeks without over- 
coats, blankets or haversacks, and some without can- 
teens. Regular rations were not served during the 
entire period. Food depended on success in forag- 
ing, and on one occasion Mr. Knapp was without 
food three days and four nights. On the morn- 
ing of the fourth day he secured a piece of mutton, 
which he devoured raw and without salt, the bloody 
juice streaming meanwhile from the corners of his 
mouth. Regular rations were first served at Adairs- 
ville. The next battle was at Kingston, and they 
afterwards went into camp at Gillam's bridge on the 
Etowah River, where they kept up cavalry service, 
foraging and scouting, until Kilpatrick set out on his 
remarkable raid. Mr. Knapp was ill and, instead of 
taking a part in the brilliant action of his command, 
as he anliciiiated, with all the relish of a true soldier, 
he was ordered off on sick leave to Chattanooga, and 
48 hours later was on his way to Nashville, where he 
was ill two months with malarial fever and camp 
diarrhea. Later he went to Jefferson ville, Ind., 
where he was furloughed for 30 days. The rebellion 
came to a virtual close, and he was discharged from 
the service at Camp Dennison, Ohio, May 31, 1S65. 
He returned to I'eru, Ohio, where he worked at his 



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trade for a time, and, determining on a permanent 
settlement, he journeyed through Indiana, IlHnois 
and Iowa, prospecting, and came at length to Me- 
^ costa County, whither his father's family had come 
shortly before, and reached Big Rapids in September, 
1866. 

He located land in Hersey, Osceola Co., in its orig- 
inal state, and there entered upon the career of a pio- 
neer, spending five years in the manner common to the 
early settlers in this portion of Michigan. In 1872 
he bought the land on which his father settled in 
1866, and 80 acres adjoining. His homestead in- 
cludes 160 acres, with 120 acres cleared. It is con- 
sidered a first-class place, lying in a hard-wood belt, 
with soil a mixed clay and sandy loafh, capable of 
producing the justly celebrated Michigan crops. In 
connection with his labors as a farmer Mr. Knapp 
has engaged in lumbering sii.ce his settlement in 
Northern Michigan, acting in behalf of other parties, 
scaling logs, managing corps of lumbermen, operat- 
ing as foreman, etc., finding ample field for his efforts 
at$roo per month. His farm has good buildings 
and a new barn, built in 1883, at a cost of $1,500. 
He makes a specialty of raising fine grades of 
draught horses, and at the fair at Evart, Osceola Co., 

\/ in the fall of 1883, took tliree premiums on colts and 
^ single horses. He has been active in town matters 
) since he located in Grant, and served the township 
as Supervisor in 1874 and 1882. He joined the 
M. E. Church in 1878, and has been one of the 
officials of the society since. He is one of the 
prominent citizens of Mecosta County, and foremost 
among the active workers for its progress and sub- 
stantial improvement. The neighborhood in which 
he is located is designated by his name, and he has 
been the responsible member of his father's family 
for years. He was a Republican from the beginning 
of his political career until the establishment of the 
National party, when he became its adherent, and in 
1876 was the candidate for Sheriff on the Greenback 
ticket, in opposition to Col. N. H. Vincent, Republi- 

-^ can nominee. 

"I Mr. Knapp was married Oct. 29, 1877, to Gertrude 

}; E., daughter of Calvin and Mary J. Royce, of Deer- 



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12, 18! 



Del- 



1^ field Tp. (see sketch), born Nov. 
^ mar, Tioga Co., Penn. When she was 12 years old 
'•^ her parents came to Deerfield Tp. She devoted herself 



*) 



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parents came to Deerfield Tj 
vigorously to obtaining an education, and at 16 com- 
menced teaching at Millbrook. She taught 12 terms 



of school, all in Mecosta County save one, the Bar- 
ton school in Winfield Tp., Montcalm Co. She be- 
came a member of the M. E. Church in 1875, and 
was active in all avenues where a laborer was needed. 
She has served as Superintendent of Sunday-school 
and lent energetic and judicious aid wherever need- 
ed. She is a lady of fine acquisitions and generous 
impulses, a valuable member of her social sphere 
and warmly regarded by her intimate friends. 

The elder sister of Mr. Knapp, Mary A., wife of 
Nelson A. McCord, lives in St. Louis, Gratiot Co., 
and is the mother of three children. Franklin B. 
Knapi) is a minister of the United Brethren Church, 
located at Salt River, Isabella Co. He is married 
and is tiie parent of three children. Phebe A., wife 
of \Vm. Cook, residing in Chippewa Tp., has four 
children. John A. Knapp is unmarried and lives in 
Grant. Josephine J. (Mrs. Owen Bentley) has three 
children. Vernor G. Knapp resides with his brother 
in Grant. 

The portraits of Mr. and Mrs. Knapp may be 
found in this work. 



n^ji i-j ilbert W. Smith, lumberman, of the firm 

of Foster, Blackman & Co., Big Ra|)ids, 

''k&^^' was born in Vernon, Conn., May 15, 1852, 

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and is the son 
(Keith) Smith. 



of Amos and Angeline 
His parents removed to 



Brighton, Livingston Co., Mich., in 1857, and 
soon after to Howell, where his father was engaged 
as a dealer in boots and shoes about 15 years. He 
attended the schools of Howell until he was 18 years 
of age, when he went to Ann Arbor and entered the 
Literary Department of the University, where he was 
graduated with the class of 1874. Immediately after 
that event he became a member of the lumber firm 
of Galloway, Blackman & Co., of Howell. 

In the spring of 1877 the present business house 
was constituted, consisting of Chapin C. Foster, of 
Indianapolis, Hudson B. Blackman, Elias D. Gallo- 
way, and \V. W. Smith, of Howell. The interests of 
the new association were established at Big Rapids 
at the same time, with Mr. Smith as resident mana- 
ger. They are operating extensively in Uimlier, hav- 
ing a steam saw and shingle mill at Edmore, 
Montcalm Co., where a laboring force of 100 men is 



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commonly employed, and the product amounts annu- 
ally to about 10,000,000 feet each of shingles and 
lumber. At Baldwin, Lake Co., the firm owns a 
steam saw-mill, and employs about 100 men in the 
mill and woods, cutting about 10,000,000 feet of lum- 
ber yearly. They own about 3,500 acres of pine 
land in Lake County, where Messrs. Morton & Tea- 
chout have just completed a mill contract for 4,500,- 
000 feet at Lumberton, Newaygo Co. Their ship- 
ments are commonly made to Lidiana and Ohio, and 
to some extent to Eastern markets. 

The firm have suffered considerable losses by fire ; 
one, which occurred at Edmore in 1881, resulted in 
the destruction of their mill and lumber to the value 
of §14,000, partly remedied by $9,000 insurance. 
Aug. 20, 1883 (current year), they suffered a loss of 
2,500,000 feet of lumber, valued at $25,000, with an 
insurance of $18,000. 

Mr. Smith was married in Lapeer, Mich., June 10, 
1875, to Elizabeth P., daughter of Rev. Gustavus L. 
and Hannah (Petlingill) Foster. The father of 
Mrs. Smith was a clergyman of repute in Presby- 
terian circles in the State of Michigan for many 
years, and a', the time of his death his labors exceed- 
ed in continuity those of any other minister in that 
denomination. Mrs. Smith was born in Clinton, Len- 
awee Co., Mich., March 27, 1853. One child has 
been born of her marriage, Oustavus, May 19, 1876, 
at Howell, Mich. Mr. Smith was elected City 
Alderman in the spring of 1883; he is a member of 
the Knights of Pythias. 



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j.erbert Ladner, lumberman and farmer, on 
sec. 34, Big Rapids Tp., was born in the 
county of Cornwall, Eng., June 15, 1839. 






His parents, James and Jane (Chirgwin) Lad- 
ner, came to America when he was nine years 
of age, and settled on a farm in the town^hip of 
Cannon, Kent Co., Mich., where he remained until 
the age of 25 years He bought 80 acres of land in 
the same township where he grew to manhood, and 
continued on it five years. In 1882 he bought a 
farm containing 80 acres on sec. 34, Big Rapids 
Township. 

Mr. Ladner was married July i, 1869, to Huldah, 
daughter of Robert and Catherine Ganong. She 
was born'in the State of New York, June 22, 1848, 




and died in Big Rapids Tp., March 12, 1874, leaving 
two children, Albert W., born in Big Rai)ids, March 
5, 187 1, and Vernia B., born in Osceola County, 
March 18, 1873. 

Mr. Ladner contracted a second marriage in Big 
Rapids, Oct. 13, 1880, with Sinia E. De Tarr, born 
Aug. 7, 1856, in Lee Co., Iowa. 



resjii gorge P. Cornell, lumberman, Big Rapids, 
was born in Ekfrid Tp., Middlesex Co., 
Can., Jan. 22, 1840, and is a son of Philip 
^^ ' and Letilia (Parker) Corneil. 

Mr. Corneil was a farmer until he was 22 
years old ; since that age he has been chiefly 
engaged in lumbering. He left the Dominion in 
1865, coming in December to Big Rapids, where he 
at once interested himself in the leading pursuits of 
that period, getting out logs, not long afterward ris- 
ing to tiie position of foreman, a post he filled in the 
interests of different parties forsomeyears. In 1869 
he embarked in business on his own account. In 
1870 he commenced getting out ties and bridge tim- 
ber for the G. R. & I. R. R. Co., under a contract, 
witli which he was occupied until the fall of 1873. 
He went to Cadillac and formed a jiartnership with 
R. McDowell, of that place, where they embarked in 
the grocery trade and also operated as contractors 
" putting in " timber. Two years later Mr. McDowell 
sold his interest in the lumber business to his brother, 
A. McDowell, Mj. Corneil selling his claim in the 
grocery at the same time to his partner. The new 
association continued three years, Mr. Corneil be- 
coming sole proprietor by jjurchase. He managed 
alone one year, continuing to buy and sell pine lands, 
as he had been doing on his own account. He went 
to Minneapolis, Minn., and spent two years specula- 
ting in farming lands. He returned to Big Rapids in 
1882, and, on the first of October, be(iame associated 
with his brother, A. C. Corneil, which relation still 
exists. A month later he formed a connection once 
more with A. McDowell, with whom he operated as 
contractor in lumber, and grading track on the G. R. 
& I. R. R., doing a heavy business, with a working 
force of 70 men on the railroad and 35 men in the 
woods. Corneil Bros, employ an equal number 
in their lumber operations. 



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Mr. Cornell owns a farm of 90 acres in the Third 
Ward of Big Rapids, which is all in an advanced 
state of cultivation, with the exception of eight acres 
of timber land. He also owns a half interest in two 
vacant lots in the Fourth Ward. He belongs to the 
Masonic fraternity and the Knights Templar. 

Mr. Corneil was married in Cadillac, Mich , Aug. 
31, 1876, to Annie, daughter of Aaron and Almira 
Aldrich, born near Sharon, Washtenaw Co., Mich., 
Aug. 3, 1855. They have one daugliter, Susie Clara, 
born Jan. 23, 1881, at Minneapolis, Minn. 



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^fp^.^pharles W. Cunningham, book-keeper in 
^^Sj the Big Rapids National Bank, was born 



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in De.\ter, Washtenaw Co., Mich., March 13, 



Vt? ' '^S^' '^"d is son of John and Sarah A. (Adams) 
'j^ Cunningham. His father was ticket and 
freight agent for the Michigan Central Rail- 
road Company at Dexter about 12 years, and died at 
Vicksburg, Kalamazoo Co., Mich., where his mother 
is yet living. 

When he was 12 years old, Mr. Cunningham was 
engaged for a year as clerk in a store. His parents 
removed to Battle Creek, where he attended the 
graded schools until the age of r5. They removed 
the next year to Vicksburg, where Mr. Cunningham 
learned telegraphy in an office on the Chicago & 
Grand Trunk railroad. After acting as relieving 
agent on that road six months, he was stationed at 
Bellevue and remained there one year. In Novem- 
ber, 1875, he came to Big Rapids, where he was en- 
gaged as telegraph operator and ticket clerk in the 
office of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad of- 
fice, then located in the Mason House, where he 
operated four years. The next two years he was em- 
ployed as operator and ticket agent at both depots 
of the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad, situated 
at upper and Jower Big Rapids. In August, 1881, he 
engaged as general agent for the Detroit, Lansing & 
Northern Railroad at Big Rapids, where he ojjerated 
until January, 1883, when he resigned and en- 
gaged as traveling auditor for the Chicago & West 
Michigan Railroad. June i, 1883, he accepted the 
position he now holds. In the spring of 1881 he was 
elected Recorder of the City of Big Rapids on the 
Republican ticket, which post he held two years. 




Mr. Cunningham was married in Big Rapids, Sept. 
24, 1879, to Jennie, daughter of Alfred S. and 
Amanda Mason, born Jan. 5, 1859, in Jamestown, 
Chautauqua Co., N. Y. Mr. and Mrs. Cunningham 
have one child, — Charles A., born June 3, 1881. 




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■ S^'enjamin F. Brown, M. D., iSIorlty, was 

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^^J |>: born ui Portage Co., Ohio, Jan. 3, 1840. 

Ig^ '^ His father, Jacob Brown, was a native of 
cf^ Ohio, and his mother, Lavinia (Bombarger) 
Brown, was born in Pennsylvania; they now 
reside on the "Western Reseive," where the 
father is engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. At 
the age of 18 years Dr. Brown became a student at 
Hiram College, under tlie management of James A. 
Garfield, its President, and continued his course two 
years; going thence to a high school located at Brim- 
field Center, Portage Co., Ohio, where he was in 
attendance three terms. In i860 he began his prepar- 
atory course of medical study at Mogadore, Portage 
Co., under the direction of Dr. J. C. Ferguson, study- 
ing with him at intervals for three years. Dr. Brown 
had a brief army experience during the civil war, 
enlisting Sept. 6, 1861, in Co. C, Ninth Ind. Vol. Inf , 
and serving as Hosiiital Steward until July, 1862, 
when he was honorably discharged. He returned to 
Ohio and resumed his studies for his profession. In 
the winter of 1862-3 '"^ attended lectures at the 
Cleveland Medical College. His next removal was 
to Akron, Ohio, where he entered the office of Dr. S. 
W. Bertys, as assistant. In the fall of 1865 he came 
to Michigan and settled at Muir, Ionia Co., and there 
engaged for a brief time in lumbering. He there 
owned an interest in a planing-mill, which was totally 
destroyed by fire and entailed a loss of $10,000. 
This circumstance cri[)pled him so severely that he 
was for some time virtually out of business. He en- 
deavored to re-establish himself in lumber projects 
at Big Rapids, but his ill fate again supervened and 
he determined to resume his medical studies. In 
October, 1876, he went to the University of Michi- 
gan, at Ann Arbor, and entered the Department of 
Medicine and Surgery, there prosecuting his studies 
until April, 1877. He then came to Big Rapids, but 
only acted in auxiliary practice until February, 1878, 
when he began his career as a practitioner at Morley. 









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Dr. Brown is well and favorably known in his husi- 
ncss and ranks fairly witli the profession in Mctosta 
County. His business is already extcndctl, and in- 
creasing with encouraging rapidity. He owns a lann 
on sec. 30, Deerficld 'i'p., of 120 acres, with 55 acres 
under tillage, which he bought in March, 1881. 

Dr. Brown was married Jan. 3, 1866, in Lyons, 
Ionia Co., Mich., to Amelia Ross, who was born in 
the State of New York, Dec. 29, 1842. The Doctor 
is a member of the Order of Masonry. 



oseph T. Escott, capitalist, farmer, and rep- 
'^ resentative pioneer citizen of Big Rapids, 

'A¥?, ^ ^'^^ ^*"^" J^"' "5' '^3^' ^^ ^^'^ Rochelle, 
Westchester C"o., N. Y. He is of a clear line 
of English descent, both parents being born in 
England of ancestors native in that country. 
His father, Joseph Escott, was born in Bristol, Glou- 
cestershire, Feb. 23, 1806, and is a son of Thomas 
Escott. The latter was born at Hampton, Devon- 
shire. He was left an orphan at four years of age, 
and was bound to a farmer. When he reached the 
age of 21 he went to Bristol, and lived there con- 
tinuously until his death at 84 years of age. Up- 
wards of 30 years of his life was passed as a foreman 
in a brush and bellows factory. Joseph Escott be- 
came a shoemaker, and varied that trade witii the 
labors of a market gardener. 

In 1827 he married Betsey Tyler, born I'eb. 9, 
1 80S, at Tvower Easton, one and a half miles from 
Bristol, where her parents were engaged in market 
gardening. Joseph E^scott came to the New World 
with his family, making the passage in a sailing ves- 
sel, consuming 37 days in the trip. They landed 
July 30, 1830, at New York, and the husband worked 
there about nine months at his trade of shoemaking, 
removing thence to Westchester County, residing 
successively at Port Chester and New Rochelle, occu- 
pied with his trade and keeping a turnpike toll-gate. 
In June, 1839, he came to Michigan, and moved 
from Detroit to Crand Rapids in a wagon, over the 
old Territorial road. At Fentonville, the eldest boy 
fell from the wagon and broke his leg, necessitating 
a delay of five weeks, (jrand Rajjitls was a sniall 
village, provisions of all kinds sold at high rates, and, 
to ad4 to the discomforts of jxiverty in a strange 



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country, the entire family (parents and four children) ^^ 
contracted tlie fever and ague, which confined them 
to the house nearly all of tiie first year. 

In 1842, the senior Escott pre-emi)ted 80 acres of 
Covernment land on the east half of the northwest 
quarter of sec. 15, Walker Tp., Kent Co. This he 
bought afterwards, cleared and improved, and resid- 
ed thereon about 30 years, occui)ied in farming and 
gardening. The family increased to eight children, 
three of whom died in eady life, and five grew to 
mature years on the home place. Two sisters and 
two brothers of Mr. Escott of this sketch yet survive. 
The father and mother came to 15ig Rapids Nov. 9, 
1872, to pass their declining years with their son. 
The mother was suffering from an incurable disease, 
which she bore uncomplainingly and with Christian 
fortitude for years. She died Oct. 29, 1879, after a 
life of usefulness and merit. The father is yet living, 
in comparatively good health, in his 78th year. 

Mr. F,s(0lt was first sent to school at 10 years of 
age, and spent the winters of his life until he was 19 
obtaining an education, walking a mile and a half 
to the old red school-house at Walker Center. He 
never studied more than four months in a year, and 
did the chores on the farm while his father worked at 
his bench. At 19 he taught a term of school in the 
Colton district, in Alpine Tp., Kent Co., " boarding 
round," and enjoying all the " perquisites " of a 
pedagogue of that period. 1 le taught seven terms of 
school in the vicinity of Grand Rapids. 

On the Fourth of July, 1859, he was married to 
Sarah A. Ixjuckes, daughter of John and Susan 
(Thompson) l.ouckes, farmers, resident in \\alker 
Township. 

Iiilin 1,0111 kes was born in Highgatc, Franklin Co., 
Vt., lune 4, 1806. His parents went to Mallahide, 
Middlesex Co., Out., when he was 14 years old, and 
he was married there Jan. 30, 1827, to Susan Thomii- 
son, a native of Niagara District, Ont., born .\ug. 15, 
1810. Mr. and Mrs. l.ouckes spent the succeeding 
27 years in the Dominion, engaging in pioneer labors, 
and enduring the privations of the place and period. 
In 1854 they moved to Kent Co., Mich., and liought 
a farm on sec. 1 1, Walker Tp., where the father died 
July 4, 1881. The mother resides on the homestead 
with her son. Mrs. Escott is one of a family of 12 
children, of whom three sisters and five brothers are 
living. 

Mr. and Mrs. Escott entered upon their married ^ ,\, 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 






life with hearts buoyant with hope, and in their 
apparently promising prospects anticipated a career 
of comfort, with no more hardship than is common to 
people in health, with energy to follow up a success- 
ful entry upon a contest with the world. Mr. Escott 
bought, of Jackson Rogers, a land contract for a tract 
situated in the western part of Alpine Tp., Kent Co., 
built a house and cleared 48 acres of heavily timber- 
ed land. He sowed 30 acres of wheat, and saw the 
season advancing in ho[)eful content, when he found 
he had trusted in a broken reed. Only a verbal con- 
tract held the man of whom he obtained his right to 
the land, and he transferred the title to a party with 
whom Mr. Escott could make no terms. In si.x 
months he found himself destitute, and with a heavy 
load of debt. 

The succeeding fouryears they lived in Tallmadge, 
Ottawa Co., and in Walker Township. Prospects did 
not brighten, and in April, 1863, they came to Big 
Rajuds, in the hope of building up their shattered 
fortunes. If an adequate jMcture could be drawn of 
the country through which they traveled and the 
condition of the roads, some idea of that journey 
might be conveyed ; but no pen can do it justice 
v,filh words. 'I'iie household effects were piled on a 
wagon, and tlie motlier witli one precious baby rode 
a part of the distance, dismounting to walk over the 
worst places. They came i)y way of Newaygo and 
Big Prairie, and fifteen miles of the distance from tlie 
latter place was -unbroken forest. The journey 
occupied tliree days, and tlie wagon tipping over once, 
bringing ruin to some of the crockery, was the only 
disaster of any account. They found Big Rapids in 
its early youth, having two stores, and a small com- 
munity of whole-souled people, whose uniform cir- 
cumstances placed them on a social level, which 
added materially to the general comfort. 

Destitute of means, but young, healthy and not 
afraid of work, Mr. Escott found his strength and 
energies in demand at remunerative rates, and the 
money he earned as a day laborer and was enabled 
to save through his wife's economy and good manage- 
ment, soon cleared his indebtedness and placed him 
in comparative ease. He began the purchase and sale 
of land contracts, still working at whatever paid best, 
and finally bought 80 acres of land in Green Tp., 
(now the property of James Dalzell), and built a 
small house, into which the/ moved before it was 




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fitted with door or window. The first summer he 
cleared two acres, and sowed 25 cents' worth of ruta- 
baga seed, which crop he sold on the ground for 
$i8q. Later he sold his farm and secured a position 
as teamster with B. E. Hutchinson, one of the mer- 
chants of Big Rapids. His duty was to drive to 
Grand Rapids, via Newaygo (70 miles), buy goods, 
do numberless errands, and bring back his purchases 
to supjily the demands of the country trade. He 
commonly started Monday morning with an empty 
wagon (save chance passengers), consume two days 
en route, spend one day in collecting his load, and 
three more in driving back to Big Rapids, if fate was 
propiiious; but often the round trip occupied two or 
three days more. This business he followed iS 
months, at satisfactory wages. 

In 1S65 Mr. E.scott was appointed Deputy Sheriff 
under A. S. Mason, and at the election of the follow- 
ing year was the successful candidate on the Rcpuli- 
lican ticket for the office of Sheriff. His jurisdiction 
e.xtended over Osceola and the east half of Lake 
Counties, then attached to Mecosta County for judi- 
cial purposes. The county being new and roads very 
rude, if any at all, made it necessary to transact 
most of the business either on foot or horseback, and 
he frequently brought in the sinners against the maj- 
esty of the law from the woods or camps on foot and 
single-handed. 

In 1868 he was re-elected by a large majority. In 
1870 the law prohibited another re-election, but he 
was appointed Under-Sheriff, with D. F. W'ooley, 
Democrat. In 187 1 he was elected Supervisor of 
the Fourth \Vard of Big Rapids. In 1872 and 1874 
he was elected Sheriff, and the fulfillment (>f these 
terms made an aggregate of r i years in which he 
discharged the duties of that office. He has served 
as a member of the Board of Education and offici- 
ated as Deputy U. S. Marshal under James Henry 
and John Parker, acting about eight years. In 1878 
he was elected Alderman of the Fourth Ward and 
and held the jilace four years. In 18S1 he was ap- 
pointed by Gov. Jerome one of the managers of the 
Ionia State House of Correction and Reformatory, 
which post he held until Jan. i, 1883. In the spring 
of 1883 (current year) he was again elected Super- 
visor of his ward. 

In 1865 Mr. Escott bought 80 acres of land now 
situated within the limits of the city, being the west 
half of the. ri,oi;thwest quarter of sqc.. 15, to which he 



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^ has gradually added by purchase uiilil lie has a farm 
^ of 280 acres of land, lying in one hody and all im- 
.^ proved, of which 210 acres are within the city liniiis. 
\ Fifteen acres, known as "Escott's Addition, " arc- 
platted in city lots, which he is selling and supplying 
with buildings. In 1S67 he erected his residence on 
the corner of State street and Sanborn avenue, on 
land then covered with indigenous forest trees. 
About 1X75 he purchased an interest in the Big Rap- 
ids Furniture Stock Company, and was elected its 
President, operating one year as a manager of the re- 
tail department. He is connected with the Masonic 
fraternity, being a member of the Lodge, Chapter, 
Council and Cominandery. 

Three children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. 
Escott, two daughters and a son. The latter, George 
B., born May 6, 187 i, is the sole survivor; Susan E., 
born July 8, 1861, in Tallmadge, died of membran- 
ous croup, Nov. 26, 1864, 'at the home of her grand- 
father Louckes, in Walker, where her mother had 
taken heron a visit. Nellie M., born Sept. 3, 1866, 
at Big Rapids, died of hemorrhage of the bowels, Aug. 
21, 1868, in Tallmadge, where her mother was visit- 
ing a sister. 

Mr. Escott's portrait on another page presents the 
likeness of a man whose entire record gives a con- 
tinuous exhibit of what may be accomplished by 
steady adherence to a worthy purpose. He has only 
taken opi>ortunity at its best, the secret of every 
man's success in a new country. He is still in the 
supremacy of a perfect manhood, llis tem|ieiate 
habits and active life have preserved liis health antl 
strength, his eye has all its pristine keenness and 
brilliancy, and he walks with the erectness of a vig- 
orous vitality. He never had a lawsuit, never was 
sued, never owned a gun or a dog, and never drank 
a glass of liquor at the bar in his life. 

In the pub!i<: and private career of Mr. Escott are 
the salient points which render him a representative 
of the manner of men who have placeil tiie county 
of Mecosta and the city of Big Rapids, in a marvel- 
ously brief period, in their present stale of [jrosperily, 
with a future of splendid promise. The class of 

f' "* which he is an acknowledged type deserve a volume 
for the adei|uate record of the worth of their ex- 
ample and achievements. The results anil develop- 
* ments of the coming years will round and complete 
^ the annals of this ix)rtion of the Peninsular .Stale. 



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ucas I. Witbeck, Morley, was born in the 
State of New York, Sept. 4, 1845. His 
^ ^ , parents, Abraham and Maria (Van Vranken) 
ujO'" Witbeck, were natives of the Empire State and 
are still residents there. His ancestors settled 
in the same State about the year 1636, among 
the eailiest of the colonists, and were participants in 
the Revolution. Mr. Witbeck was under the care of 
his father until the age of 16, alternately attending 
school and working on the farm. He then went to 
learn the trade of cari)enter and joiner, and served 
three years. He followed that vocation until 1871. 
In the fall of that year, interested himself in the bus- 
iness of butchering, which he continued nearly five 
years, opeating as a wliolesale dealer. He came to 
Michigan in the summer of 1875 and settled at 
Sturgis, following his trade as a builder for a short 
time, then removed to Lima, Ind., where he kept a 
meat market two years. He tlien returned to Sturgis, 
where he bought a market, and remained there until 
December, i8Si,at which time he sold out and came 
to Morley, where he became proprietor, by purchase, 
of the meat market owned by .\ugust Rowland. This 
is his present establishment. 

He was married in Montgomery Co., N. Y., to Har- 
riet, daughter of Ciles and Rebecca (Swort) Gates, 
natives of the State of New York, where Mrs. Wit- 
beck was born. Children : Abraham L., Annie, 
Clarence, Gertrude I., Lucas I. and Maud. Clara 
died in infancy. Mr. Witbeck is independent in pol- 
itics and belongs to tlie Order of Odd Fellows. 



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oren T. Loveless, projirietor of the Na- 
\ tional barber sho}) and bath-rooms, under 
.•'Jt^^^^ the Northern National Bank, was born in 
'liiT Newark, Ohio, Sept. 7, 1842, and is a son of 
'K Henry and Marinda (Thompson) Loveless. 
I They went in 1846 to Pontiac, III, where the 
father died in 1852, and the motlier in 1853, of 
cholera. 

On the breaking out of llie war Mr. Loveless went 
to Cairo, III., and shipped on the U. S. gunboat 
" Louisville " as an able seaman, and took part in 
seven engagements: Island No. 10, Fort Pillow, 



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Memphis, Haines' Bluff, Vicksburg and Arkansas 
Pest. At the end of 13 months he received honor- 
able discharge, and returned to Fairbury, 111., where 
he re-enlisted in the Third 111. Cav., Capt. Carnahan, 
and served until the close of the war, receiving his 
discharge at Springfield, 111. He was in action at 
Red River, Franklin, Nashville, Memphis and dur- 
ing Forrest's raid. 

After the war he went to Dewitt, Iowa, and opened 
a store for the sale of masons' supplies — lime, hair, 
cement, etc., — which he sold out in February, 1866, 
coming thence to Newaygo, Mich., where he obtained 
employment as clerk in a store. A year later he be- 
gan to drive stage and carry mail between Grand 
Rapids and Traverse ("ity, and acted in that capacity 
one year. His next business venture was in Neway- 
go, where he opened a barber shop, which he con- 
tinue/! to manage until 1870. In July of that year 
he came to Big Rapids, and in 1871 opened a shop 
for the prosecution of his business, in the old Shafer 
block. Six months afterward he made another 
change, succeeded by several others, and in January, 
1882, settled in his present quarters, which are finely 
fitted with all modern conveniences, having first- 
class bath-rooms attached. He now employs two 
assistants. 

Mr. Loveless was a member of the State militia 
nearly nine years, belonging to Co. E, Second Regt. 
Mich. State Troops, Capt. Brazee ; is a member of the 
Order of Odd Fellows, in which he holds the position 
of Noble Grand. He was also a member of the Fire 
Department about nine years, and is Assistant 
Inspector-General in the G. A. R. He owns his resi- 
dence on South Warren avenue, a dwelling near it 
which he rents, and a vacant city lot. 

Mr. Loveless was married March 22, 1869, to 
Carrie E. Thomas, a native of Michigan. Two 
children have been born of this marriage, Arthur 
L. and George M. 



homas G. Horton, farmer, sees. 30 and 32, 
Sheridan Tp., was born in Vinton, Athens 
* Co., Ohio, Dec. 14, 1829. Daniel M. Horton, 
his father, was born in Connecticut in 1791, of 
English parentage. His mother, Anna (Kim- 
ball) Horton, was born in Hector, Tompkins 
N. Y., in 1S06, of German extraction. Mr. 





Horton was married Sept. 24, 1858, to Lucy Pren- 
tiss, of Cameron, Steuben Co., N. Y. She was 
born in Sycamore, De Kalb Co., 111., and has 
been the mother of 1 1 children : Hector A., Victor 
E., Frederick C, Jessie F., John C, Eva T., William 
K., Melvin E., Thomas G., Isabella L. and Maud 
M. The three elder children are deceased. On his 
mariiage Mr. Horton located in Bath, Steuben Co., 
N. Y., and removed to Millbrook, Mecosta Co., Mich., 
where he settled June 7, 1866. He removed to 
Sheridan in November, 1S69, and has since been a 
citizen of that township. He is a Repubhcan in 
politics, and has been Township Treasurer two terms 
(1881-2); was Supervisor in 1876, and has served 
two terms as Justice of the Peace. 

Mr. Horton served as a soldier in the late war. 
He enlisted in the 76th N. V. Vol. Inf , in Steuben 
County, and on account of decimation of the regi- 
ment at the battle of Mine Run, he was transferred to 
Co. K, 147th N. Y. Inf He was wounded June 16, 
1864, at the battle in front of Petersburg, while in 
the act of storming, and was in the hospital one year, 
receiving his discharge June 14, 1865, at the close of 
the war. 

pen. Edgar Peirce, Representative from Me- 
Bj^^^ cosla County, resident at Big Rapids, was 
>§^ born in Elk Tp., Erie Co., Pa., May 6, 1841. 
He is of English lineage, being descended from 
I John Pers, a native of Norfolkshire, Eng., who 
I settled in New England in 1637. His father, 
Francis Peirce, was born in Waltham, Mass., and 
eventually removed to Pennsylvania, where he mar- 
ried Betsey Boomer, a native of Rhode Island. Mr. 
Peirce was the eighth of nine children born of this 
marriage. 

He received a good education in the common 
schools and academy of his county, and was bred to 
the business of milling. He was on the eve of his 
majority when the assault on Fort Sumter sent an 
electric thrill round the world, and a few months 
after reaching the period of his legal freedom he en- 
rolled in defense of the Union flag. He enlisted 
Sept. 13, 1862, under t'apt. W. W. Miles, whose 
company was assigned to the 14th Pa. Cav., in ren- 
dezvous at Pittsburg, with Col. J. M. Schoonmaker 
as its superior officer. Tiie regiment was attached to 



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the command of Gen. Averill, of raiding notoriety. 
In an engagement at Rocky Gap, Va., Mr. Peircc 
was severely wounded through the left leg, and rode 
on his horse to Beverly, West Va., 150 miles distant, 
rather than be left on the field to fall into the hands 
of the rebels. He was in the Valley of the Shenan- 
doah under Sigel, and was with Hunter on his dis- 
astrous expedition to Lynchburg. When Gen. Early 
caused the destruction of Chambersburg, Mr. Peirce 
rode with his command through the burning city, in 
pursuit of McCausland, and was in the advance bat- 
talion in the charge at Moorefield, Va., when the 
command of the rebel incendiary was nearly annihi- 
lated, and Chambersburg avenged. Mr. I'eirce was 
placed in command of his company (I) by election, 
and led his men at Winchester and Fisher's Hill, 
and at Cedar Creek, where Sheridan snatched vic- 
tory from defeat. He participated in the work of 
destruction in the valley, of which the record says: 
''There was nothing between the Jilue Kidge and the 
AUeghanies worth fighting for." 

Mr. Peircc passed through the non-commissioned 
grades of promotion from private to Orderly Sergeant, 
and in March, 1865, was commissioned Second Lieu- 
tenant. After the Grand Review at Washington,"" he 
was sent West on detached duty to the Indian Ter- 
ritory, and was mustered out in November, 1865. 
He returned to Pennsylvania. 

In 187 I Mr. Peirce removed to Michigan, and en- 
gaged in manufacturing shingles, in Colfax Tp., 
Mecosta Co., and continued to prosecute that busi- 
ness eight years. In 1878 he was elected County 
Treasurer, and was re-elected to the same ]X)sition in 
1880. On the expiration of his last term he was 
elected Representative, and served in the Thirty- 
second Session of the Legislature of Michigan. In 
his record as a member of that body, Mr. Peirce 
clearly demonstrated his fitness for any post to 
which an appreciative and judicious constituency 
might raise him. He is eminently ipialified in every 
sense; he ix)ssesses a fine mental organism, coolness 
and courage in moral issues, correct judgment and 
wise discrimination in popular measures, and brings 
the test of a disciplined intelligence to bear u|)on all 
([uestions of the day. His leading traits of character 
designate him as essentially a man of the pcoi)le, 
e(iuipped for quiet, persistent, infiexiijle conflict in 
the avenues in which circumstances may lead iiini. 



Mr. Peirce was married Uec. 27, 1869, to Mary 
M. Wells. Three children have been born to them : 
Harriet I,., June 21, 187 i ; Mary E., Aug. 25, 1875, 
Grosvernor, Aug. i6, 1881. 

In October, 1SS3, Mr. Peirce formed a partnership 
with (i. ("lough, in the hardware business, firm style 
being Clough & Co. They carry a full line of mer- 
chandise common to such establishments, and have 
every prospect of entering at or.ce uijon a safe and 
successful business. 



"W. Reed, merchant, Stanwood, Mecosta 

Tp., was born in Livingston Co., Mich., 

^ July 8, 1844. He is a son of Oliver and 



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Louisa (Barnard) Reed, the former a native of 
Vermont, the latter of New York. The 
father followed farming until his death, in 1859. 
Mrs. Reed is still living, and resides in Stanwood 
with her son, the subject of this sketch. He was 
raised on his father's farm, and Dec. 1 1, 1861, at the 
age of 15, he enlisted in the i6lh Michigan Volun- 
teer Infantry, Company 1, which joined the .'Vrmy of 
the Potomac under Gen. Mc( U'llan. He was in the 
Seven Days' battles before Richmond, the second 
battle of Bull Run, and many other hard-fought 
battles, and was honoral)ly discliarged Feb. 7, 1863. 
Returning home, he worked on the farm until the 
fall of the same year, when he came to Mecosta 
County. During the winters of 1863 and 1864 he 
worked in the woods as laborer. In 1865 he entered 
80 acres of land under the homestead law, and pro- 
ceeded to build the log house in which helivetl until 
1874, during which time he added about 300 acres to 
his farm by purchase, and cleared 80 acres. 

In 1875 he entered upon mercantile business at 
Stanwood, continuing in that till the present time. 
He keejjs on hand a large and well selected slock of 
thy goods, groceries, boots, shoes, etc., and com- 
mands a large trade; also, has been engaged in 
lumbering quite extensively. In 1S80 he associated 
with himself a partner, Charles F. Barnard. 

Mr. Reed was married in Mecosta County, in 1S64, 
to l^li/a Moultcr. They had two children: David, 
born in October, 1865, and Sarah, born in 1867. He 
was a second time married, in 1S75, to Marv E., 
daughter of S. Kimball and Uretta (Hawks) Bagley, 
born at Platlsburg, N. \., Oct. 26, 1853. This mar- 



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riage has resulted in four children : Georgia W., 
born July i, 1876; Jessie M., born May 31, 1878; 
Guy K., born July 21, 1S79, and Charles W., born 
Feb. 26, 1882. 

By energy, industry and economy, he has acquired 
a nice properly, and his mental and social qualities 
have made him one of the representative citizens of 
the county. He has held the office of Supervisor 
two terms, Justice of the Peace seven or eight years, 
and Highway Commissioner one year. He w.ts one 
of the Board that divided Austin and Mecosta 
Townships. He was ap[X)inted Postmaster for Stan- 
wood in 1876, and held the position for five years. 
Mr. Reed is politically a Republican. He is liberal 
in religious views, and is a member of tfte 1. O. O. F. 
His portrait appears on page 524. 



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idney H. Koosevelt, proprietor of the 

)iiSSi;\ Northern Hotel at Big Rapids, was l.iorn in 

ijlp '''• Flint, Mich , April 18, 1848. He is a son 



Cornelius and Elvia (Hamilton) Roosevelt. 
The father was a hotel-keeper and was propri- 
etor of the Carrolton House at Flint a number 
of years, and Mr. Roosevelt was trained to his calling 
under the care of his father and within the influ- 
ences of his business. 

At the age of 16 years he learned telegraphy and 
was engaged in the pursuit of that vocation about 
five years. In 1870 he went to East Saginaw, where 
he engaged in the Everett House four or five years 
i as clerk, and went thence to Bay City, wheie he was 
employed in the same capacity three years. His 
next engagement was at " Sweet's " at Grand Rapids, 
where he remained five years. In 1881 he came to 
Big Rapids and opened the Northern Hotel. It is 
the leading hotel in the city and receives the best 
class of patronage. The building is one of the most 
prominent in P.ig Rapids, and is described in detail 
-k elsewhere. (See sketch of Hood & Gale.) Its pat- 
ions include a large number of day boarders, and its 
% repute under the management of its experienced 
-k and obliging manager secures a large proixjrtion of 
> the traveling pul)lic as guests. The i)resent clerk is 
^ Charles Miller. 

\^ Mr. Roosevelt was married in Saginaw, Mich., to 
J^ Mary, daughter of Christopher Morass, born in 



Windsor, Can., Aug. 4, 1855. Mr. and Mrs. Roose- 
velt have one child — Ral|)h — born at Grand Rapids, 
Feb. 22, 18S1. 



gl^^genson E. Brown, farmer, sec. i, Hinton 

S'^ES^F '^V-1 ^^'is born in Warren Co., Penn., Aug. 

'W^^ 20, 1844. His father, Peter Brown, was 



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born in Connecticut, and his mother, Mary 
(Libby) Brown, was a native of New York. 
The fonner died in the Keystone State in 
1855 ; the latter resides with a son at Altona. Mr. 
Brown was 1 1 years old when his father died. He 
attended the common schools and worked on the 
fami and in the lumber woods. In the spring of 
1867 he came to Michigan, and after a brief stay in 
Lapeer County he came to this county, and was in 
the employ of his brother, H. J. Brown, three years 
He purchased So acres of unimproved land in 1S70, 
built a frame house and barn, and has placed 40 
acres of his land under advanced irai)rovenients. He 
is a Republican in politics, and has held the post of 
School Assessor four years, and is the present incum- 
bent of that office. In April, 1S83, he was elected 
Township Treasurer. 

Mr. Brown was married in Montcalm Co., Mich., 
Oct. 8, 1870, to Lydia C, daughter of William J. and 
Emmeline (Webster) Allen. Her parents were 
natives of New York, and removed to Canada, where 
Mrs. Brown was born May 5, 1842. The family cir- 
cle includes three children: Delia B., born Jan. 5, 
187 1 ; Ernest A., Oct. 5, 1874, and Charlie, born 
May 12, 1879. 



sl^^Sillen E. Williams, lumberman, Upper Big 
^g^3i Rapids, was born in Pembroke, Genesee 
|f^^Co., N. Y., Nov. 7, 1 848. His parents, 
,P>ja John L. and Emeline (Allen) Williams, were 






farmers and removed to Sycamore, De Kalb 
! Co., III., where the father bought a farm. Mr. 
Williams, of this sketch, was at that time ten years 
old, and two years later his father removed with his 
family to Iroijuois Co., 111., and there pursued the 
same vocation. 

Mr. Williams came to Muskegon, Mich., at the age 



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of 17 years, and was there eiii])loyed by O. P. Pills- 
bury. Two years later he came to Big Rapids, in 
the interests of his emjjloyer. and in December, 1867, 
opened a store on State street, where Mr. Pillsbury 
was engaged in general merchandise two and one- 
half years. At the expiration of that time he deter- 
mined to make his present calling the pursuit of his 
life, and threw liimself with all his energies and re- 
sources into the details connected with the business 
of lumbering, going himself into the woods, locating 
pine lands, driving on the river, etc. His chief bus- 
iness for the last ten years has been buying and sell- 
ing lands and employing men. in cutting and putting 
in logs. 

Mr. Williams was married at Big Rai)ids, May _^i, 
1S69, to (leurgia [., daughter of Thomas and Harriet 
(.Malbon) McDaniels, born at Orono, Penobscot Co., 
Me., Oct. 19, 1854. Mr. McDaniels came to Big 
Rapids in 1864 and engaged in lumbering, his family 
following the next year. He prosecuted his business 
as a lumberman to a considerable extent until his 
death, which took place Jan. 14, i88i. He was 69 
years old. Mrs. McDaniels resides with her daugh- 
ter; she is 68 years old. 

Mr. Williams is a Democrat, and represented his 
district in the convention at Lansing in 1880, and at 
Jackson in 1882. He is a member of the Masonic 
fraternity. 





IChomas S Reed, farmer, sec. 17, ("iranl Tp.. 
was born Aug. 6, 1831, in Steuben fo., N. 
Y. His father, Benjamin Reed, was born 
Aug. 12, iSoi, in New York, and died Jan. 22) 
18S2. His mother was born in Connecticut, 
about the year 1798, and died Jan. 10, 1S71. 
They moved to Knox Co., Ohio, not long after the 
birth of the son, removing thence to Noble Co., Ind. 
Mr. Reed came to Michigan and to the township 
of Grant, in 1872. He bought his homestead, con- 
taining So acres of land, which he is rapidly develop- 
ing into a valuable farm. He was married March 
4, 1858, to Mary Elizabeth, daughter of Samuel and 
Elizabeth All worth, of Morrow Co., Ohio. Her 
parents were natives of New Jersey, and her father 
is deceased. 

Mr. and Mrs. Reed have seven children : Samuel 



v;. 



W., born Nov. 25, 1858; Esther E., Aug. 31, i860 V& 
(Mrs. Ma.xin Pion); William J., Feb. 15, 1863; Ben- ^ 
jamin F., March 6, 1866: Edward L., Jan. 4, 1869J ^^ 
(died Feb. 24, 1874); Minnie M., .\ug. 26, 1872 ^ 
Francis E., June 20, 1875 ; Amy E., Feb. 17, 1878. J. 
The family attend the l^. B. Church, of which the 
parents are members. 



^PBii;: eter S. Decker, farmer, sec. 12, Millbrook 




jj^! Tp., was born in New York, July 30, 1830, 
JJ|,0'-i|? and is a son of Ciilbert and Afar)' (Stanley) 






Decker 

He left iiome at 20 years of age, and for 

two years thereafter was variously occupied, 
anil the year following wasemiiloyed in a mill. His 
next occupation was in a machine shoi) at Newcastle, 
Canada, where he remained four years. In the 
siiring of 1S58 he went to Illinois and settled in 
Kane County, where he worked a farm on shares ^ 
nearly three years. In the fall of i86o he bought ^ 
80 acres of land in Millbrook Tp., on which he has ^ 



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since resided. He afterward bought 1 80 acres addi- 
tional, sold 80 a<res, and deeded 50 acres to his son. ?7^ 
His farm now comprises 170 acres of land, with too S^ 
acres under the best class of improvements. The 
humble, unpretentious log house built by Mr. Decker 
on his farm in the first year of his occupancy, gave 
place a few years ago to as fine a residence as can 
be found in the township. 

He was married in Clark, Canada, May 27, 1S52, 
to Caroline, third daughter of Lorenzo and Fanny 
(Fisher) .Mdrich. Her parents were natives of New 
Ham|)shire and Massachusetts, who settled in Can- 
ada. Mrs. Decker was born in the Dominion, Dec. 
21, 1835. Of her marriage to Mr. Decker nine chil- 
dren have been l)orn, as follows: I^iirena J., May 
24, 1S53: Lorenzo D, .\pril 21, 1855; C.ilbert A., 
July 16, iS58(set sketch); Rosetia .\.,Jan. 24, 1S61 
(first female child born in the township) ; Richard 
S., Sept. ir, 1864; Hazen A, .'Vpril 13, 1S67; Mary /^ 
Tv, June 2, 1869; Charlotte E., .April 25, i87i,and ' 
Maiiel Iv, June 24, 1879. •' ■ 

Millbrook township was organized in 1S65. and :. 
Mr. Decker was elected the first Supervisor at the ^ 
meeting of organization, an office he has held six ^ 
years. He has been Justice of the Peace six years, ^ 



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>& and District Assessor nine years. He is a Repub- 

^A\ lican in political sentiment. He and his wife are 

-^^ members of the denomination known as the "Church 

f ofOod." 



MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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aria E. Brown, Big Rapids, daughter of 
^^._ luhan and Nancy (Wilmer) Brown, was 
^^ '' born in Owego, Tioga Co., N. Y., Jan. 21, 
^^^\ 1825. Her father was born March 1 1, 1 7 91, 
in Stockbridge, Mass., and was of English de- 
scent. Her mother was of Irish extraction, and 
a native of Stockbridge, where she became the wife 
of Ethan Brown. Of eight children born to them 
three yet survive, viz : William, resident at Saginaw ; 
George, in business in Washington Territory, and 
Miss Maria, of this sketch. Tliose deceased were 
John F., Caroline, Marcus, and Susan C, widow of 
Mason Herrick. Miss Brown is rearing three of the 
children made orphans by the demise of Mrs. Her- 
/s ri'^k. They are Addie L., John F. and Marcus E. 
=i Miss Brown resided in Tioga Co., N. Y., until 
■^ 1874, when she came to Big Rapids, to live with her 
3 brother, John F. Brown. She owns his residence 
f on Osceola avenue, eight lots, and 60 acres of land 
within the city limits. The main portion of the 
home was once one of the finest structures in upper 
Big Rapids. 



ilEiEI«»»llEiS!II 



i ev. William H. Manning, farmer, sec. 34, 
Chippewa Tp,, was born in Odelltown, 
•^'" Can., Aug. 15, 1824, and is a son of Ga- 
tlyv; '""iel and Polly (Green) Manning, the former a 
Y native of New York and the latter of Ver- 
mont. His father was a farmer, and after his 
marriage went to Canada, and there died in 1866 ; his 
mother died in 1869. 

Mr. Manning was reared on his father's farm, 
which was situated in a rural district, and he obtained 
little education in early life. This defect he remedied 
after he had grown to manhood. He remained with 
his parents until he was 22 years of age. 

Mr. Manning was marrietl May 14, 1850, to Per- 
,, , melia, daughter of Preston and Lydia (Marsh) Groot, 
^ who was born in \Vhitby, Can., Nov. 23, 1830. Her 
.K' parents were natives c.f Lower Canada, and her 
^ grandfiither was a soldier in the British army in 181 2, 



and a Baptist minister. Her great-grandsire was 
a British officer in the war of the Revolution. Mr. 
and Mrs. Manning have eight children : Addison 
A., Celia, Lydia A., Bertha M., Ellen M., William G.. 
Wallace P. and Lewis H. 

After their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Manning resided 
in Canada until 1862, when they came to Michigan 
and located in St. Clair County, near Memphis, 
Macomb County. In 1S65 Mr. Manning connected 
himself with the Dryden (Lapeer Co.) Conference, 
and entered upon his labors as a Christian minister. 
He was licensed to preach in 1S50, while he liveii in 
Canaila. He was a licensed exhorter of tlie Oryden 
Circuit one year and then went to Dansville, Ingham 
Co., and was connected with that circuit for a year, 
and afterward supplied the Wheatfield mission one 
year. 

In November, 1869, Mr. Manning came with his 
family to Mecosta County and located in C'hippewa 
Tp.. where he entered and proved a claim of 80 a( res 
of land under the homestead law. He has been dil- 
igently engaged in farming, and has continued to 
preach at intervals as opjiortunity has served or oc- 
casion demanded. He is a Republican in politics. 






I—* 




1 



ohn F. Mann, farmer and lumberman, re- 

^ It siding at Evart, Osceola Co., was born 

^■" Oct. 22, 1832, m Penobscot Co., Me. His 
parents, John and Sarah (Sammons) Mann, are 
both living. The former was born in Maine, 
the latter in Ireland. 
Mr. Mann was reared to the business of lumber- 
man, in his native State, entering the woods when a 
boy, as a teamster in the winters and passing the 
summers in log-driving on the rivers. He came to 
Saginaw, Mich., Aug. 12, 1866, and after spending 
some time in the mills there again engaged as a lum- 
berman, and pursued the business nine years at tluit 
place. In 1871 he came to Fork Tp., Mecosta Co., 
anil engaged in lumbering and logging for Palmer & 
Bro., operating as foreman in their em]iloy three 
years. In 1875 '^^^ '00k possession of a farm in Fork 
Tp., and now, in connection with his son, owns 280 
acres of land, which is under the management of the 






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latter. Mr. Mann has recently transferred his resi- 
dence to Evan. 

He was married July 2, 1855, to Susan A., daughter 
of James C. and Susan (Roe) Cliurchill. Her 
parents were natives respectively of New Brunswick 
and Maine. Mrs. Mann is a native of the Pine-Tree 
State, and has had seven children, four of whom are 
living: James W., Maud M., Nettie M. and Jay 
F. Those deceased were Charles F., Bessie and 
Genevra. 

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h illiam Van IjOO, Secretary and Manager of 

■^j^^-K ''''^ ^'o '■^''P''^!^ Furniture Co., was horn in 

J fe'j^ " the Netherlands, Dec. 3, 1836. In 1849 

*- '^^ his parents, William and Mary Van Loo, 

iilT'' came to the United States, and after a year's 

_, stay in C)ttawa County moved to Greenville, 

Montcalm Co., and engaged in agriculture. They 

returned to Ottawa County in i>i5,S. where the father 

died, in 187 1, and the mother in 1879. 

.\t the age of 14 Mr. Van Loo entered a mercantile 
house as a clerk, and in 1861 formed a partiiersln]) 
with his employer, Manning Rutan, in the sale of 
general merchandise. Li 1S66 the relation was ter- 
minated by Mr. Van Loo's selling his interest. He 
came to Big Rapids and built the grist-mill on Ryan 
Creek, known as the " Mecosta," the first mill for the 
exclusive purpose of grinding grain in the lounty. In 
this enterprise he was associated with John Bigelovv. 
At the same time Mr. Van Ta)o opened a store, which 
he sold in 1S70, and in 1872 disposed of his interest 
in the mill. In July of that year the Big Rapids 
Furniture Co. was organized. Mr. Van Loo be- 
came one of the leading stockholders, and was per- 
sonally active as a salesman in the retail department. 
In July, 1874, he was elected Secretary and Treas- 
urer, departments of which he was the virtual 
head several months previous. He is now the active 
manager of the business of the corporation. The 
works of the company are located at the west end of 
the upper bridge, and comprise a frame building, 40 
X 60 feet in dimensions, with water [jower. The ac- 
tive capital is $21,600. In 1870, Mr. Van Ixx) erected 
the first brick block in the county, and from the time 
of his fixing his residence at Big Rajiids has been 
among the foremost in promoting the substantial in- 
terests of the place. Mr. Van Loo was married in 



to Marie L. Church, 
born Sept. 21, 1865, is 



Greenville, Aug. 24, 1863, 
Their elder son, William C. 
[jursuing a scientific course of study at Albion Col- 
lege, Calhoun Co., Mii h. Kingsley was born June 
22, 1869, being the first boy born in the city. 

In 1S69, Mr. Vanlxjo was elected first Supervisor 
of the City of Big Rapids, and Chairman of the 
Hoard of Supervisors ; served several years as Coun- 
< ilman, and in 1879 was elected a member of the 
Board of Education, and has been its President since 
1S80. He is a zealous and acrive member of the M. 
E. Church, for whose interests his solicitude has been 
unflagging. He has been Class-Leader, Trustee, S. 
S. Superintendent and Steward, and was largely in- 
strumental in building and establishing the Church 
and society. He owns his residence and three build- 
ings utilized as stores on Michigan avenue. 

Mr. Van Loo is a zealous Republican and has 
been identified with the party and its issues since its 
organization in the State of Michigan. In all- his 
views he exhibits the traits of the race from which 
he is descended. His love for civil and religious 
liberty is his heritage from his ancestors, some of 
whom were engaged in the memorable struggle be- 
tween Philip II of Spain and the Low Countries, 
when that unscrupulous monarch, after his marriage 
with Isabella of France, had no better field for the 
development of his kingly genius and prerogatives 
than an attempted subjugation of the people of the 
countries then under the control of the government 
whose supremacy he so miserably travestied. His 
failure in his matrimonial schemes with Elizabeth in 
a sense relegated him to his appropriate si)here, and 
his mistaken essay to establish the inquisition where 
the pa))al power was at best but nominal, has sent 
his name to prosterity with that of Bloody Mary, 
Catherine de Medicis and Coligny. Let it be once 
more recorded in the immortal interests of the Chris- 
tian religion that Protestants and Catholics made 
common cause against the monstrous innovation, and, 
instead of fastening the darkest device of the Rom- 
ish Church upon a [leople whose national simplicity 
and purity was, at that period, unique, the perma- 
nent independen( e of the Provinces was secured and 
the Protestant religion established in that (lortion of 
Europe. The representatives of the race who could 
in an emergency centralize their strength upon an 
issue so momentous in its bearing upon the fate of 
future generations, are among the best and most val- 






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AIECOSTA COUNTY. 





liable of the elements of our composite nationality. 
Mr. Van Loos [wrtrait is an appropriate accom- 
])ainment to this sketcli, and may be found on 
page 530. 

R^oseph Wendling, Mecosta, Morton Tp., 
was born in Canada, .■\])ril 15, 1859. He 
is a son of Jacol) and Mary (Schnoob) 
Wendling, both natives of Canada. They left 
the Dominion in the winter of 1873, coming to 
Mecosta County, where they now reside. 
Mr. Wendling made the change of residence with 
his parents, with whom he remained until 23 years of 
age. At 15 he began acting as accountant for a lum- 
bering firm, and remained with them three years. 
He was then employed in the store of C. H. Clement 
at Millbrook, one year, and then taught school one 
term ; he subsequently engaged with M. Carman, a 
merchant, as head clerk, where he still remains. 

Mr. Wendling was married in Wheatland Tp.,Feb. 
8, 1 88 1, to Angeline, second daughter of George and 
Nancy (Smith) Willett. The father of Mrs. Wend- 
ling is a native of England, and the mother of Can- 
ada. They came to Mecosta County in the spring of 
1863, and are still resident in the township of Hinton. 
Mr. and Mrs. Wendling have had one child — Charles 
— born in April, 1882, and surviving but a, few days. 
The family attend the Roman Catholic Church, of 
which Mr. W. is. a member. He is iilentilied with 
tiie Democratic party. 




harles W. Sebastian, farmer and lumber- 
man, sec. 4, Green 'l'|)., was born m LO- 
BS'' gan Co., N. Y., Dec. 7, 1855. His parents, 
^^ Nicholas and Magdalena (Cooley) Sebastian, 
^\ were born in France, of German parentage. 
They came to the United States, and located 
in Mecosta Co., Mich., in the spring of 1867, where 
the father bought a farm on sec. 4, and proceeded 
with the work of clearing up the land and putting it 
in a tillable condition; he died Dec. 24, 1875. The 
mother resides at Hig Rapids. 

Mr. Sebastian was educated in the common schools 
of Lngan Co., N. Y., and Mecosta Co., Mich., and 

— -^<'tia 




was his father's assistant in the homestead until the 
latter's death, and after that event continued its 
management. Feb. 20, 1883, he started a saw-mill 
on sec. 8, where he saws about 15,000 feet of lumber 
daily. 

Mr. Sebastian owns 360 acres of land in Mecosta 
County, and is largely engaged in cutting and shij)- 
ping telegraph poles to the markets of St. Louis, 
Philadelphia and Cincinnati. Some of the linest 
specimens of that peculiar variety of merchandise 
have been out on his land, being superior in (piality 
and size, and measuring from 40 to 60 feet in length. 
He has often obtained two 60-foot poles of the finest 
quality of cedar from one stump, with bases iS inches 
to two feet in diameter, and one foot at the top. 

Mr. Sebastian was married to Ida W., daughter of 
Moses C. and Caroline (Whipple) Besemer. Of this 
marriage one child, Lena, was born, Jan. 13, 1878. 



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fii^> °. ®^^^ Kelley, farmer and saloon-keeper. Big 

^lliS'; Rapids, was born in Somerville, Ala., Feb. 

I •^/-'■■^•^ 18, 1842, and is a son of Patrick Kelley, 
^iifj born in Ireland, Feb. 2, 1814, and Mary (Egan) 

■'/u^ Kelley, born in Ireland in 18(8, and died at 
^ Big Rapids, Nov. 13, 1880. 
The parents came to the North and settled in 
Livingston Co., Mich., in 1847. They bought 120 
acres of land in Hartland Tp., and there reside<l un- 
til 1872, when the place was sold, and they moved 
to Milford, Oakland Co., Mich. The senior Kelley 
bought a hotel, managed it a year, and went to High- 
land, in the same county, where he owned and kept 
the "Highland Center House," together with 40 
acres of land. In 1879 the family came to Big 
Rapids, where he speculated in real estate until his 
death, June 8, 1883. 

Mr. Kelley of this sketch came to Big Raiiids in 
the fall of 1869, and was employed some time as a 
lumberman, afterwards operating as a contractor and 
foreman on the river and in the woods. He was for 
a considerable period in ( harge of the lumber yard of 
T. D. Stimson, in the city of Big Rapids. In 187 i, 
Mr. Kelley bought a house and lot on Maiion ave- 
nue, which he exchanged nw, 1873 for 80. acres of 
land in Green Tp., where 1m: nesided a year. M.e sold 
out, came to Big Rapids,. «!»!l. enibarked. in th.ei lijuuor 



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business on North State street. In 1879 he went to 
Evart, Osceola Co., and managwl the Irvin House 
about 18 months, wlien he came back to Hig Rapids. 
In February, 1882, he opened his present business, 
and is carrying it on with marked success. In 
August, 1880, lie bought 80 acres of land on sec. 9, 
Big Rapids Tp-, under good improvements, where he 
is engaged as a farmer. He also owns a residence 
and four city lots, besides a business i)uilding and lot 
40 X 150 feet, on the corner of Hemlock street and 
Michigan avenue. 

Mr. Kelley was married at Grand Rapids, Oct. 17, 
1872,10 Mary, daughter of William and Mary Raf- 
ferty, born in Livingston Co., Mich., Feb. 23, 1847. 
They have six children : William, Charles, Frank, 
Nellie, George and Kittie. The family belong to the 
Roman Catholi<: Church. 



^§^J>braham Van Alstine, farmer, sec. ro, Grant 
Tp., was born March 26, 1842, in W'olcott, 
\Vayne Co., N. Y. His father, Jacob Van Als- 
tine, was lx)rn Nov. 1, 1S12, in New York, and 
died Dec. 28, i86o, in Shiawassee Co., Mich. 
His mother, Eleanor Van .Mstine, was born in 
the Empire State, Dec. 26, 1820, and is yet living, in 
Michigan. His ancestors were natives of New York 
and one grandfather was a soldier of the war of 181 2. 
In 1857 Mr. Van Alstine came to Michigan and 
settled in Sciota, Shiawassee Co. Nine years later he 
homesteaded a claim of 80 acres of land, now in- 
cluded in his landed estate, which aggregates 320 
acres, of excellent cpiality. His farm is in first-class 
condition, with large, fine barn and other convenient 
buildings necessary to successful farming. He is 
making i)reparations to construct a dwelling-house in 
keeping with the farm and its other improvemenis. 

He was married June 18, 1867, to l^leanor, daugh- 
ter of Horace and Maria Burr. Her father was iiorn 
in Vermont in 1818, and died in May, 1859. Her 
mother was born in the Province of Ontario in 
1829, and is still living. Mr. Van Alstine was born 
Dec. 20, 1849. Following are the dales of births of 
their six children : Franklin, Aug. 28, 1868; Wade, 
June 21, 1871; Etta A., Aug. i, 1873; .\dele. July 
3, 1876; Jay, Dec. 20, 1879; Ralph, April 20, 1882. 
Early in life Mr. Van Alstine determined to exert 




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all reasonable effort to obtain an education, and by 
Strenuous exertion succeeded in fitting for college. 
He entered the University of Michigan in 1S59, and 
studied one year. His three years preparatory to a 
collegiate course had given him a good fundamental 
education, and at the end of his first year at Ann 
Arbor lie judged it wisest to discontinue his studies. 
He is a Republican in principle and has been Super- 
visor of Grant Tp. a year. Clerk the same i)eriod. 
Road Commissioner three years, Justice of the Peace 
four years, and Township School Superintendent five 
years. 

; homas K. Hurley, farmer and blacksmith, 
sec. 8, Green Tp., was born July 10, 1828, 
in Steuben Co., N. Y., and is the son of 
William and Mary (Mapes) Hurley. His 
f.ither was a descendant of the Welsh, and 
was by occupation a mason. Among other 
important works on which he was engaged was the 
construction of the Neversink bridge in Sullivan Co., 
N. Y. ; he died in 1S50. The mother was a native 
of Connecticut, and died in 1872. 

Mr. Hurley remained with his parents until the 
death of his father. His marriage to Minerva Cole 
occurred in Schuyler Co., N. Y., in 1850. She was a 
native of the Empire State and was a daughter of 
Ira and Nancy (Bailey) Cole. Mr. and Mrs. Hurley 
had three children. Only one — .Vda (Mrs. Dwight 
I.yilell) — is living. Two died in infancy. The mother 
dicil May 6, 1847, and Mr. Hurley contracted mar- 
riage a second time Jan. 9, iSjSjwith Emma, daugh- 
ter of John R. and Elizabeth (Cod)ett) Allen. She 
was born in .Steuben Co., N. Y., Jan. 6, 1836. Her 
parents were natives of the State of New Jersey and /" 
ilicd in Steuben County, when she was very young. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hurley have three children, namely: 
I'^ttie (Mrs. Jason Lydell), Mary A. and Cora B. 

At the age of 18 Mr. Hurley commenced learning 
the trade of blacksmith with Isaac P. Goodsell, re- 
maining with him two years and afterwartl operated k 
on his own account 15 years, in his native State. He \ 
enlisted Jan. i, 1864, in the loth N. Y. Cav., and «-' ■ 
served until the close of the war, receiving his discharge ( 
at Harwood Hospital, Washington, D.C., June 6, 1865. ^^ 
During his (leriod of enlistment he worked at black- ,, 
smithing, and in the winter of 1864 was in active ^ 



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service, being under fire at Hatcher's Run and the 
battle of Winchester, after which he was ill and was 
in various hospitals three months. His last fight 
was at Petersburg, and after his discharge he re- 
turned to Schuyler County, where he was sick a year 
with disease contracted in the army. 

In 1867 he came to Mecosta County, and on the 
26th day of June located on sec. 8, Green Tp., where 
he has since been busily occupied with farming and 
his trade. He owns 46 acres of land, all in good 
condition. With reference to National issues he is a 
Democrat. 




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*'il^^' ^^^^ Snider, farmer, sec. 21, Austin Tp., 
^^~' was born in Toronto, Can., Oct. 9, 1827 
jj,®!^ His parents, Jacob and Rachel Snider, 
were natives of New Brunswick, and early in 
life came to Canada. The father died at 85, 
the mother at 81 years of age. When 24 
years old Mr. Snider went to Kentucky, where he 
was employed as a carpenter on a tobacco planta- 
tion. His stay Was brief and he went back to the 
parental roof and began to work for his fiither. He 
was married Nov. 25, 1852, near Toronto, Can., to 
Mary, daughter of William and Jane (Mitchell) 
McMann, a family of Irish descent. She was born 
Feb. 17, 1830. A year after his marriage Mr. Snider 
embarked in mercantile business and continued op- 
erating in trade eight years. In 1861 the family came 
to Michigan and settled in Newaygo County, where 
Mr. Snider controlled a grist-mill one year. He 
then came to .\ustin Tp. and settled on a 40-acre 
farm which he had previously purchased, and .to 
which he has since added by purchase 120 acres. 
He has 60 acres under cultivation. Five living chil- 
dren are members of this household and two have 
passed to the other world and are held in sacred 
remembrance. Following is the record of their 
births and deaths: Oliver C. was born May 14, 
1858; Mary A., Jan. 9, 1861; Albert H., April 13, 
1863; Hiram G., July 29, 1866; Emma M., Sept. 
13, 1868; Robert W., Nov. 8, 1853, died Dec. 15, 
1856; Sarah J., born .^pril, 1855, died Dec. 3, 1856. 
Mr. and Mrs. Snider have been members of the 
M. E. Church since 1857, and have both been ar- 
dent laborers in the cause of religion. Mr. Snider 




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has been Steward many years and is now Class- 
leader. He has always been active in the cause ot 
education and in tlie interests of tlie Republican 
party. 

I ohn B. Fribley, harness-maker. Big Rapids, 
was born in Lycoming County, near Wil- 
i ;, '" liamsport, Pa., Dec. 21, 1837. He is a son 
|i*y' of John and Sarah (Sutton) Frii)ley. At the 
^F age of 17 he went to Muncy in the same 

1" county, where Re learned his trade. In 1856 
he went to Ottawa, 111. He left the latter place 
Aug. 17, of the same year, with a party designing to 
settle in Kansas. At Iowa City they " fitted out " with 
26 wagons laden with clothing and provisions. They 
met another party with similar intentions and joined 
in company with them. They crossed the Missouri 
River at Nebraska City in small flat-boats, and 
traveled six weeks before reaching the Kansas and 
Nebraska line. There they were met by " Jim " 
Lane and John Brown (Ossawatomie). Tlie former 
made a political speech, and Sunday morning Brown 
preached a characteristic sermon, incorporating his 
views on the negro (juestion. On attempting to 
cross into Kansas the entire number were taken 
prisoners, their arms and stores were confiscated, 
and the party taken to Topeka, where they were 
liberated by Gov. Geary. 

Mr. Fribley settled at F.aston, Leavenworth Co., 
Kansas, where he established a business and also 
followed farming, near Toi)eka; he also owned a 
ferry, plying across the Kansas River at Leconipton. 
He went to Colorado and was interested one summer 
in mining for gold. 

At Denver, Colorado, Mr. Fribley enlisted in 
August, 1861, in Co. A, First Colorado Vol. Inf., under 
Capt. Wynkoop, and was in the United States 
service three years and eleven months. His first 
detail was to Apache Canyon and I'aralto, New Mex- 
ico, with the Te.xan troops, and after the campaign 
there was terminated, the regiment returned to Col- 
orado atid was there mounted and ordered to the 
frontiers for duty in tlie Indian disturbances. Mr. 
Fribley was regimental saddler, but was in several 
Indian engagements. He participated in the Shi- 
vington massacre on Sand C'reek, 40 miles north of 
Fort Lyon, on the Arkansas River. The affair took 



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place Feb. 17, 1863, and the whites sustained a loss 
of 16 killed and 5,5 woundetl. The slaughter of In- 
dians was complete, and included nearly 400 niL-n, 
women and children. The record says: "There 
weie none left that were big enough to die." The 
interpreter, John Smith, saved a little boy. 

In June, 1864, he went with a tletail of 100 
soldiers and teamsters in inirsuit of a band of ma- 
rauding Indians, whom they found encamped at the 
head-waters of Smoky River, — about 700 in force, — 
and had with them the closest kind of a hand-to- 
hand encounter. One of Mr. Fribley's reminiscences 
of his campaign gives strong ])roof that the peculiar 
cunning and sagacity that makes the Indian so 
dreadful a foe and so powerful an ally, is only due to 
the circumstances of his training and education, in- 
stead of being the traits of his nature. While out 
with two comrades on a hunting and scouting expe- 
dition, they were suddenly surrounded by upwards 
of 200 Cheyennes. Hy an assumption of friendli- 
ness and interest the red-skins were led to believe 
that Mr. Fril)ley and his companions were not con- 
nected with tlie U. S. troo[is, and were decoyed within 
the lines of the command. Catting loose from the 
mass of the band, the chief rode with the white men 
within range of the arms of the rear guard, who fired 
upon the advancing party. Six bullets were found 
in the body of the chief, but the scouts were un- 
harmed. Mr. Fribley was discharged at Fort Riley, 
Kansas, July 15, 1S65, made a brief visit to Penn- 
sylvania and returned to Kansas. 

In 1867 he opened a shop at Medina, Jefferson 
Co., Kansas, worked a year at his trade and engaged 
in fanning several years, after which he again re- 
turned to the Keystone State. Two yei^rs later he 
opened a shop in Topeka, operating there some 
months, and then again spending three years in 
Pennsylvania, going thence to Colorado, and a few 
months later coming to Big Rapids, where he located 
in August, 1S80. He was in the employ of Ihnican 
McLellan about 16 months, when he fnunded his 
present business, and is now in a [irospeious and in- 
creasing trade. 

Mr. Fribley was married in Lycoming Co., I'.i., 
May 14, 1876, to Kate Tomlinson, a native of Penn- 
sylvania. Four children have been born of the mar- 
riage of Mr. and Mrs. l-'ribley: Sarah, Mary, I,aura 
and FMizabeth. 



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'^^^^■t,dison S. Hooker, dealer in lumber, lath 
^sMM ^ and shingles, at Pig Rapids, was l)orn in 
\}V!,^ Mount Vernon, Knox Co., Ohio, Sept. 15, 
y.)t^ I S46. He is a son of Royal D. and Courtney 

; Hooker, and was brought up on his father's 
; farm. 

When he was 17 years of age he enlisted in Lima, 
Ohio, enrolling Jan. 14, 1863, as a private in Co. H, 
32d Ohio Vol. Inf, Capt. Barrett. He was in the 
engagements at Vicksburg, Kenesaw Mountain, siege 
of Atlanta and at Savannah, where the rebels sur- 
rounded them on an island, cutting off supplies, a 
process which compelled the entire division to sub- 
sist ten days on rice in the sheaf, gathered in the low 
lands. He was, besides, in a number of skirmishes, 
and veteranized Jan. 4, 1864, serving until July 20, 
1865. On his discharge he returned to Allen Co., 
Ohio, having saved with his bounty $2,500. 

He remained a year on his father's farm, when he 
engaged in lumbering and purchased considerable 
land, heavily timbered. He built a saw-mill in Spen- 
( erville, and in 1S79 he bought a grist-mill, and plan- = 
ing mill, which he sold in August, 1883. He sold '*. 
his saw-mill in the fall of 18S2. He built a fine ^ 
residence in Spencerville in the summer of 1S81, at 
an expenditure of $7,000. This lie still owns, with 
the lot whereon it stands, 99 x 132 feet in dimen- 
sions, besides two acres in the town. Mr'. Hooker 
met with success in his lumber operations, and also 
in a large provision and grocery business, which he 
managed two years. 

R. H. Hooker, father of Mr. Hooker of this sketch, 
came to Mecosta County and settled in Creen Tp., 
where he bought 160 acres of farming laiui, and pur- 
sued agricidture until his death, which look place July 
27, 1882 ; he was aged 69 years ; the mother died .\ug. 
9, 1866. In 1879 Mr. Hooker bought 120 acres of 
pine land in Mewaygo County, and in January, 18S2, 
he came to Mecosta County, and in the same year he 
built a saw and lath mill in (ireen Tp., which he is 
still operating, and employs 50 men in the mill and 
wooils,some as teamsters. In .Seiitember, 1882, he pur- 
chased a fine residence at Pig Rapids, and in July, 
18S3, he purchased of 1). F. Comstock five acres on 
the river, where he purjKjses to build a saw, shingle 
and lath mill, having all the latest improvements. 



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He was married in Allen Co., Ohio, Aug. 14, 1866, 
to Elizabeth, daughter of Adam and Henrietta Fisle, 
a native of Germany. Of this marriage nine chil- 
dren have been born, in the following order, seven of 
whom are living: Charles A., John R.. Henrietta, 
Anna L., Laura (deceased), Katie (deceased), George, 
Adison S. and Lavinia. 

Tlie ijortrait of Mr. Hooker may be found in this 
volume. 

-» . ;^=:j )<3$<li»^6> ^:=:; ■ »- 

illiam F. Denney, furniture dealer, Mill- 
brook village, is a son of James M. and 
Lois E. (Scranton) Denney, and was born 
March 7, 1846, in Indiana. 'Che father was 
in moderate circumstances, with a large 
family, and the elder children, as they grew in 
years, aided in sustaining the burden of the family 
supiiort. In the fall of 1865 he came to Mecosta 
County and located in Wheatland Tp., and after- 
ward moved to Sheridan Tp. 

About the year 1874, the subject of this sketch 
purchased a building lot in Millbrook, on which lie 
has since built a good frame structure, where lie is 
doing a thriving business, carrying a stock valued at 
$2,000. He commenced life empty-handed, and 
learned the cabinet-making trade, also that of carpen- 
ter and builder. By frugality and good management 
he has established himself in business on a perma- 
nent basis, and owes to no one save himself the ad- 
vance he has made toward a fortune sufficient for 
the needs of tlie years and chances held in the 
future. 

He was married at Big Rapids, Dec. 23, 1880, to 
K;ila E., daughter of Newman G. and Jane Capen, a 
native of Wisconsin. They liave one child, New- 
man G. Mr. Denney is independent in political 
seiiliinenl and action, and is a member of the Odd 
Kellows fraternity. 



ikhauneey Warren, farmer, sec. 32, Austin 

if. Tp., was born in l'>ie Co., N. Y., July 21, 

1823, and is a son of Joseph and Fanny 

(Watson) Warren, natives of Vermont. He 

)\ was occupied on his father's farm until the age 

of 23, when he went to Ontario, Can., in the 

fall of 1846, and there engaged in a saw-mill. He 



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was a resident of Canada 18 years, and was married 
there Aug. 13, 1849, to Catherine, daughter of 
Daniel and Susan (Winegarden) Roberts, natives of 
Pennsylvania, respectively of Welsh and Dutch e.\- 
traction. Mrs. Warren was born Sept. t, 1827. 
During his stay in the Dominion, Mr. Warren was 
chiefly engaged in lumbering. He came to Newaygo 
County in 1S64, and thence to Austin Tp., where he 
entered a claim of 80 acres of land, 60 of which are 
well cultivated, with valuable buildings. Here has 
been the homestead for 2 1 years, and here the heads 
of the household expect to pass their sunset days. 
The family includes two children : Adelbert D., 
born Feb. 1 1, 1859, and Rosetta E., March 1 1, 1868. 
Three children are deceased: William H., born Oct. 
7, 1850, died April 29, 185 1 ; Charles, born July 30, 
1852, died Feb. 28, 1853; Alvaretta, born Nov. i, 
1854, died June 14, 1882. 



I'r J avidM. Benjamin, lumberman, resident at 
j-iiiiy^ ! Grand Raj)ids, was born at East Livermore, 
5f(|e''^^ Me., July 28, 1834. He is a son of David 
"wii, and Catharine C. (Stanwood) Benjamin, and 
^ was, until the age of 16, brought up on a farm 
\ and attended the common school. He then 
entered the academy at Farmington, where he 
studied two terms, going successively to Litchfield 
and Westbrook, attending the acadeiuv in those 
l>laces the same length of lime. 

His first business venture was at East Livermore, 
where he was station agent on the Androscoggin 
River. After a year there he engaged as a lumber- 
man on the Penobscot River, and acted in that 
capacity until he was 28 years old. He came to 
Muskegon, Mich., in October, 1862, where he had a 
year before invested in pine lands, and operated in 
lumber. In the summer of 1864 he erected a large 
steam saw-mill, fitted with gang-saws and all the 
most approved appurtenances pertaining to similar 
establishments. The works were among the most 
extensive in that city, having a cutting capacity of 
240,000 feet daily. I le conducted his business alone 
until 1873, when he entered into partnership with 
O. P. Pillsbury and Daniel W. Bradley. 'I'he firm 
style at present is O. P. I'illsbury & Co., and in 
eludes the senior member named, Mr. Benjamin, 



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Win. H., Edward and James W., sons of D. W. 
Bradley. The house is operatins;; extensively in 
lumber traffic, and have offices at Muskegon and 
Milwaukee. Their timber tracts include 15,000 
acres of pine lands in Michigan, 60,000 in \Vis(onsin 
and a considerable acreage in Minnesota. Tlieir 
house and jobbing forces combined number alioul 
200 men. The firm have a large planiiig-mill at Mil- 
waukee, with a working capacity of 25,000,000 feet 
annually. They own about 9,000 acres of pine lands 
in Mecosta County. 

Mr, Benjamin was married in Portsmouth, N. H., 
Tune 16, 1869, to Annie Louise, daughter of Andrew 
J. and Annie Fitts, born in Southampton, N. H., 
April 16, 184S. They have one son, Fred W., born 
at Grand Rapids, Jan. 23, 1S78. Mr. Benjamin is a 
Democrat in his political views. 

asper E. Bisbee, grocer and druggist, was 
)r born in Allegany Co., N. Y., July 29, 1845, 
'" a son of Alanson and Mary C. (Bagley) 
Bisbee, both of whom were natives of Albany 
Co., N. Y. The father was a farmer and in 
1858 located in the town of Campbell, Ionia 
Co., Mich., residing there until his death in 1863. 
The mother died in i860. 

Mr. Bisbee was reared on a farm and educated in 
the common schools; he obtained a situation in a 
store at Saranac, Ionia Co., Mich., and acted as clerk 
there one year, after which he learned the art of boot 
and shoe making, which he followed as a vocation 
some years. He went next to Newaygo County, 
where he worked during one summer, engaging in 
the fall with another party, and spent the next three 
years in travel and in giving public entertainments 
with the troop. On the termination of this business 
he resumed work at his trade in Newaygo, which he 
pursued some time. He next operated some months 
as a <:lerk in a hotel. 

Mr. Bisbee was married in 1869, to Sarah E., 
daughter of Elias and Fuphemia (Thompson) Scran- 
ton. Her parents were natives of Ohio and she was 
born in that State. In the family are three children : 
Ead E., Glen W. and Frank L. 

Mr. Bisbee located in Paris in 1870, where he pur- 
sued his trade some years and established a heavy 




:|iKV^>5«ii€^ 



business for the locality, which he sold out and then 
devoted his attention one year tofarming, after which 
he reluniecl to I'aris and embarked in the enterprise 
he is now pursuing. In |)olitical faith he is a Dem- 
ocrat, and has held the office of Dei)uty Sheriff. 



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ay D. Robinson, wholesale and retail dealer 

;,„,, in meals of all varieties at Big Ra|)ids, was 

||li-) '" ^ born at Romeo, .Macomb Co., Mich., July 

d,5^ II, 1850. His father, H. Robinson, was born 

jt in Cayuga Co., N. Y., and located in 1833, in 

\ Romeo, being the third settler in Macomb 

County, whither he and his father, Henry Robinson, 

made their way through the woods with an ox team, 

cutting the road as they iiroceeded. Mr. Robinson's 

father was a giant in statue and strength, standing 

six feet and three inches in stockings, and the object ( ] 

of great interest because of his power to lift immense 

weights. 

Tlie mother, Nancy Robinson, was born in Penn- 
sylvania, 12 miles northwest of Pittsburg, and is now 
living with her son at Big Rapids, aged 59 years. 

Mr. Robinson received a common-school educa- 
tion, and when 14 years okl went to Cincinnati and 
entered the river servi<:e. His fust employ was as a 
cabin boy on the " Roljerl Burns," a jjassenger 
steamer. He attained to the post of second clerk, 
and was absent frop.". his home four years. On re- 
turning he established himself in mercantile business 
at Holly, in com|)auy with \\'. A. Taylor. 'I'heir op- 
erations were successful, and they were soon en- 
abled to add a wholesale department and estal>lished 
warehouses at Saginaw City. They continued to 
londuct iheir business with satisfactory results until 
the geueial de|)ression of 1876, when the shrinkage 
of values in all avenues of trade involved them in 
heavy loss, when they brought their affairs lo a ter- 
mination. He went afterward to Deadwood, Dak., in 
company with Kli Hammond, and they trafficked in 
miners' su|)plies, horses and merchandise of varied ^ 
character, operating profitably for two years. Mr. I 
Robinson became connected with the notion house of ^^ 
Jacob Brown at Detroit, where he remained two ra 
years, going thence to ^Chicago, where he was en- ^ 
gaged with Keith Bros., who kept a gentlemen's fur- (^. 
nishing goods establishment. After two years, in ^ 

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1 88 1, he came to Big Rapids, where his family re- 
sided for a year previous. He opened his present 
business Nov. 3, 18S1, and carries a well assorted 
stock of $5,000 to $6,000 ; the annual business trans- 
actions amount to about $jo,ooo. Four assistants 
are emiiloyed. He owns eight acres of land on the 
border of Big Rapids, where he has a stock yard^ 
pasturage, etc. 

Mr. Robinson was married Jan. 8, 1874, in Holly, 
to Klla C, daughter of Solon and Vanda (Bunker) 
Cooley, born in Pontiac, Mich., July 22, 1855. Fred- 
die J., only child, was born in Holly, Sept. 25, 1S74. 
The motlier died at Big Rapids March 16, 1883. 



' rank S. Maxon, farmer, sec. 32, Deerfield 
I'p., was born Nov. 28, 1850, in Jackson 
Co., Mich., and is a son of F. D. and 

tMeriba (Dunham) Maxon, both of whom are 
natives of New York. 

( Mr. Maxon received a fair education at the 

common schools of his native county, and a thorough 
training for his vocation of agriculturist. In 1S75 
he i)urchased 40 acres of land in the townsliii) of 
Deerfield and setUed thereon, engaging since in farm- 
ing and putting his place in the best possible con- 
dition. 

Mr. Maxon was united in marriage in the State of 
Missouri, Feb 18, 1872, with Lorania, daughter of 
F/li and Mary (Wray) Maxon, both of whom were 
natives of Virginia. Mrs. Maxon was born Feb. 12, 
1S56, in Nodaway Co., Mo., and has become the 
mother of five children : Charles A., born Dec. 20, 
1872; \Villiam L. and Wilson R., twins, born June 
25, 1876; Lewis E, March 18, 1878; Edgar H., 
Nov. I, I 88 1. In political jiriniiple Mr. Maxon is a 
Republican. 





-^-•<-^'4#=^>" 



tjhester W. Comstock, Cashier of the Big 
^Z Rapids National Bank, was born at Alex- 
>'^'*' andria, Jefferson Co., N. Y., Oct. 30, 1856. 
He is a son of Daniel F. and Dollie E. Com- 
stock. In A|)ril, 1871, his father removed 
his family to Big Rapids, remaining until 
when another removal was mode to Cadillac, 
, where the senior Comstock established a 




banking house, Chester W. officiating as cashier five 
years. On the return of the family to Big Rapids in 
1879, both father and sou engaged in the lumber 
business. 

The National Bank of Big Rapids was founded in 
1883, and opened June 4 of that year, Mr. Comstock 
being elected its Cashier. It is a home institution, 
the stock being cliiefly owned in Mecosta County. 



homas B. Pitman, farmer, sec. 1 1, Deerfield 

Tp., was born m Canada, Se.\iX. 25, 1852. 
His parents, John and Mary A. (Hewett) 

Pitman, were natives of Canada, and came to 
%Y Michigan in 1868, residing at Saginaw two 

years, and, coming thence to Mecosta County 
settled in Deerfield Tp., where they are now living 
on sec. II. Mr. Pitman accompanied his parents in 
their migrations and bought 40 acres of unimproved 
land adjoining tlie tract owned and occupied by his 
father. He built thereon a board house and now 
has 23 acres of land under cultivation. He was 
married in the township of Deerfield, Oct. 29, 1874, 
to (jeorgiana Van Cordon, a native of the Slate of 
New York, where her parents are now living. Mrs. 
Pitman died July 2, 1879, leaving one child — Harry 
\V. — born Dec. 5, 1875. Mr. Pitman attends the M. 
E. Church, and is independent in politics. 



■^p§«. Ifred S. Mason, postal clerk on the Chicago 
■ ^J( iv: West Michigan railroad, resident at Big 
W " Rapids (route from Big Rapids and Hol- 
land), was born in Ellicott Tp., Chautauqua 
1^ Co., N. Y., Sept. 16, i,S28, and is a son of 
1 Martin and Polly (C.riswold) Mason. 
The father of Mr. Mason was a farmer, and he 
was reared to the age of t6, in the habits and pur- 
suits common to farmers' sons. The family had re- 
moved to Jamestown, two miles distant, and at the 
age named he went to learn the trade of harness- 
maker, serving an apprenticeship of three years, 
after which he establislied liimself at Jamestown 
and continued in business until tlie outbreak oi the 
Southern Rebellion. 

He responded to the first call for troops and en- 



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listed at Jamestown in Co. B, 7 2d N. Y. Vol. Inf., in 
the Sickles Brigade. On the organization of the 
company in April. 1861, Mr. Mason was elected 
Second Lieutenant, and while on the Potomac, Nov. 
5, 1861, was promoted to the rank of First Lieuten- 
ant. He was discharged at Yorktown. ALiy 20, 
1862, for disability. He returned to Jamestown and 
assisted in raising the 112th Reg. N. Y. Vol. Inf. 

He came to Big Rapids in the fall of 1862, mainly 
to recruit his impaired health. He interested him- 
self in the lumber trade, and was for some years as- 
sociated with the Cireen Brothers in buying pine 
lands and " putting in " logs, transacting a heavy 
business. In 18 — they purchased the properly 
which is now tlie site of the Fainnan and Newton 
block, on which a hotel was in process of erection. 
They completed the building and it was named the 
Mason House. It was one of the first hotels in the 
county and became prominent from its connection 
with the history of the progress of Big Rapids. 

In the fall of 1874 the same association took a 
contract to grade 14 miles of the G. R. & I. R. R., 
four miles south of (."adillac, six miles north from the 
Manistee River, and four miles from the north 
branch of the Boardman River in Kalkaska County. 
This was accomplished in the autumn of 1874 and 
the following spring. They then contracted to grade 
and bridge seven miles west of Reed City on the 
F. & 1'. .M. R. R., which undertaking was finished in 
the fall of 1876. The force usually employed num- 
bered about 250 men and the required teams. Tiie 
Messrs. Green & Mason carried on lumbering winters 
and building State roads summers, thus operating 
two years on what is known as the East Tawas & 
Houghton Lake State road, of which they i>uiU t2 
miles. This was the last business venture of tiie 
company, the partnership relations being brought to a 
close at the same time with the com|)letion of tlic 
job. In January, 1S80, through liie influence of Jay 
Hubbell, Mr. Mason was appointed to his present 
[Kisition of Mail Agent. 

He has been a Republican ever since the organi- 
zation of the party, and has been quite prominent in 
the field of politics. He was elected Sheriff of Me- 
costa County and served two years. He lielongs to 
the Order of Masonry, is Master of Big Rapids Blue 
Lodge and I'ast* High Priest of the Royal .\rch 
Chapter of that city. He owns a fine residenc e and 
)ot on Ives avenue. 



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Mr. Mason was married in Jamestown, N. Y., Feb. ^ 
27, 1854, to -Amanda A., daughter of \V. D. and '' 
Hannah (Belden) Green. (See sketch of \V. I). 
Green.) Mrs. Mason was born in Rensselaer Co.. 
.\. v., May 13, 1831. Jennie, only daughter of Mr. i 
and Mrs Mason, is the wife of C. \\ . Cunningham, 
book-keeper in the Big Rapids National Bank. She 
was born in Jamestown, N. Y., Jan. 15, 1859. (See 
sketch of C. W. Cunningham.) 



Joseph West, farmer, on sec. 27, Green T|i., f 
was born in Wiltshire, Eng., Nov. 7, 1829. 
I (§''"'' '^ His parents, William and Sarah (Bimester) 
T^ \N'esl, were I'jiglish by birth and belonged to 
the agricultural class in their native country. 
He was the only son, and when two years old 
iiis father died. The education of .Mr. West is such ^ 
as is acquired by tiie majority of men similarly situ- *> 
ated in youth. His father and stepfather were men \y', 
of the class who bear the brunt of the world in their ^ 
native land, — those on whose efforts and needs the ;C'! 
so-called upper classes thrive ; and liis labors were ^ 
necessary for the family supi)ort. Thomas Beasent y^/ 
was a widower with children when he became the •' 
husband of Mrs. West. In 1853 Mr. Beasent came ( 
to the United States and settled in Mecosta County, ' 
tiie children on both sides accompanying him. Mr. 
West married Mary .\nn Beasent, Oct. 23, 1851; 
she was a daughter of Thomas and Mary (Gay) 
Beasent, antl born Oct. 27, 1836. Mr. Beasent died 
in Mecosta County. V 

Mr. West obtained employment as a lumberman a « ^ 
few months after coming to America, and in the ^' 
spring of 1854 came to Big Rapids and soon after 
located on sec. t,},, in Green Tp., where he bought 80 
acres of land inder the Gradation Act, paying 75 
cents per .icre. There he labored and resided until 
1S67, when he purchased the farm where he now re- 
sides, Kuitaining 1 60 aires of land. Mr. West is a ^ 
Republican and an honored citi/en of Green Tp. 
His thrift and persevering industry have met with 
the reward of well directed eflorl, and he is in liic 
p/issession of substantial evidence of the wisdom of 
his pur|)oses in life. The land-holder is a sovereign 
by primal kinship to the first man, endowed divinely j 
with all the lands of tiie earth. \ 

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William L., eldest son of Mr. West, was born in 

1852, in England; married Clara Hovey, of Green 
Tp., and lives in Dakota. The remainder of Mr. 
West's children were born in Michigan. Eliza M. 
married William Dalziel. The others are: Charles 
E., Anna J., George W. and Eddie. Chester E. and 
Louisa are deceased. 

We give a portrait of Mr. West in this voiiune as 
one of the pioneers of Mecosta County. 



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■^Ipa-^jyrus r. Richardson, farmer, sec. 8, Big 
Jl^^i Rapids, was l)orn in Ohio, April 11, 1838. 
^Ip" His father, Luther Richardson, was born in 
fjjtj^ Maine ; his mother, Rachel Richardson, was 
m a native of Ohio. His parents came to the 
' State of Michigan in 1843, and he was reared 
to manhood at Grand Rapids. 

At the age of 22 years Mr. Richardson came to 
Mecosta County and worked at lumbering one sea- 
son. In the spring of 1861 he bought 80 acres of 
land, where he established his home and has since 
pursued his calling of agriculturist. He has placed 
60 acres of his farm under good cultivation, has a 
handsome residence and good farm buildings. He 
enlisted in the Union service Aug. 15, 1864, in Co. 
L, First Mich. Reg. Engineers and_ Mechanics, and 
was discharged June 6, 1865. He is a member of 
the M. E. Church, has held the office of Township 
Treasurer four successive years, and is at present 
Justice of the Peace. 

He was married Nov. 9, i860, to Maria Youard,of 
Grand Rapids. She was born in Ontario, Can., July 
21, 1840. Her father was drowned when slie was 
four years old ; her mother is still living. Children : 
Mary J., born Nov. 17, 1861; died Nov. 30, 1882; 
Luther J. C, Oct. 2, 1863; William T. S., May 17, 
1866; Minnie L., Oct. 27, 1868; Rachel M., Jan. 3, 
1873; Kittie, Sept. 16, 1876, died May 31, 1879. 



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enj. J. Shourds, farmer, sec. i.Wlieatland 

M3|g Tp., is a son of Jonathan and Sophronia 

(Jones) Shourds, who were natives of New 

"^ York, and descended from French and 

English ancestors. Mr. Shourds was born in 

Wayne Co., N. Y., March 6, 183S, and was 

reared at home to the age of 21 years. He obtained 

^(^*|^ :^^fL -^<sil|j; 






his education at the academy at Macedon Center, in 
his native county, and on attaining his majority be- 
gan to work the homestead farm with his brother. 
He was married in Wayne County April 12, 1866, to 
Sarah D., daughter of Orrin and Betsey (Reed) 
Lapham, natives of the Empire State, who was born 
at Macedon Center, Wayne Co., N. Y., April 12, 
1836, and was chiefly there educated, finishing her 
course of study at the LTnion C'ollege at Buffalo, 
N. Y. After marriage Mr. Shourds was engaged in 
farming in Wayne County until 1868, when he re- 
moved to Lenawee Co., Mich., locating in Palmyra, 
where he engaged in running a lath and planing 
mill. In the fall of 1869 he went to Allegan Co., 
Mich., and embarked in the mercantile business. 
In the fall of 1879 he returned to his native State 
and managed the farm of his father-in-law until the 
death of the latter, when Mr. Shourds came back to 
Michigan. He located on a farm of 120 acres in 
Wheatland Tp., which had been partly improved, 
where he has since been actively engaged in farm- 
ing. He is a Republican in politics, and is a mem- 
ber of the Order of Masonry. Mr. Shourds belongs 
to the Baiitist Church. 



M'P^U/iram R. Reynolds, farmer on sec. 20, Me- 
r ikivdj costa 'I'p., was l)orn in Williams Co., Ohio, 
^j^ Nov. 2, 1851. He is a son of Reuben and 
UX Delilah (Osmun) Reynolds, natives of Vermont 
i and New York respectively. Mr. Reynolds re- 
I niaincd with his parents until he reached man's 
estate, and for several years after attaining the age of 
21 years worked as a farm laborer. In 1874 he pur- 
chased a farm in Fulton ("o., Ohio, where he op- 
erated seven years, and in the sjjring of 1882 bought 
a farm of 102 acres in Mecosta Tp. on the Big 
Muskegon River. 

He was married Dec. i i, 1874, in Fulton Co., 
Ohio, to Ida i\I., daugliter of Stephen and Soi)hia 
(Henderson) Green. Her parents were of English 
descent, and she was born in Paulding Co., Ohio! 
Dec. 22, 1854. She was adopted at the age of three 
years by Mr. Chancy Lane, of Fulton County, who 
cared for her until her marriage and has made her 
the legal Iieir of his estate. The five children of 
Mr. and Mrs. Reynolds were born as follows: Lula 
L., Nov. 20, 1875 ; Medora A., Oct. 31, 1877 ; Bazil 



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B, April 8, 1879; Geo. A, Sept. 16, 1880, and 
llolilie, May 5, 1873. Mr. Reynolds is a Republi- 
can. 

J;iL^fla oseph Gaunt, farmer, sec. 26, Deerlield 

^'l^^L' "^1'' *''^ '^'*^'^" "^ Monroe Co., Mii b., Sept. 

;V',"^ 3, 1834, and is the son of Harrison and 

\<£ Mary A. (Rushwortliy) Gaunt, who were na- 

^r lives of England. 

, Mr. Gaunt has been a farmer all his life, ex- 

cept four years, when he was employed as a black- 
smith. He was married in St. Joseph Co., Mich., 
Feb. 20, 1862, to Mary E., daughter of Nelson and 
Jane (Austin) Wells, natives of New York Mrs. 
Gaunt was born in Michigan, Sept. 1 1, 1839. Three 
children have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Gaunt: 
Minnie J., Dec. 13, 1862; Ida M., Jan. 16, 1S66; 
Jolm \\'., July 23, 1869. Mrs. Gaunt had one child 
by a former marriage, Edward, born Aug. 3, 1859. 

= ^^^^^^^^ — H 

|j assel Bowen Hughes, resident at Big 

R.ipid^, was l)orn at Camilhis, Onondaga 

Co., N. V , Oct. 4, 1828. When lie was 12 

years of age his father moved to Bellevue, 

Mich. He married Addale D. ?iolden, of lliat 

place, Feb. i 3, 1848. 

1850,111 company with James Holden, David 
Thomas and J. J. Cook, he started for California, 
influenced by the gold-mining excitement which was 
then at its height. Tliey drove tlieir teams to 
La Salle, 111., and then took a steamer to St. Louis, 
Mo., and from tiiere to Si. Jose|)li, wiiere they arrived 
al)Out the ist of May, and made arrangements with 
other parlies to travel together for pioleclion .ind 
assistance. May 10 they started with a train of 10 
or 12 wagons, 40 men and about 50 horses. 'I'hey 
real lied Salt Lake City about the 251)1 of June, hav- 
ing made 1,200 miles in about 45 days. July 6, they 
left their camp at Salt Lake and continued their 
march, reaching the Sacramento River on the i04tii 
day from the Missouri Kiver. They put their spare 
horses on a ranch, and started for tlie mines. They 
made their first camp at " Rough and Ready," a min- 
ing town in Nevada County, where liiey worked in 




545 -S 



the mines until the rainy season, when they sold 
iheir iiorses and joined a company lliat had disiover- 
ed a quartz vein at Brown's Valley, on the Lower, 
Yuba River. They expended considerable money, 
dug a large amount of rock that turned out well, and 
built a mill whic h, when nearly completed was car- 
ried away by a flood. They aijandoned the claim. 
Mr. Hughes tlien engaged in operating some mines 
and a mining store, which was quite successful for 
a few months, until the mines failed. In the spring 
of 1852 he went to work by the day for a mining 
con.pany at Park's Bar, Yuba River. He received 
$5 a day, and worked about three months. About 
Sept. I, he took the steamer "General Scott " at San 
Francisco for Panama ; arriving, he crossed the isth- 
mus to Asjiinwall and took the steamer " Ohio " for 
New York. When off Cape Hatteras a gale drove 
the steamer into Charleston, S. C. Many passengers 
left, but he remained. He arrived home about Oct. 

Here he engaged in mercantile business until the 
breaking out of the rebellion in i86i,\vhen he, on 
the first day of November of that year, entered the 
service as Second Lieutenant of Merrill's Horse, and 
passed the following winter in tents, in Northwestern 
Missouri, where the regiment was engaged in keeping 
down the rebels. In the summer of 1862 he was 
promoted First Lieutenant, but still remained on the 
regimental stafT, where he had been assigned to duty 
in the beginning. He was regimental Treasurer and 
Ordnance oflici-r during his entire term of service. 
During the summer of 1862 the regiment was actively 
engaged against the guerrillas. The winter of 1862-3 
was passed at Warrenton, about 160 miles from St. 
Louis, and the next summer in fighting the guerrillas, 
with an occasional battle with more regular forces. 

June 1, 1863, he was promoted Captain, and the 
same month marched to Iron Mountain, under com- 
mand of (ien. Steele; they marched against and cap- 
tured Little Rock, Ark., and engaged in several 
severe battles and skirmishes. Passed the winter in 
camp at Brownsville. 

In the spring of 1864 he marched with liis division 
from Little Rock, for the pur|>ose of forming a junc- 
tion with Gen. Banks near Shreveport, La., which 
was not accomplished, on account of the inability 
of the latter to rea< h that jKjint. The expeililion 
returned to Little Rock after an absence of 40 days, 
which had been almost a continuous battle. IK 



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^> then with his- regiment joined the division of 
f%^ den. Thomas at Chattanooga, where he served until 
-I- the end of the war. It is a notable fact that during 
i all his service he rode the same while horse, and 
i although engaged in many conflicts neither himself 
^ nor horse, which he still owns, received any serious 
injur}'. Col. Merrill, the commander of the regiment, 
also used the same horse from the beginning to the 
end of the war. 

(.)n returning home al tlie close of the contest he 
again engaged in mercantile business at Bellevue, 
Mich., until 1S76, when he went into the employ of 
the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Company, at 
I'.ig Rapids, Mich. 

Mr. and Mrs. Hughes have no children. He rep- 
resented Eaton County in the Legislature of Michigan 
in 187 I. 

-^5 ^^^ >^ 

19, Grant 



/'if? alter McFarlan, farmer, sec. 

' ^^'i> 'l'p'> ^vas born March 14, iSi4,in Arcadia, 
Co., N. Y. His father, Walter 
McFarlan, was born in (ilasgow, Scotland, 
May I, 1774, and remained in his native 
country until he was 19 years old, coming to the 
United Slates in 1793. He followed the profession 
of a calico printer in Scotland, and when he settled 
in New N'nrk he became a farmer. He adoi)ted the 
new country with all his might, became a "minuie 
man "of 1S12, was keenly alive to the issues that 
arose day by day brought forward for popular consid- 
eration, and exerted all his energies to aid the op- 
pressed and relieve suffering of whatever type. 
When the Ihitish invaded llie county of which he 
■^ was a citi/en, he held himself in readiness to answer 
her cry of distress, and was on duty when the in- 
vaders burned the village of .Sodus, in \\'a\ne 
County. He was an early adherent to the anti- 
slavery cause in New York, and on coming to Wayne 
County, Mich., became an essential factor in the 
operations of the Underground Railroad, of which 




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he was known to be a "conductor," and wiihout 
ipiestion aided as much as any other one man in 
securing safety and ultimate freedom for the slaves 
of the South who sought escape from bondage, and 
placed themselves under his guidance and protection. 
He was a zealous worker for temperance, and was a 




member of the M. E. Church for more than 70 years. 
He was in its ministry 40 years before his death. He 
came to Detroit in 1S25. His wife, Margaret McF'ar- 
lan, was born at Fort Bruland, N. J., in 1778, during 
the war of the Revolution, and her father was killed 
by the Indians near the fort. She was married in 
1800 and died Oct. 12, 1S62. 

Mr. McFarlan of this sketch came to Michigan 
with his parents and remained with them during liis 
minority, engaged in farm duties. He has been a 
farmer all his life, commeiicing that business on his 
own account by the purchase of a farm in Huron, 
Wayne Co., Mich., on which lie lived 16 years. He 
next purchased a farm in St. Johns, Clinton Co., 
Mich., and, eight years later, came to Grant Tp., 
where he bought 85 acres of valuable land. Politic- 
ally, Mr. McFarlan is a Republican ; has been a 
member of the Free Methodist Church iS years; 
was Justice of the Peace 12 years. 

He was married Jan. 4, 1843, to Caroline Garret- 
son, of Wayne Co., Mich. She was born April 5, 
1S26, and is of English extraction. Of this marriage 
12 <:hildren were born, but four of whom survive: 
Helen P. was born March 20, 1844, and died May 
19, 1S75 ; Franklin, born Jan. 3, 1846, was a soldier 
of the civil war where he served two years, and died 
at Fort Hallock, Neb., Oct. 30, 1865; John Q. A., 
born Jan. 3, 1S48, was also a soldier in the Union 
service and died June 9, 1867, of chronic diarrhcta 
contracted in the army; h'illniore W., liorn May 7, 
1850, died Sept. 12, 1872; Norman J., born March 
29, 1S53, died lS.\m\ 11, 1877; Elva 'P., born June 
15, 1855, is now Mrs. J. A. Harvey, of Newaygo Co. 
(married Aug. 6, 1876); Florence R., born Nov. 24, 
1857, was married July 12, 1880, to John Moore, ol 
Grant 'I'l).; Caroline E., born .\ug. 10, i860, died 
Jan. 26, 1882; David H., born Oct. 14, 1S62; P.en- 
jamin R., born July 9, [866, died July 23, 1867; 
Clarissa A., born Jan. i, 1869; Sarah Jane, born 
Dec. 12, 1872, died March 27, 1876. 

-i^X 8|d.3!^;harles H. Henry, harness-marker, at Riu 
born at Marshall, Callioun 



^^ Rapids, was 



Co., Mich., March 3, iS;2. He is a son of 
si!? l.ysaniler antl Sabriua (Demming) Henry. His 
father was a stone-mason, and after he ob- 
tained a fair education, at the age of 17, he began to 









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vU learn his trade, serviiiijalioiit two years iii llic aciiiiiic- 

fn ment of its details. 

;'-, He enlisted in the regular United States military 
4 service at Detroit, Dec. 21, 1S70, enrolling in Co. K, 
' 19th U. S. Inf., Capt. Chas. W. Hotscnpiller. The 
command was sent to New Orleans, Holly Springs, 
St. Martinsville, La., Camp Supply, Indian Territory, 
and to Fort Elliot, Te.xas, where Mr. Henry received 
his discharge, Dec. 21,1875. Returning to Michi- 
gan, he went into a harness shop at Hastings, Barry 
Co., remaining about 18 months. He re-enlisted in 
the service of the United States as saddler, and ac- 
companied the regular army to Fort Hayes, Kansas, 
Fort Leavenworth and Fort Garland, Col., and went 
with McKenzie's command on the Uncompahgrc Ex- 
pedition when that tribe of Indians was removed to 
Utah. He went next to Arizona, and thence to New 
Mexico, where he was stationed at Fori Craig. He 
returned to Michigan in the spring of 1882, and on 
the 7 th of August following he came to Big Rapids 
and for a time was in the harness shop of D. McLel- 
lan. Six months later he opened his present busi- 

=1 ness, where he is operating successfully and steadily, 

«> building up a substantial trade. 

£^ Mr. Henry was married June 15, 1882, at Lowell, 
Kent Co., Mich , to Lois S., daughter of (leorge and 

(Kinnie) Elms. Mrs. Henry was born at 

Fayettville, N. Y., Dec. 23, 1852. 



■r<-^|]D:<Dlls>v 



MECOSTA COUNTY. 



■>6><wr-r" 



549 



A 



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illiam G. Mitchell, farmer and lumlierman, 
resident on sec. 7, .-Etna Tp., was born in 
Steuben Co., N. Y., Aug. 9, 1S23 His 
father, Zephaniah I'latt Mitchell, and his 
mother, Anna (Saxton) Mitcliell, were natives 
of Dutchess Co., N. V., and settled in .Sara- 
toga County, their farm lying on tl.e site of the most 
celebrated resort in the world; there they died, aged 
87 and 86 years respectively. .Mr. .Mitchell received 
'y\ all the advantages of the common schools and par- 
] ental care until he was 20 years of age, when he 
»>% came to Livingston Co., Mich., and worked on a farm 
'y from r843 to rS5o, operating winter seasons in the 
s/ lumber woods of Mecosta County. He came here in 
(\4) '850, to fix his final residence, and has been actively 
\^ engaged in lunibering and in buying and selling 




lands, — a period of over 30 years. He owns a tract 
of 400 acres and a home farm of 80 acres in a finely 
inijiroveil condition and valuable for location and fer- 
tility. 

Mr. .Mitciiell's name is inseparably associated with 
the history of Mecosta County and /Etna Tp. Ira 
P. Mitchell, his third ciiild and eldest son, was the 
first white child l)orn in this township and county. 
The family retain the sense of their pioneership to 
an extraordinary degree. The farm is su|iplied with 
modern buildings for all necessary pur|)oses, but only 
recently did the primitive log house give place to the 
substantial, comely frame house now occupied bv the 
family. The old door and its latch are preserved in 
memory of the "first" days of the county and there 
are in their possession several relics, valuable for 
their age and associations. Among them is a ixjcket- 
book, 1 10 years old ; a pair of eye-glasses, more than 
150 years old, with lenses of the commonest material, 
and several times larger than those in modern use, 
round as the jfull moon, with iron braces, heavy and 
cumbersome; a .razor more than 300 years old is 
l)reserved and has all the veritable claims of its spe- 
cies for sharpness. .\ fact specially to be noted is 
that Mr. Mitchell was the first to effect a permanent 
settlement in the Townshij); there were other earlier 
comers, but they [iroved to be goers also. It was be- 
lived at that date that this section was useless for 
agricultural purposes, but an experiment the first year 
proved the fallacy of the supi)Osiiion. Tiie small 
garden of Mr. Mitchell, planted witii a variety of veg- 
etables, was the fust effort at agriculture in Mecosta 
County. 

Mr. Mitchell was married in Livingston Co., Put- 
man T])., to Mary .\., daughter of Simon and .Mary 
(Jenkins) Plyton, natives of .Mew \'ork, where Mrs. 
Mitchell was born, in VVeedspoit, May 7, 1832. They 
have had 13 children, eight of whom are yet living: 
Sarah E., born July 26, rSsi, now wife of Peter 
Cahill; iMiima M., born May r9, 1853, wife of Joseph 
Cahill; Ira P., born June 4, 1855; Margaret, wife of 
John Weid.nan, boin Nov. 4, t858; William C, born 
Oct. 4, r863; Oliver, born July 31, r865 ; Nora, wife 
of Jefferson Miller, of Monticello, born May 4, 
t868, and Floyd, born .\ugust 24, t874. The ile- 
ceased were Martha, born Oct. 22, 1849, died 
Sept. 6, 1851 ; Edwin, born Sept. 2r, 1867, died May 
r, 1868; Alona R., born .May 22, r873, died Oct. rs, 



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1873; Hattie M., born Oct. 29, 1870, died Feb. 13, 
881 ; Jennie, born Aug. 22, 1878. died Feb. 16, i88r. 
Mr. Mitchell is independent in politics, and is an 
adherent of the M. E. Church; has been Township 
Treasurer three years, and Justice of the Peace four 
years. His ])ortrait is given in this book. 




) 



■>v 






eorge W. Cornell, farmer on sec. 35, A'Ana 
Tp., was born Oct. 31, 1833, in Westches- 

j^^^K ,er Co., N. Y. His parents, Thomas and 
^'W^ Anna (Merritt) (.:ornell, were natives of the 

t same State. 

^ On the death of his mother, in 1850, he left 

home and went to Steuben County, where he was oc- 
cupied with agricultural pursuits until 1864, when he 
returned to Westchester County and there was simi- 
larly engaged until the autumn of 1872. He came 
in that year to Mecosta County and settled in A-'An^ 
Tp., where he bought 80 acres of land in a wild 
state and has now 30 acres in a cultivated condition. 

Mr. Cornell was married in Tioga Co., Penn., March 
9, 1858, to Lydia M., daughter of John W. and 
Polly (Wheeler) Richardson, natives of Pennsylvania. 
Mrs. Cornell was born June 19, 1839, at Ridgeberry, 
Bradford Co., Penn. She is a member of the M. E. 
Church, and actively interested in all questions of 
general advantage to the community to which she 
belongs. Her mother resides with her. 



1 



^ 



' 'fy^\j|.^aniel r. Woolley, M. D., the pioneer phy- 
j-i^^Jr sician of Big Rapids, was born Aug. 16, 
T^ 1829, at Fremont, Ohio. His father died 
r*tiC when lie was 18 months old. He was brought 
up on a farm until the age of 12, when he went 
to learn the trade of harness-maker and worked 
three years. He then entered the employ of L. V. 
V). Cook as clerk in a dry-goods store, where he re- 
i mained until 1849. In that year he came to Grand 
V^ Rapids and attended the school of Prof. Franklin 
.^ Everett several terms. He next found a position with 
^ J. Morrison, general merchant, where he was occu- 
, i) pied until 1853, in which year Mr. Morrison estal)- 
^ lished a branch of his i>usiness at Croton, Newaygo 



Co., and placed Dr. Woolley in charge. In the fall 
of 1854 the latter went to Newaygo and, associated 
with A. B. Furman, commenced the sale of groceries 
and provisions. He sold out in the spring of 1855 
and bought a half interest in the drug store of Dr. 
Charles H. Leonard, where he transacted business 
until the fall of 1S57, when he went to Ann Arbor 
and entered the Medical Department of tlie Univer- 
sity of Michigan. He went to Lawton in the spring 
of 1859, where he remained but a few months. 

While in business at Newaygo, he became satisfied 
of the practicability of Big Rapids as a point to es- 
tablish himself as a medical practitioner. It was the 
nucleus of a large lumber district, and the place it- 
self as well as the section contiguous, had no phy- 
sician, and experience and observation both proved 
conclusively the feasibility of the outlook ; moreover> 
his ac([uaintance with the few permanent settlers in 
the county was propitious. He was well known 
among them, and had acquired a fair degree of popu- 
larity, which was eminently favorable to the project ; 
and in 1859 he transferred his interests, business and 
family to Big Rapids. His first patient to whom he 
was called, within an hour after his arrival, was the 
daughter of Judge Barker, now Mrs. V. \V. Bruce, of 
the Big Rapids Current. 

The city was in its incijjiency. The households 
were less than ten in niuiiber, and the entire white 
resident population included about 60 persons. The 
comparative sanitary condition of Big Rapids and 
adjacent districts was much more favorable than 
afterwards. The inhabitants were all in moderate 
circumstances, lived simply and regularly, and were 
in no sense invalids. As a rule, pioneers are a hardy, 
robust class, people who exiiect to encounter hard- 
ship and ])ossess the requisite physical qualification. 
Hence the local practice at Big Rapids and that of 
its immediate vicinity was restricted. The trappers 
and Indians were literally free from disease; but 
with civih'zation came sickness. The removal of the 
forests admitted sun and liglit, and the consequent 
decay and transformation of vegetable accumulations 
set free deleterious matter and malarial disease fol- 
lowed. The consequent increase of medical business 
can be estimated from the grade of increase in tiie 
])opulation, coupled with the resultant conditions 
named. 

Dr. Woolley is regarded as one of the most reliable 
members of the medical fraternity of Northern Mich- 

:«:dii->'-*— 




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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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igan. His name is a houseliold word at Big Rapids, 
so intimately is he connected with the majority of 
the leading families there. His traits as a man in- 
spire the confidence necessary to a successful prose- 
cution of his business, which is sustained by a large 
and constant patronage. He has been identified with 
all public movemenis for the progress of the city, 
and his efforts in all directions where his influence 
was needed have been unremitting. He belongs to 
the Order of Masons, and has served his county two 
terms as Sheriff. He owns his residence and two 
lots on Locust street, between Michigan avenue and 
State street. 

He was mariied in Xewaygo, Oct. 25, 1858, to Fran- 
ces C. Stearns, daughter of Daniel and Elizabeth 
Stearns. She was born in Jefferson Co., N. ^'., March 
17, 183S. To Dr. and Mrs. Woollcy, four children 
have been born: Veruor S., Kate M., Jesse and 
Edith E. Kate M. \\oolley died .Aug. 30, 1883, 
aged 17 years. 







^^4— ».@§>SWW2rav 






■ H|5 illiam F. Slawson, city editor of the Big 
aaL Rapids Daily Pioitcc>\\\n'i born at Green- 
y^ ' ville, -Mich., May 30, 1849, being the son 
!' of Hiram H. and Eusebia (P'leming) Slawson, 
and until the age of 18 i)ursued his studies at 
the high school of his native [ilace, with the 
cxcep.ion of about a year and a half, which time was 
si)enl in attending school at Rockford, 111. At theage 
of 18 he entered the office of the Greenville ///r/c/fV///- 
e/it as an apprentice, and served three years, at the 
ex|)iration of which time he went to Syracuse, N. Y., 
and entered the extensive job printing establishment 
of Hitchcock & Smith, where he remained a few 
weeks, and then engaged with the Seneca Falls 
RevcilU\ in which office he remained a short time, 
and then returned to Syracuse and entered the office 
of Rose & Miller, job and book i)rinters. Here he 
s|)ent several weeks, and then returned to the office 
of Hitchcock & Smith, where he was located when, 
in 1871, he received an urgent invitation from his old 
employer in Greenville to again enter his employ as 
foreman of the office, which invitation he concluded 
to accept, and in this cai;acity remained in the 
/ni/epeiiiifii/ office six years. .\l the conclusion of 
the six years Mr. Slawson leased the job department 



of the Ini{fpeii<{(-nl office, conducting the same one 
year, and then removed to Ionia County, where he re- 
mained neatly a year, and then returned to (Jreen- 
ville and established the Moiildilm Telegram, an 
independent local paper, and continued its publica- 
tion until January, 1879, when he removed the office to 
Big Rapids, and in partnership with Mr. V. \V. Bruce 
commenced the publication of the Big Rapids Ciir- 
renl. In the following November Mr. Slawson dis- 
posed of his interest in the Current, Mr. Bruce 
purchasing the same, and entered the employ of the 
Detroit Paper Company as traveling salesman. 
After a few months, however, he quit the road, and 
opened a grocery store at Sebewa, Ionia Co., in 
which business he was engaged, when Mr. Bruce, his 
former partner, in the publication of the Big Rapids 
Current, made him a proiiosition for the pur|X)se of 
receiving his services on the Current, which pio|)osi- 
tion he accepted upon (losing out his grocery busi- 
ness, and remained with the CVz/vr/// until the spring 
of 1882, when he became connected with the Pioneer 
in the above mentioned capacity. 

Mr. Slawson was married in Greenville, on the 8th 
day of March, 1877, to Miss Lizzie Justice, who was 
born in Chicago, Feb. 25, 1857. Mr. Slawson and 
vtrife are members of the Congregational Church, of 
which he is Treasurer, and is also Superintendent of 
the Sunday-school. 



? 



^I^Jjii ohn W. Sparks, farmer, sec. 14, Chippewa 
>|1^JL" ' P-. ^^as born Feb. i t, 1830, in Crawford 



II 



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M'"'"^ Co., Pa. He is the fifth child of Henry 
fb and Rebecca (Davis) Sparks. His father was 
jt born in Trenton, N. ]., and was a son of Leon- 
i ard and Lydia Sparks. The family are of 
mixed Welsh and German origin on the [>aternal 
side, the great-grandparents of Mr. Sparks having 
been natives of those countries respectively. His 
father was a teacher of prominence in Pittsburg, Pa., 
and after marriage went to Crawford County, and es- 
tablished himself as a farmer when that iwrtion of ' 
the Keystone State was i)rimeval wilderness. He 
passed 40 years on his homestead and then died, 
July 23, 1883. The mother was born in West Vir- 
ginia, Aug. 4, 1804, and died in March, 1875. 

Mr. Sparks was reared to the age of 18 years 
under the personal care of his father. He then 






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went to work for Uriah Foust, blacksmith, with whom 
he remained two years, going thence to Hartstown, 
wliere he remained three years. While there he was 
married — July 3, i8j2, to Marry Harris, a native of 
Crawford County, born Sept. 12, 1835. She was a 
daughter of John and Annie (Boyer) Harris, natives 
of Pennsylvania and of German origin. Mr. Sparks 
went to Williamsfield, Ashtabula Co., Ohio, and 
worked at his trade until 1863, when he went to the 
oil regions of Venango Co., Pa. ; thence he came 
four years' later to Michigan and located where he 
now lives, in September, 1867. That part of Me- 
costa County was almost wholly a wilderness, there 
being but one settler within the limits of Chippewa 
Tp. He built a log house, the second structure for 
several miles, and when the township was organized 
he was elected its first Supervisor, and served two 
terms. The first township meeting was hel(.l in his 
house, as was the first religious meeting ; and the 
first Sunday-school was organized there. This is the 
historic house of the township of Chippewa, and is 
still occupied by the original proprietor and his 
family. 

The first wife of Mr. Sparks died in Williamsfield, 
in 1859. Two of her five children yet survive: 
George E. and Emma A. (Mrs. Edgar Morford). 
Mr. Sparks was married a second time to Celia, 
daughter of William H. and Permelia (Grout) Man- 
ning. She was born June 17, 1835. Of this mar- 
riage five children were born, two of whom are yet 
living, Celia Bell and Ceylon Manning. 



ames Burrison farmer on sec. 15, Hinton 
|- Tp., was born in Canada, Sei)t. 7, 1819. 
He is a son of Jolin and Mary (Johnson) 
Burrison, the former a native of Vermont, the 
^F latter of Canada, wliere both died. Mr. Burri- 
'^ son lived in Canada until 1870, engaged in 
fanning and lumbering. He came to Grand Rapids 
in the fall of that year and. was occupied three years 
in teaming, and in 1873 bought 80 acres of wild 
land in I linton Tp., which he has since improved 
and where he now resides. He purchased an addi- 
tional 80 acres, and now has 90 acres under an ad- 
vanced state of cultivation. Politically, Mr. P.. is a 
Democrat. He was married Aug. 19, 1855, in Can- 




ada, to Ann, daughter of James and Ann Bennie. 
the former a native of Scotland and the latter of 
Canada, where Mrs. Burrison was born Jan. 19, 1840. 
They have had eleven children, as follows : James 
W., born July 16, 1859; John, April 28,1861; Sarah 
E., June 27, 1863; Joshua, June 6, 1865; Sybil, Oct. 
6, 1868; Charley E., April 17, 187 1 ; Mary E., July 
27, 1874; George, born Aug. 12, 1877, died July 27, 
1878. 




J 



^p London, Eng., May 9, 1S47, and is a son 
y of Thomas P. and Eliza Nisbett. 

In 1 861 he i:ame to the United States in 

_, company with his parents, who settled in New 
York, and two years later removed to Pontiac, Oak- 
land Co., Mich. The last call for troops to aid in 
quelling the Southern Rebellion was made just pre- 
vious to the eighteenth birthday of Mr. Nisbett, and 
he enlisted as a recruit for the i6th Midi. Inf. then 
actively engaged at the front. He was in the United 
States service but a short time, being mustered out in 
June, 1865, at Jackson, Mich. 

In January, 1869, Mr. Nisbett founded and com- 
menced publishing the Pontiac Bill Post cr,\i\\\<:.\\ he 
continued until 1S76, when ill-liealth necessitated a 
change, and he sold out his interest as publisher, 
but remained its political editor until the close of the 
Presidential campaign of 1880. Under his manage- 
ment the paper became a widely circulated and 
influential Democratic organ. He became well 
known in the politics of the State of Michigan, and 
was twice chosen Secretary of the State Democratic 
Convention. In his own section he was a leader in 
politics, and was during six years Chairuian of the 
Oakland County Democratic Committee. He has 
always been a declared Democrat, and was one of 
the first to ojipose and actively combat the Green- 
back movement in Michigan. 

He was elected .Mderman of iiis ward when 21 
years old, and served two terms subsequently as 
Supervisor. He was Chief Engineer of the Pontiac 
f'ire Department, with wiiich he was connected a 
number of years, and filled acceptably other positions 
of trust while a resident of Pontiac, which covered a 
period of 17 years. 

On leaving there he spent a short time in C^olorado. 



I 



[ffifcilliam P. Nisbett, editor and proprietor 
^Sg uf the Big Rapids Herahi, was born in 



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Vf After visiting other parts of the West, he came to 

%^ Big Rai)ids, and in the spring of 1882 purchased the 

,-3;i Big Rapids Heralii, and again settled himself in the 

j' publishing business. The Hini/</\f, rapidly iinprov- 

" ing under his management, and is fast becoming an 



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influential and profitable country newspaper. 





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Miver D. Glidden, with CUidden \- Marsh, 
"SJIBJ'; was born in Clarendon, Odeans Co., N. Y., 

IfTrs^TS^ Aug. I, 1828. He is a son of Jehiel and 
Betsey J. (Davis) Glidden, and was reared on 
a farm, attending winter terms of school. At 
9 he entered the Rockport Collegiate Insti- 
tute, where he was a student a part of each of two 
years. He then spent summers and winters alter- 
nately in farming and teaching. 

In 1852 he came West to Paw Paw, Van Buren 
Co., Mich., and became clerk and accountant in a 
store, where he passed several years. In 1876 he 
came to Big Rapids and started the Big Rapids 
Heralil, the first issue of which appearetl May 24, 
1876. Its contemporary, the Big Rapids Magnet, 
thus announced its advent : "The Big Rapids /Tw^r/c/ 
made its appearance last week. It is a six column 
quarto — same size as the Magnet — and Democratic 
to the core." 

The publishing firm was O. D. Glidden & Co. ; D. 
F. Glidden, son of the senior i)roprietor, jjcing |)artncr 
and associate editor. In 1878 the latter retired, and 
B. H. Howig was admitted as successor. During llie 
last yearof Mr. Glidden's connection with the Herald, 
its publishers collected a large amount of statistical 
matter concerning the early settlement of the city 
and county, wliich was arranged and jiulilished in tlie 
columns of the paper, and finally was issued in 
pamphlet and book form. It was also a complete 
Business Directory of Big Rapids at the date of its 
publication — T081. 

The publishers of the Portrait and Biographical 
Album of Mecosta County have the pleasure of 
acknowledging the valuable assistance derived from 
the unpretentious work of Messrs. Glidden it Howig. 
Its data of early history have been found reliable, 
and its simplicity and accuracy have materially expe- 

¥^^ ^^ft- — -K^d! 




dited the labors attendant \.\\)0\\ the compilation of 
this book. 

Mr. Glidden dis[)osed of his moiety of interest in 
the Heralit to his partner in 188 1, and has since 
been occupied in his present capacity for various 
firms. 

He was married in Clarendon, Orleans Co., N. Y. 
March 30, 1848. His wife died in Paw Paw, Mich. 
March 4, 1864, leaving two children: Durelle F. 
born in Clarendon, N. Y., June 12, 1850 (see sketch), 
and Ida, born M.iy 17, 1852, and died iri Paw Paw, 
Marcli 7, 1875. Mr. Glidden was again married in 
Paw Paw, Feb. 16, 1865, to Miss Maria Flynn, of 
Orleans Co., N. Y. 

While a resident of Van Buren County, Mr. Glid- 
den was Supervisor one year, Town Clerk one year, 
and Village Assessor of Paw Paw seven years. He 
was elected Supervisorof the First Ward intlie spring 
of 1883 (current year), is a member of the Order 
of Masonry, Knights of Pythias, and the Good- 
I'emplars. 



nV]^®!-; illiam H. Brown, farmer, sec. 20, Fork 
; I^aA ^ Tp., was born in Middlesex Co., Mass., 
vi^P Nov. 5, 1833. His father, William H. 
•r^ Brown, was lx)rn in Concord. Mass., and 
All'' died in 1881. His mother, Anstris (Bald- 
ly will) Brown, was born in Waltham, Mass., and 
died in 1838. He obtained such education as the 
district and high schools of his native county afforded, 
and when ready to make his own way in the world, 
he went to Richmond, Va., and obtained a situation 
as fireman on the Richmond & Danville R. R., trans- 
ferring later to the employ of the Baltimore & Ohio 
R. R. Co., where he workeil in their shops one year. 
He was then employed as fireman by the same 
company, and a year later "got his engine," and 
operated as an engineer four years. He spent nine 
months in New Hampshire, among his friends, and 
again returned to Piedmont, Va., where he again 
commenced life as an engineer, continuing in that 
ca[)acity two years. He went thence to Zanesville, 
Ohio, and was engaged in the same business on the 
Ceil. O. R. R., three years. While in this employ- 
ment he was injured by a car wheel passing over his 
foot. Later on he went to Jo Daviess Co., 111., and 

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was engaged there three years in farming. Returning 
to Norwalk, Ohio, he obtained employment in the 
machine shops and remained there four years, going 
thence to Rockford, 111., where he was employed four 
months in the car shops. His ne.\t transfer was to 
Adrian Mich., to the employ of the L. S. & M. S. R. 
R. Co., and three months later went to work on the 
Sandusky, Dayton & Cincinnati Railroad. 

In the spring of 1866 he came to Mecosta County, 
and located 80 acres of land under the homestead 
act, in the township of Fork. The place was no ex- 
ception to the general state of the land in the town- 
ship, and was In heavy timber. Of the original pur- 
chase, he has 20 acres under the best improvements. 

Mr. Brown was married July 15, 1856, to Cynthia 
L., daughter of Nathaniel R. and Hannah (Simonds) 
Bourne. Her father was born in Summers, Tolland 
Co., Conn., and her mother in Enfield, Conn. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brown have two children : William E. was 
born June 30, 1858, and married July 12, 1883, to 
Ida Ingraham; Oliver P. was born July 30, 1863. 
Mr. Brown is a Republican, and among the most 
prominent citizens of the township; has been 
Treasurer two years, and Clerk ten years. 



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illiam H. Webster, of the firm of G. W. 
Webster & Son, architects and builders. 
Big Rapids, was born in Montoursville, 
Lycoming Co., Pa., Dec. 13, 1857. 

G. W. Webster operated many years as 
Master Mechanic on various railroads in the 
East, and came to Cleveland, Ohio, in 1867. A year 
later he came to Big Rapids and engaged as contrac- 
tor in building bridges, depots, round-houses, etc., on 
the (i. R. & I. railroad, afterward enteringthc service 
of the C. & W. M. railroad in the same capacity. 

William H. Webster attended school in his native 
town until he was 17 years old, when he came to Big 
Rapids, and was some time under the instructions of 
his father in learning the business of architect and 
builder. Meanwhile he went back to Pennsylvania, 
where he spent two winters at Williamsiiort College, 
and afterward went to Hillsdale College one winter. 
He studied architecture in the winter of 1882-3, in 
the office of Hewitt liros., of Piiiladel|)hia. 

His partnersliip with iiis father was formed in 1880, 





since which they have operated together as builders, 
etc., furnishing also plans, specifications and esti- 
mates of cost of buildings. They have erected a 
number of buildings at Big Rapids. 



lathan M. Coates, farmer, sec. 4, Big Rap- 
\l_ ids Tp., was born June 2, 1829, in Norlh- 
"^ amiitonshire, Eng., and when a year old 
was brought to this country by his parents. 
Mr. Coates came to Michigan in June, 1852, and 
settled in Muskegon County, and purchased a 
farm of 120 acres, where he resided until 1857. In 
that year he sold his place and came to Big Rapids, 
where he bought 80 acres of land, then in its primal 
condition of dense wilderness, lying one mile north- 
west of the city limits, and the homestead where he 
has since resided. He has cleared and iniiMoved 60 
acres, which is now in a fine state of cultivation, and 
has a good frame house and other creditable farm 
appurtenances. 

Mr. Coates was married April 15, 1S60, to Emily 
Jane Preston, of Big Rapids, born in Owego, N. Y., 
Sept. 9, 1841. She died Nov. 30, 1877, leaving seven 
children : William H., George D., Lucy A., Harriet 
L., Charles (died June 14, 1883), Anna and Nathan. 
Mr. Coates was a second time married Oct. 12, 1880, 
to Delinda Mawhorter, born in Ohio, Jan. 28, 1837. 
She was a widow with one son, Willaid A. 

Mr. Coates has been Justice of the Peace si.\ years 
and Road Commissioner the same length of time. 
Himself and wife are members of the Baptist Church. 




|?|Slohn Hinton, first settler in the township of 



l^^l- Hinton, 
IP''^ ried Pht 



was a native of Wales. He mar- 
^hebe Kibble, a native of New Jersey, 
m IS 1 2. They came to Mecosta County in 
October, 1855, and settled on sec. 15. Mrs. 
Hinton's death occurred Feb. 18, i860, and was 
the first event of the kind in the township. It is 
held that the second marriage of Mr. Hinton to 
Mariette Rockwood, celebrated May 26, i860, was 
the first marriage in liie township. The first frame 









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barn was erected by Mr. llinton in 1856. He died 
Jan. 4, 1874. The township was named in his honor. 



.tephen Hoynes, resident at l!ig Rapids 
was born in Ohiistead, now West View, 
Cuyahoga Co., Ohio, Dec. 26, 1858, and is 
a son of Daniel and Catherine Hoynes. His 
father was born in Amsterdam, N. Y., in 1829, 
pursued agriculture all his life and died at 
West View, May 2, 1878. His mother was born in 
New York in 1826, and is resident on the homestead 
at West View. 

Mr. Hoynes was engaged in acquiring his educa- 
tion until the age of 16, when he was apprenticed to 
a tailor at Olmstead Falls, and served four years, fit- 
ting himself in all details for a practical tailor. He 
then went to Cleveland and entered the employ of 
Jacob Wageman as cutter. He worked successively 
for Henry Cobel, and Petzkie & Stern, remaining 
with the latter house four years, meanwhile obtaining 
a commercial education in the Spencerian Business 
College. He came to Big Rapids Feb. 15, 1882, to 
enter the employ of F. W. Joslin <is chief of the 
merchant-tailoring department, of which he is still in 
charge. He is popular and efficient in all the 
branches of business of which he is the manager. 

John H. Hoynes, his brother, is a member of the 
firm of Adams & Hoynes, hardware dealers at Cleve- 
land. William Hoynes, another brother, is manager 
of a department with C. M. Clark & Co., hardware 
merchants of the same city. Michael J. Hoynes, a 
third brother, is foreman of the Cleveland Ivlectro- 
type Company. 




^'ames H. Buck, farmer, sec. 7, yEtna Tp., 
was i)orn in New York, Oct. i, 1830, and is 
a son of Allen and Mary Buck, both natives 
of New York, where they resided until about 
1862. In that year they came to Barry Co., 
Mich., where they remained during the closing 
^ years of their lives. The father died in 1866 and 






555 




the motlier departed this life very soon aftenvard. 

Mr. Buck was married in New York, in 1855, to 
Sophia, daughter of George and Hannah Christer. 
She was born in the Empire State in 1832. Of this 
marriage 11 children have been born: Mary (Mrs. 
John Carlon); Hannah (wife of Alphonso Oberley) ; 
('■eorge, Charles and Lewis W. There are si.x de- 
ceased, viz : Len, Caroline, James, Gertrude and 
two children who died in infancy. 

Mr. Buck came to Mecosta County in 1866, and 
settled on 80 acres of land, which he had previously 
purchased in yEtna Tp., which has since been his 
homestead. He is a memlier of the M. E. Church, 
and is an indorser of the principles of the Republican 
party. 






j^-ames Aitken, lumberman and farmer. Big 
^. Rapids, is a native of .\lbany, N. Y., where 
p^^i'^T^.' he was born July 7, 1831. His parents, 
^ John and Janet (Bald) Aitken, were both born 
F in Scotland. The father was engaged in the 
■* manufacture of patent leather in Albany, and 
when his son was but a child removed his family to a 
farm in Kingston, Can., where the boy was brought 
up to agricultural pursuits and trained as a lumber- 
man. At 17 he was emi)loyed in the Dominion as a 
" land-looker." 

He went to Ancaster, Can., in 1856, where he re- 
mained four years, removing thence to Morris, Huron 
Co., Can., and bought a farm of 102 acres, where he 
gave his attention to agriculture eight years. His 
next transfer of home and interests was to Albion, 
Calhoun Co., Mich. He remained there one year, 
and in 1867 came to Big Rapids, where, he was en- 
gaged some years as a land inspector. He after- 
wards formed a partnership with Wm. I'hippen, in 
the purchase of pine lands, putting the timber in the 
river. This relation existed three years, and on its 
dissolution he entered into a business association 
with S. H. Gray, and prosecuted the same enterprise 
until the spring of 1S83, when their connection 
ceased. 

On the location of Mr. Aitken at Big Rapids, he 



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bought two city lots of C. C. Fuller, and built his 
dwelling-house. In 1868 he bought 120 acres of land 
in the Fourth Ward, all of which is in a state of 
progressive cultivation. He is also the proprietor of 
1 20 acres of hard-wood land in the southeast y^ of 
sec. 34, and of 40 acres in the northwest y^ of sec. 
13, township of Big Rapids, besides several tracts of 
stump land, aggregating between 1,500 and 1,600 
acres. He was elected member of the City Council 
in the spring of 1883. 

Mr. Aitken was married in Ancaster, Can. W., 
Dec. 15, 1856, to Jennelt, daughter of Alexander and 
Dorothy (Wright) Patterson, born at Dundas, Can., 
June 10, 1838. Robert, eldest child of Mr. and 
Mrs. Aitken, was born Dec. 15, 1857, at Ancaster, and 
died at Big Rapids, Dec. 5, 1869; Jennie was born at 
Ancaster, Oct. 18, 1859; David A., was born Nov. 17, 
i86i,in Morris, Can., and John, born in the same 
place, Aug. 12, 1863. They are all at home. 




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jTohn Franklin Brown (deceased), was born 
in Newark Tp., Tioga Co., N. Y., where he 
grew to manhood under the supervision and 
instruction of his parents, and received a busi- 
ness training" whose character and value were 
amply elaborated by the splendor of his career 
until it was closed by his death. 

His business life began in Owego, Tioga Co., 
N. Y., where he was employed as a lumberman by a 
gentleman named George Hollenbeck, after which he 
engaged in the lumber and stock trade in his native 
State, having his head(iuarters at Owego, N. Y., 
until he located at Big Rapids. In 1864 he came 
West and Ijegan lumber operations, where is now the 
beautiful and thriving Forest City, then a village 
comparatively, and in 1S68 he transferred his entire 
interests to this (loint, where he was actively engaged 
until his death, which occurred March 30, 1881. 

His business connections at Big Rapids were ex- 
tensive and varied, and in their management he dis- 
played a shrewdness and judgment second to that 
of no man who was ever associated with the public 
aff.urs or commercial interests of Mecosta County. 




His influence will be felt until the i)resent generation 
have joined him in the world beyond, and the enter- 
prises which he initiated and assisted in establishing 
are among the most prominent, permanent and reli- 
able of this city and county. In 1871 he organized 
the Tioga Manufacturing Company, and was its 
Managing Director as long as he lived. He was as- 
sociated in the organization of the Northern National 
Bank at Big Rapids in 1871, and his connection 
therewith as its second official Vice-President termi- 
nated only with his life. 

Mr. Brown was never married. In his private life 
his record is stainless ; he won and held the confidence 
of his friends, and those whom he assisted in seasons 
of perplexity preserve for him deep and lasting grati- 
tude. The business and social world of Big Rapids 
will long cherish the memory of his unselfishness 
and solicitude for the best interests of the community 
and mourn his irreparable loss. (See sketch of Mp,ria 
Brown.) 



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ohn Hickey, Big Rapids, was born July 
23, 1S45, at Montreal, Can., and is a son of 
John and Angelique Hickey. He was 
brought up on a farm imtil the age of 17, at- 
tending school most of the time. 

In i860 he went to the State of New York 
andwastliere variously occujiied one year, wjicn he 
came to Muskegon, Mich., engaging in the lumber 
woods and driving logs in the river. In the fall of 
1874 lie came to Big Rapids and engaged in the 
Montreal House as a clerk. The following spring he 
engaged as clerk in the clothing store of F. W. Jos- 
lin, where he remained two years. He then entered 
the employ of A. Sa< hen, clothing merchant, and 
clerked there two years. 

In 1879 he opened business at his present stand, 
where he keeps a good stock of foreign and domestic 
li(]uors, cigars, etc., and is doing a thriving business. 
He was married at Big Rapids, Sept. 12, 1876, to 
Fanny Smith, born in Pembroke, Can. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hickey are the parents of two children, — Angelique 
and John. 



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A ITHIN one brief generation, 
•fijja dense and unbroken wilder- 
ness has been transformed into 
a cultivated repon of thrift Awd. 
'jxa prosperity, by the untiring zeal 
:o and energy of an enterprising 
people. The trails of hunters 
and trappers have given i)lace to 
railroads and thoroughfares for 
vehicles of every description ; 
tlie cabins and garden patches of 
the pioneers have been succeeded 
by comfortable houses and broad 
fields of waving grain, with school- 
houses, churches, mills, postoflfices 
and other institutions of conven- 
ience for each community. Add 
to these a city of five thousand in- 
habitants, and numerous thriving 
villages, with extensive manufactur- 
ing interests, and the result is a 
work of which all concerned may 
well be proud. 

The record of this marvelous 
change is history, and the most important that can 
be written. For thirty years the people of Mecosta 
County have been making a history that for thrilling 



interest, grand practical results, and lessons that may 
be perused with profit by citizens of other regions, 
will compare favorably with the narrative of tlie his- 
tory of any county in the great Northwest; and con- 
sidering the extent of territory involved, it is as 
worthy of tlie pen of a Bancroft as even the story of 
our glorious Rei>ublic. 

While our venerable ancestors may have said and 
believed, 

"Xii pcMl-n]) l"lii';i I'oiitrai'ts our pnwoi-;, 
I'm- llic v\liiili> ImmmkUcss eiiiitiiK'nl is nurs," 

tliey were nevertheless for a long lime content to oc- 
cupy and possess a very small corner of it; and the 
great West was not opened to industry and civiliza- 
tion until a variety of causes had combined to form 
as it were a great heart, whose animating principle 
was improvement, whose impulses annually sent west- 
ward armies of noble men and women and whose pulse 
is now felt throughout the length and breadth of the 
liest country the sun ever shone upon, — from the 
rocky coasts of Maine to the vineyards of California, 
and from the sugar-canes of Ix)uisiana to the wheat- 
fields of Minnesota. I^ng may this heart beat and 
push forward its arteries and veins of commerce! 

Not more from choice than from enforced neces- 
sity, did the old pioneers bid farewell to the play- 
grounds of their childhood and the graves of their 



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yy fathers. One generation after another had worn 

'- themselves out in the service of their avaricious 
landlords. From the first flashes of daylight in the 
morning until the last glimmer of the setting sun, 
they had toiled unceasingly on, from father to son, 
carrying home each day upon their aching shoulders 
the precious proceeds of their daily labor. Money and 
pride and power were handed down in the line of 
succession from the rich father to his son, while un- 
ceasing work and continuous poverty and everlasting 
obscurity were the heritage of the working man and 
his children. 

Their society was graded and degraded. It was 
not manners, nor industry, nor education, nor quali- 
ties of the head and heart that established the 
grade. It was money and jewels, and silk and satin, 
and broadcloth and imperious pride, that triumphed 
over honest poverty and trampled the poor man and 
his children under the iron heel. The children of 
the rich and poor were not permitted to mingle with 
and to love each other. Courtship was more the 
work of the parents than of the sons and daughters. 
^ The golden calf was the key to matrimony. To 
*^ perpetuate a self-constituted aristocracy, without 
^ power of brain, or the rich blood of royalty, purse 
was united to purse, and cousin with cousin, in bonds 
^ of matrimony, until the virus boiling m their blood 
was transmitted by the law of inheritance from one 
generation to another, and until nerves ix)werless 
and manhood dwarfed were on exhibition every- 
where, and everywhere abhorred. For the sons and 
daughters of the poor man to remain there was to 
forever follow as our fathers had followed and never 
lead; to submit, but never to rule; to obey, but 
never to command. 

Without money, or prestige, or influential friends, 
the old pioneers drifted along one by one, from State 
to Slate, until in Michigan — the garden of the 
Union — they have found inviting homes for each, 
and room for all. To secure and adorn these homes 
more than ordinary ambition was recpiived, greater 

-k^ than ordinary endurance demanded, and unflinching 
determination was, by the force of necessity, written 
over every brow. It was not pomp, or parade, or 
glittering slow, that the pioneers were after. They 
sought for lionies which they could call their own, — 
homes for themselves and homes for their children. 
*) How well tliey have succeeded after a struggle of 

^ many years against the adverse tides, let the records 



■ '4 



and tax-gatherers testify; let the broad cultivated 
fields and fruit-bearing orchards, the flocks and the 
herds, the palatial residences, the places of business, 
the spacious halls, the clattering car wheels and pon- 
derous engines all testify. 

There was a time when pioneers waded through 
deep snows, across bridgeless rivers, and through 
bottomless sloughs, a score of miles to mill or market, 
and when more time was required to reach and re- 
turn from market than is now required to cross the 
continent, or traverse the Atlantic. These were the 
times when our palaces were constructed of logs and 
covered with "shakes" riven from the forest trees. 
These were the times when our children were stowed 
away for the night in the low, dark attics, amongst 
the horns of the elk and the deer, and where through 
the chinks in the " shakes " they could count the 
twinkling stars. These were the times when our 
chairs and our bedsteads were hewn from the forest 
trees, and tables and bureaus constructed from the 
bo.xes in which their goods were brought. These were 
the times when the workingman worked six and some- 
times seven days in the week, and all the hours there 
were in a day from sunrise to sunset. 

Whether all succeeded in what they undertook is 
not a question to be asked now. The proof that as 
a body they did succeed is all around us. Many indi- 
vid\ials were perhaps disappointed. Fortunes and 
misfortunes belong to the human race. Not every 
man can have a school-house on the corner of his 
farm ; not every man can have a bridge over a stream 
that flows by his dwelling; not every man can have a 
railroad depot on the borders of his plantation, or a city 
in its center; and while these things are desirable in 
some respects, their advantages are oftentimes out- 
weighed by the almost perpetual presence of the for- 
eign beggar, the dreaded tramp, the fear of fire and 
conflagration, and the insecurity from the presence 
of the midnight burglar, and the bold bad men and 
women who lurk in ambush and infest the villages. 
The good things of this earth are not all to be found 
in any one place ; but if more is to be found in any 
one place than another, that place is in our rural re- 
treats, — our quiet homes outside of the clamor and 
turmoil of city life. 

In viewing the blessings which surround us, then, 
we should reverence those who have made them pos- 
sible, and ever fondly cherish in memory the sturilv 
old PIONEER and his i.ou cahin. 




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<& Let lis turn our eyes and lliDUghts l>ack to thelo';- 

'R cabin days of a ([uartcr of a century aj;o, and cun- 
^ trast those homes with the comfortable dwellings of 
' to-day. Uefore us stands the old log cabin. Let us 
enter. Instinctively the head is uncovered in token 
of reverence to this relic of ancestral beginnings, 
early struggles and final triumphs. To llie left is the 
deep, wide fire-place, in whose commodious space a 
group of children ma) sit by the fire and up through 
the chimney may count the stars, while ghostly sto- 
ries of witches and giants, and still more thrilling 
stories of Indians and wiUl beasts, are whisperingly 
told and shudderingly heard. On the great crane 
hang the old lea-kettle and the great iron jxat. The 
huge shovel and tongs stand sentinel in either corner, 
while the great andirons patiently wait for the huge 
back log. Over the fire-i)lace hangs the trusty ride. 
To the right of the fire-|)lace stands the spinning- 
wheel, while in the further end of the room is seen 
the old fashioned loom. Strings of drying apples 
and poles of drying pumpkins are overhead. Opi)o- 
site the door in which you enter stands a huge deal 
S table, by its side the dresser whose " pewter plates " 
^ and " shining delf" catch and reflect the fire-place 
S flames as shields of armies do the sunshine. From 
•^ the corner of its shelves coyly peep out the relics of 
S former china. In a curtained corner and hid from 
~) casual sight we find the mother's bed, ami under it 
the trundle-bed, while near them a ladder indicates 
the loft where the older children sleep. To the left 
of the fire-place and in the corner ojiixisite the s[iin- 
ning-wheel is the mother's work-stand. LTi)on it lies 
the Bible, evidently mucli used, its family record tell- 
ing of parents and friends a long way off, and telling, 
too, of children 



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Her spectacles, as if but just used, are inserted be- 
tween the leaves of her Bible, and tell of her purjKjse 
to return to its comforts when cares |>ermit and duly 
is done. A stool, a bench, well notched and whit- 
's^ tied and carved, and a few chairs comi>lete the fur- 
niture of the room, and all stand on a coarse but 
well-scoured flour. Let us for a moment watch the 
city visitors to this humble cabin. The city bride, 
innocent but thoughtless, and ignorant of labor and 
_, care, asks her city-bred husband, "Pray, what sav- 
^ ages set this up.'" Honestly confessing his ignorance, 



he replies, "I do not know." But see the jiair on 
whom age sits "frosty but kimlly." I'irst, as they 
enter, they give a rapid glance about the cabin home, 
and then a mutual glance of eye to eye. Why do 
tears start and fill their eyes? Why do lips ipiiver.' 
There are many who know why ; but wlio that has 
not learned in the school of experience the full 
meaning of all these symbols of trials ami privations, 
of loneliness and ilanger, can comprehend the story 
'that they tell to the jiioneer? Within this chinked 
and mud-daubed cabin, we read the first pages of 
our history ; and as we retire through its low door-way, 
and note the heavy battened door, its wooden hinges 
and its welcoming latch-string, is it strange that the 
scenes without should seem to be but a dream.' Bi(t 
the cabin and the palace, standing side by side in 
vivid contrast, tell their own story of this people's 
progress. They are a history and a prophecy in one. 

-* — :=^ »iJHS! K=: " »- 

VALUE OF LOCAL HISTORY. 




l<=EFORR proceeding with the narrative of 
£ the develoi)ment of Mecosta County, it 
may not be inappropriate to refer to the 
value of local history. It is the duty of the 
present to commemorate the past, to per[)etu- 
ate the names of the pioneers, to furnish a 
record of their early settlement, and to rel.Ue the 
story of their progress. The civilization of our day, 
the enlightenment of the age, and this solemn duty 
which men of the present time owe to their ancestors, 
to themselves and to their jiosterity, ileniand that a 
record of their lives and deeds should be made. In 
local history is found a |)ower to instruct man by prec- 
edent, to enliven the mental (acuities, and to waft 
down the river of time a safe vessel in which the 
names and actions of the people who contributed to 
raise this region from its primitive state may be pre- 
served. 

Surely and rapidly the noble men who in their 
prime entered the wild forests of .\merica and claimed 
the virgin soil as their heritage, are passing to their 
graves. The number remaining who can relate the 
history of the first days of settlement is becoming 
small indeed, so that an actual necessity exists for 



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the collection and preservation of historical matter 
without delay, before the settlers of the wilderness 
are cut down by time. Not only is it of the greatest 
imixDrtance to render history of pioneer times full and 
accurate, but it is also essential that the history of 
the county, from its settlement to the present day, 
should be treated through its various phases, so that 
a record, complete and impartial, may be handed 
down to the future. If this information is not now 
collected and comjiiled in historii'al form, the genera- 
tions of the future will be called upon to expend 



large sums of money in research and exploration' 
The present, the age of progress, is reviewed, standing 
out in bold relief over the cpiiet, unostentatious olden' 
times; it is a brilliant record, which is destined to 
live in the future; the good works of men, their mag- 
nificent enterprises, their lives, whether commercial 
or military, do not sink into oblivion; but, on the 
contrary, grow brighter with age, and contribute to 
build up a record which carries with it precedents 
and ])rinciples that will be advanced and observed 
when the acts of soulless men will be forgotten, and 
their vefy names hidden in the grave. 



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HE county of Mecosta is a model county in 
point of size, shape and divisions. It is an 
exact stpiare, composed of 16 Congressional 
townships, four on each side. These coincide 
with the 16 civil townshiiis which have been 
organized within the county, with two excc])- 
lions. In the case of Grant and (Ireen Townships, 
owing to the interference of the Muskegon River, 
about two sections naturally belonging to Grant are 
attached to Green. Each Congressional township 
contains 23,040 acres, and the county accordingly 
contains 368,640 acres " more or less." Of this area 
there are but 30,000 acres under cultivation, com- 
prised in 1,200 farms. From this significant fact one 
may form some idea of the future possibilities of Me- 
costa as an agricultural count). 

The 16 Congressional townships are designated in 
the Government survey as townships 13, 14, 15 and 
16 north, ranges 7, 8, 9 and 10 west. The county 
lies a little west of the center of the Lower Peninsula 
of Micliigan, and is bounded on the north by Osceola 
County, on the east by Isabella, on the south by 



Montcalm, and on the west by Newaygo County, 
The Muskegon River flows through the western tier 
of townships, and the Little Muskegon River, rising 
in the eastern part of the county, flows in a south- 
westeriy direction, emptying into the Muskegon just 
outside of Mecosta county, thence into Lake Michi- 
gan. The Chippewa River rises in the northeast 
part of the county, and, flowing southeast and then 
east, empties into the Tittabawassee River, thence 
into the Saginaw River and Saginaw liav. Numerous 
little streams throughout the county afford ample 
drainage and plenty of living water. A number of 
lakes, from one acre to 800 acres in extent, are situ- 
ated in the east and north [lart of tiie county. These 
lakes, and smaller water-courses are described more 
fully in connection with the respective townshi[)s. 

The surface of the county is slightly rolling, and 
the soil rich and [iroductive for all kinds of crops. 
Portions of the county are sandy, especially among 
the ])ine woods, but not so much so as to make the 
soil unproductive. Tlie timber is largely beech and 
majde, mixed with valuable pine. 

Mecosta is already well supplied with railroads, 
and others now proposed will doubtless be' built in 
the course of a few years. The Grand Rapids iV' 
Indiana railroad runs north and south through the 



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western part of the county, |)assini; thrmigh Paris, 
Bii; Rapids, liyers, Kiislforil, Stanwooil, Hells Cross- 
ing and Morley. The Chicago & West Michi- 
1 gan railroad has about four miles and a half of track 
J east and west in liig Rapids Township, with its 
- ■^ terminus at Big Rapids. The present terminus of the 
Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad is also at Big 
Rapids, the road having been but recently built into 
the county. It runs from Big Rapids east and south- 
east through Colfax, Martiny, Morton, Wheatland 
and Millbrook Townshi[>s, leaving the county at a 
lX)int south of the village of ^[illl)rook. A branch of 
this road runs to Chip[)ewa Lake, in C'iiip|)ewa 
Townshij). 

The county contains one city and two incorporated 
villages, besides a number of other platted villages, 
which, with the three railroads already in operation, 
afford good markets for all produce raisetl. 



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GEOLOGY 





EOLOGY teaches that the continents of 

tiiis world were once beneath the ocean. 

It is natural, therefore, to su|>i)o,se that 

?» there are inecpialities in the bottom of the 



■ ■* ocean like those on the land. The recent 
i ' . ... 

deep-sea soundings confirm this o])inion, and 

reveal mountains and hills, valleys and table-lands. 
The greatest depth reached in sounding is 29,000 
feet, which exceeds the height of the loftiest moun- 
tain of the Himalayas. Some of the mountains of the 
sea are steeper and more abru|)t than r.ny on the 
land. In the British channel the depth changes 
within ten miles from 600 to 12,000 feet; and it is 
very common, within a few miles of the coast of 
continents and islands, for the depth to change sud- 
denly from a few hundred feet to many thousand. 
In other cases, as in a large part of the bed of the 
Atlantic, between Euro|)e and the United Slates, 
there are plateaus extending hundreds of miles with 
very slight undulations. The mysterious race that 
once occupied this continent may have sailed in 
their galleons over the Peninsula, and soundecj the 
depth of the waters which rose aljove it in precisely 
the same manner .is the mariner of lo-dav ( asts out 



the sounding line. At the close of the Corniferous 
epoch a great upheaval of sea botton) formeil a line 
of land across the southern counties of Michigan, 
which e.vtended to an older and wider formation in 
the southern part of Ohio. 

The lantl now within the boundaries of Mecosta 
was still submerged, but by degrees the southern 
belt rose higher, spread out towards the northern 
continent, and was actuall) approa"hing the state of 
dryland at the beginning of the coal-deiX)sit era. 
At its close Mecosta and the counties bordering 
formed the high lands of the Lower Peninsula. It 
is stated that Lakes Michigan, Huron, Erie and On- 
tario were not in existence then, their places being 
represented by a swift running river, with expansions. 
The great geological age, the Mesozoic, dates from 
this time. It was marked by activity in the animal 
and vegetable kingdom, mild climates and the myri- 
ads of reptiles which swarmed in rivers and over 
land. Save in the fossils there is no record of the 
progress of this age to be found within the bounda- 
ries of Mecosta. The Tertiary period succeeded the 
Mesozoic. It was an age of beautiful climates and 
high development of mammals. Animals greater 
than the mastodon roamed over the land through 
verdant forests, meeting their enemy, man, and ulti- 
mately disappearing inider his continued attacks. 

The scene was changed; the snow and ice came 
on, burying all nature in its whitenesF, and robbing 
the land of life. It was the beginning of the Olacial 
l)eriod. The duration of this age is lost in mjstery. 
Were it possible to ignore the work of a Cod in the 
formation of the world, the continuance of the ice 
age might be set down at two thousand years ; ac- 
knowledging a divine economy in the handiwork of 
the world, the period of its duration might have been 
an incretlibly short lime. Spring time came, and 
with it the sea of ice, which covered the land and 
water to a depth of over i;.ooo feet, began to break up 
and dissolve, and the solids hekl within its grasp fell 
down and formed a bed of rocky fragments or boul- 
der drift. The countless currents which sprang into 
existence and formed for themselves ten thousand 
channels, were the princijial agents in the conforma- 
tion of that pel uliar stratum known as the '" Modified 
Drift." 

I'Vom Saginaw Bay to Lake Michigan, via the 
v.dlcNsof the Shiawassee and Muskegon Rivers, a 






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great channel, deep and wide, extended. South of 
this line barriers existed that checked the flow of the 
waters south and from hundreds of reservoirs. This 
accumulation of ice-water and the second season of 
ice resulted in the formation of another glacial field, 
differing from the great glacier in its dei)th and dur- 
ation, being not over four feet in thickness. Along 
the borders of those reservoirs the ice became an in- 
tegral part of the shore soil, of course including the 
limestone; and when the second geological spring 
time arrived, millions of cubic feet of water were 
added to these lakes, resulting in bursting asunder 
their green covering of ice, which, in ascending, 
carried with it the limestone tables, and as the waters 
fell, deposited them in the positions which they hold 
to-day. As the Niagara rock was worn down, the 
rushing waters made for themselves deeper channels, 
and the inland lakes lowered just in proportion as 
the great lakes. The present river system was laid 
out by nature. 

There are few special features in the geological 
character of Mecosta County. There have been 
valuable deposits of gypsum discovered, and both 
coal and petroleum are supposed to abound beneath 
the surface. The future geologist will doul)tless 
find much of value and interest not at present 
known in regard to this region. 









BOTANICAL 




[t T is unnecessary to name the flora of Me- 
costa County since the species are so nu- 
merous and well-known. Dr. Gray, in his 
treatise on the Botany of the Northern States 
East of the Mississippi, gives 130 orders of 
flowering plants. In i860 a botanical survey 
of the State was made, under N.' H. Winchell. His 
report regarded every flower, plant, shrub, tree and 
grass to be found in Michigan, then numbering 1,205 
species, as all native with 85 exceptions. In 1880 
Messrs. Wheeler and Smith, of Hubbardston, Mich., 
comiiited and published a coniiilcte flora of this 
State, with corrections to date. Of this great num- 
ber there are at present found within the confines of 
Mecosta County nearly 400 genera, emoracing pos- 
sibly 1,000 species. A large number of species con- 
sidered in the rei)ort of 1S60 have disappeared, 
while perhaps 25 species have been introduced 
within the last 20 years. The flowers, etc., arc as 
rich generally as may l)e found in any of the North- 
ern States; in a few instances the l)rilliancy of hue 
is unequaled by any. All appear to reach perfection 
in tliis iiortion of the Peninsular State. 





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HE Indians visited by tin.- 
AScarliest wiiite explorers of this 
continent were without culti- 
vation, refinement or litera- 
ture, and far behind the 
Mound-Iiuilders in the knowl- 
edge of the arts. The question 
of their origin has long interested 
• archx'ologists, and is the niofl 
difficult one they have been call- 
ed upon to answer. 
Of their [iredecessors the Indian 
M. tribes knew nothing; they even had 
^, no traditions respecting them. It is 
fi ([uite certain that they were the siic- 
\h cessors of a race which had entirely 
passed away ages before the dis- 
covery of the New World. One 
J1] hypothesis is that the American In- 
- dians are an original race indigen- 
ous to the Western Hemisphere. 
Those who entertain this view 
think their peculiarities of physical 
' structure preclude the jwssibility of 
a common parentage with the rest of mankind. 
Prominent among those distinctive traits is the hair, 
V which in the red man is round, in the white man 
i oval, and in the black man flat. 
*jP Among common supiwsitions, however, is that 

fthey are a derivative race, and sprang from one or 
more of the ancient peoples of Asia. In the absence 
of all authentic history, and when even tratlition is 
^ wanting, any attempt to point out the particular loca- 



tion of their origin must prove unsatisfactory 
Though the exact place of origin may never be 
known, yet the striking coincidence of physical or- 
ganization between the oriental type of mankind and 
the Indians jwints unmistakably to some parts of 
Asia as the i)lace whence they emigrated, which was 
originally peopled to a great extent by the children 
of Shem. In this connection it has been claimed 
that the meeting of the Europeans, Indians and 
Africans on the continent of America, is the fulfill- 
ment of a prophecy as recorded in Genesis ix, 27 ; 
" God shall enlarge Japheth, and he shall tlwell in 
the tents of Shem; and Canaan shall be his servant." 
Assuming the theory to be true that the Indian tribes 
are of Shemitic origin, they were met on this conti- 
nent in tiie fifteenth century by the Japhetic race 
after the two stocks had passed around the globe by 
directly opposite routes. A few years after this the 
Ilamitic branch of the human family was brought 
from the coast of Africa. During the occupancy of 
the continent by the tliree distinct races, the children 
of Japhetli have grown and prospered, while the 
called and not voluntary sons of Ham have endured 
a servitude in the wider stretching valleys of the 
tcjits of Shem. 

Wlien Ciiristoi)her Columbus had finally suc- 
ceeded in demonstrating tlie trutli of his theory 
that by sailing westward from Europe land would be 
discovered, disembarking on the island of San Salva- 
dor he supposed he had reached the East Indies. This 
was an error, but it led to the adoption of the name 
" Indians " for the inhai)itants of the isknul and the 
main land of America, by which name ihe red men 



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of America have ever since been known. Of the 
several great branches of North American Indians 
the only ones entitled to consideration in Michigan 
history are the Algoni|uins and Iroquois. At the time 
of the discovery of America the former occupied the 
Atlantic seal)oard, while the home of the Iroquois 
was an island in this vast Algon(iuin population. 

An almost continuous warfare was carried on be- 
tween tribes; but later, on the entrance of the white 
man into their beloved homes, every foot of territory 
was fiercely disputed by the confederacy of many 
neighboring tribes. The Algonquins formed the 
most e.\tensive alliances to resist the enroachment of 
the whites, especially the English. Such was the 
nature of King Phillip's war. This king, with his 
Algonquin braves, spread terror and desolation 
throughout New England. With the Algonquins as 
the controlling spirits, a confederacy of continental 
proportions was the result, embracing in its alliance 
the tribes of every name and lineage from the North- 
ern lakes to the gulf. Pontiac, having breathed into 
tlieni liis ini[)la(able hate of the English intruders, 
ordered the conflict to commence. 

The Indians had not only their " /iuiiii/(>iis,' but 
also their evil spirits ; and the wild features of the 
lake scenery appears to have impressed their savage 
minds with sujjerstition. Tliey believed that all the 
prominent points of this wide region were created 
and guarded by monsters ; and the images of these 
they sculptured on stone, painted ujxm the rocks, or 
carved upon the trees. Those who " obeyed " these 
supernatural beings they thought would after death 
range among flowery fields filled with the choicest 
game, while those who neglected their counsels 
would wander amid dreary solitudes, stung by gnats 
as large as pigeons. 

INDIAN LIFE. 

HE art of hunting not only supplied tlie 
Indian with food, but, like that of war, was 
^ a means of gratifying his love of deslinc- 
tion. The male children, as soon as they 
nccjuired sufficient age and strength, were fur- 
nished with a bow and arrow, and taught to 
shoot birds and other small game. Success in killing 





large animals required years of careful study and 
practice, and the art was as sedulously inculcated 
in the minds of the rising generation as are the ele- 
ments of reading, writing and aritlimetic in the com- 
mon schools of civilized communities. The mazes 
of the forest and the dense tall grass of the prairies 
were the objects of the most searching scrutiny, and 
revealed at a glance the animal that made any visi- 
ble traces, the direction it was pursuing, and the 
time that had elapsed since it had passed. In a for- 
est country he selected the valleys, because they 
were most frequently the resort of game. The most 
easily taken, perhaps, of all the animals of the chase 
was the deer. It is endowed with a curiosity which 
l>rompts it to stop in its flight and look back at the 
approaching hunter, who always avails himself of tiiis 
op|X)rtunity to let fly the fatal arrow. 

Their general councils were comjiosed of the chiefs 
and old men. \\'lien in council they usually sat in 
concentric circles around the speaker, and each indi- 
vidual, notwithstanding the fiery passions that burned 
within, preserved an exterior as immovable as though 
cast in bronze. Before commencing business a per- 
son appeared with the sacred pipe, and another with 
fire to kindle it. After being lighted it was first 
presented to heaven, then to the earth, then to the 
presiding spirit, and lastly to the several councilors, 
each of whom took a whiff. These formalities were 
observed with as close exactness as state eticpietle in 
civilized courts. 

The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest 
and rudest character. On some (ileasant sjiot by the 
i)ank of a river, or near an ever running spring, they 
raised their groups of wigwams, < onstructed of the 
bark of trees, and easily taken down and removed 
to another sjwt. The dwelling-places of tlie chiefs 
were sometimes more spacious, antl constructed wiih 
greater care, but of the same materials. .Skins taken 
in the chase served them for repose. 

Though principally dependent upon hunting 
and fishing, the uncertain supply from these sources 
led them to cultivate small patches oi corn. 
Every family did everything necessary within 
itself, commerce, or an exchange of articles, being 
almost unknown to them. In case of dispute and 
dissension, each Indian relied upon himself for retali- 
ation ; blood for blood was the rule, and the relatives 
of the slain man were Ijound to obtain bloody revenge 
for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter 



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of course, to innumerable and hitter feuds, and wars 
of extermination, when such were ixassible. \\"ar, 
indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's glory and 
dcHght — war, not conducted as in civilization, hut 
wliere individual skill, endurance, gallantry and 
cruelty were prime reijuisites. For such a i>urpose as 
revenge the Indian would make great sacrifices, and 
display a patience and perseverance truly heroic ; hut 
wiien the excitement was over he sank hack into a 
listless, unoccupied, well-nigh useless savage. Dur- 
ing the intervals of his more exciting pursuits, the 
Indian employed his time in decorating his jierson 
with all tiie refinement of paint and feathers, and in 
the manufacture of his arms and canoes. These 
were constructed of hark, and so light that they 
could easily he carried on the shoulder from stream 
to stream. His amusements were the war dance, 
athletic games, the narration of his exploits and lis- 
tening to the oratory of the chiefs ; hut during long 
periods of such existence he remained in a stale of 
toriwr, gazing listlessly ujion the trees of the forest 
and the clouds that sailed .ahove them; and this 
vacancy imprinted haiiitual gravity, and even mehiu- 
choly, upon his general deportment. 

The main lahor and drudgery of Indian communi- 
ties fell ujjon the women. The planting, tending 
and gathering of the crops, making mats and baskets, 
carrying burdens, — in fact, all things of the kind 
were performed by them, thus making their condition 
hut little better than slaves. Marriage was merely a 
matter of bargain and sale, the husimnd giving ])res- 
ents to the father of the bride. In general they had 
hut few children. They were subjected to many 
and severe attacks of sickness, and at limes famine 
and pestilence swept away whole tribes. 



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THE INDIAN DEAD. 





HE nature of their funeral rites is thus de- 
scribed : .\ few days after the burial the 
child, the father or mother or near relative 
of the deceased gave a feast. The food was 
prepared and carried to the grave, to which all 
sympathizing friends repaired. If the feast 
was prepared by a man, none hut men attended ; and 




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the same rule applied to women, as in the case under 
notice. When assembled, the ruler of the feast dis- 
tributed to each one present a jjortion of the food 
prepared ; and each one, before i)artaking, put a small 
ciuantily on the head of the grave, so that it might 
fall through an aperture and reach the l)ody of the 
dead. In such a female gathering, if one of the 
company were deemed profligate, she was not per- 
mitted to make this offering to the dead through her 
own hands; but another received it from her, and of- 
fered it on her behalf. After the offerings were 
made to the deceased, the remainder of the food was 
eaten by the company. Similar feasts were held in 
honor of deceased men and women. When the 
party consisted of warriors, addresses were made, 
and the virtues of the dead chanted. The festivals 
are repeated every year, and when returning from 
their wintering grounds to their villages in the spring 
they were accustomed to clear away the grass and 
weeds from each grave, and keep them cleared dur- 
ing the summer. Ainonji the Ottawas it was custom- ^ 
ary to i)lace a post, proi>ortioned in height to the . >. 
age and size of the deceased, at the head of the = 
grave. On one side of this post a])peared the pic- ^. 
ture of an animal, the name of wliicli was the pre- ^ 
vailing name in the family. On the other side was 'C/ 
a clumsy drawing, slightly resembling a man minus *' 
a head, representing a i)erson whom the deceased 
had slain in war; or, if it were a child, the victim 
of one of its relatives was painted, k man with a 
head signified a person wounded. Such hieroglyph- 
ics were multiplied in just such measure as circum- 
stances pointed out. Near the grave jwst was [daced 
a cane, about two feet in length, so that when the 
D.issing Indian or visitor arrived at the grave he 
strikes the post two or three times to announce his 
arrival. Posts eight or ten feet high were frequently 
placed by the side of a hut, and always near the wig- 
wam or hut wherein the conjurers met to consult on 
the cause of severe illness. On the upper end of 
this post was cut the figure of tlie human face. Mr. 
I,> kins, afterwards associated with McCoy, discovered ^ 
one on Grand River, on wliii h was carved with sav- ' 
age ex(|uisiteness a bust of some Indian chief. In ^,V. 
the village was seen a tall jxjle, neatly pealed, r* 
streaked in vermilion and surmounted with a hunch <i 
of green boughs, probaljly representing the victory of (^^ 
some savage political party. ^ 









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THE INDIANS' FUTURE. 



lTORM and flood and disease have created 
^^k sad havoc in the ranks of tlie ahoriiiines 
snice the occui)ation of the country by the 
white man. Inlierent causes have led to the 
decimation of the race even more than the ad- 
vance of civihzation, which seems not to affect 
it materially. In tiie maintenarjce of the same num- 
ber of representatives durins; tliree centuries, and its 
existence in the very face of a most unceremonious, 
and, whenever necessary, cruel, comiuest, the grand 
dispensations of the Unseen Ruler are demonstrated; 
for, without the aborigines, savage and treacherous 
as they were, it is possiljle that the explorers of for- 
mer times would have so many natural difficulties to 



contend with that their work would be surrendered in 
despair, and the most fertile regions of the continent 
reserved for the plowshares of the coming generations. 
It is very ([uestionable whether the ultimate resolve 
of Columbus was not strengthened by the appear- 
ance of the bodies of Indians on the coast of Europe, 
even as the fact of the existence of a people in the 
interior led the French explorers in the very heart of 
the continent in later days. From this standpoint 
their services can not be over-estimated. Their e.\- 
istence is embraced in the plan of the Divinity for 
his government of the world ; and it will not be a 
matter of surprise to learn that the same intelligence 
which sent a thrill of liberty tlirough every nerve of the 
Republic will, in the near future, devise sotne method 
under which the remnant of a great and ancient race 
may taste the sweets of public symi>athy, and feel 
that, after a long season of suffering, they have at 
last found a shelter amid a sympathizing people. 






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SETTLEMENT. 



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lOl'CH less than a third of 
•J^ a century has passed since 

ft lie first pioneers began im- 
[irovements in this region, 
tiiey have converted the 
dense wilderness into a culti- 
vated, productive country, fit for 
the home of an intelligent peo- 
ple, and affording all the con- 
veniencies and comforts of an 
advanced civilization. The first 
white settlers within the limits of 
what is now Mecosta County were 
John Davis and family and John 
Parish, the former of whom are still 
living, and residents of this county. Mr. Davis 
located on what is now section 27, in the township of 




Mecosta, in 1 85 i, where he and his family still reside. 
Mr. Parish, who was a bachelor, located al)0ut tiie 
same time on a point of land in a bend of Muskegon 
River, about a mile below where the lower iiridge in 
the city of Big Rapids now spans tiie stream. He 
built a log cabin and cleared three or four acres, 
which was afterwards known to all tlie early settlers 
as the " Parish lot." A short distance up stream 
from tliat [joint tlie current of the water is very 
swift, and the place was known among lumbermen 
as the " Big Rapids." When the village was founded, 
which has since grown to be one of the promising 
cities of Michigan, the lumbermen's name was re- 
tained. Mr. Parish continued to reside on his first 
claim (which was within the [iresent limits of the 
First Ward of Big Rapids) for three or four years, and 
then removed to the township of Green, locating 



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where the village of Paris now stands. He laid out 
tiiat village some years before his death in 1869. A 
year after these first settlers, came William Brockway, 
who, July 20, 1852, moved his family into a ''logging 
shanty," which stood on tiie south hank of Mitchell 
Creek, near where the dwelling of Jesse Varney, in 
the Fourth Ward, was afterwards built. Mr. Brock- 
way was engaged in lumbering, residing in the shanty 
mentioned till the spring or summer of 1853. Feb. 
12, 1853, his wife, Margaret Brockway, gave birth to 
a daughter, who was named Alice, and who was the 
first white child born in the county. Mr. Brockway 
is still living, being a resident of Hinton Township, 
in this county. Early in March, 1854, Zerah French 
and family, and George French, with his mother and 
sisters, removed to Big Rapids, and were the first 
white families permanently located in the vicinity of 
this flourishing place. Their nearest neighbors were 
the finiily of John Davis, about ten miles distant, 
and the nearest settlement was at Big Rapids, up- 
wards of twenty miles away. 

The first settlers of the various t()wnshi|is are 
mentioned in the township sketches, and in the his- 
tory of Big Rajiids is given a full account of the 
settlement of that place. 



HOW OUR FATHERS LIVED. 




ago. 



HE young men and women of to-day have 
little conception of the mode of life among 
the early settlers of Mecosta County. In but 
few respects are the manners of the present 
time similar to those of a quarter of a century 
The clothing, the dwellings, the diet, the social 
customs, etc., have undergone a total revolution, as 
though a new race had taken jjossession of the land. 
Pioneer life in Mecosta County finds its jjarallel in 
almost every county in the State, and throughout the 
Slate, and throughout the entire Northwest. The 
land was to be cleared of forests, and the skill of 
human art used to transjdant to this fertile region 
the civilization of the East. Cabins were to be 
erected, wells dug, and the rivers and creeks made 
to labor for the benefit tof mankind. 



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As many living citizens can well remember, the Vj 
|)ioneers had many difticuliies to contend with, not ■■' 
the least of which was the journey from civilization •'.'. 
to their forest iiomes. The route lay through a wild 
and rough country; swamps and marshes were .' 
crossed with great exertion and fatigue; rivers were 
forded with difficulty and danger; nights were passed 
in the dense forests, with mother earth for a couch 
and the trees and foliage for a shelter; long, weary 
days and weeks of travel were endured, but finally 
their eyes were gladdened, and their hearts beat 
faster, when a vision of their future home burst ujkju 
them. 

The first thing upon arrival was to set about build- 
ing a cabin. While this was being done, the family 
slept in their wagons or upon the grass, while the 
horses or mules, hobbled to prevent escape, grazed 
the country near them, 'i'rees of a suitable and 
uniform size were selected, felled and prepared for 
their places. The day for the raising was announced, 
and from far and near came other ])ioneers to assist 
in the labor. The structure went up, a log at a time, 
those engaged stopping now and then to " wet their 
whistles," and soon it was ready for the clapboard roof, 
which was held on by huge weight poles. A doorantl 
a window were cut where the good wife directed, a \^ 
chimney built, and the building was ready for its occu- "^ 
pants. The space between the logs was filled in with 
split sticks of wood, called "chinks," and then 
daubed over, both inside and out, with mortar made 
of clay. The floor was sometimes nothing more 
than earth tramped hard and smooth, but was com- 
monly made of " puncheons," or split logs, with the 
split side turned upwards. The roof was made by V 
gradually drawing in the top to the ridge-pole, and ; 
on cross-pieces laying the "clapboards," which, be- . 
ing several feet in length, instead of being nailed 
were held in place by " weight-poles," reaching the 
entire length of the cabin. For a fire-place, a space 
was cut out of the logs on one side of the room, 
usually about six feet in length, and three sides were 
built up of logs, making an ofi"-set in thewall. This (^ 
was lined with stone, if convenient; if not, then, | 
earth. The flue, or upi)er part of the chimney, was 
built of small split sticks, two and a half or three 
feet in length, carried a little space above the roof, 'j( 
and i)lastered over with clay, and when finished was '^ 
called a '' cat and-( lay " chimney. The door space */ 
was also made by cutting an aperture in one side of \ 



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the room of the required size, the door itself being 
made of clapboards secured by wooden pins to two 
cross-pieces. The hinges were also of wood, while 
the fastening consisted of a wooden latch catching 
on a hook of the same material. To open the door 
from the outside, a strip of buckskin was tied to the 
latch and drawn through a hole a few inches above 
the latch-bar, so that on pulling the string the latch 
was lifted from the catch or hook, and the door was 
opened without further trouble. To lock the door it 
was only necessary to pull the string through the 
hole to the inside. Here the family lived, and here 
the guest and wayfarer were made welcome. The 
living-room was of good size, but to a large extent 
it was also kitclien, bed-room, parlor and arsenal, 
with flitches of bacon and rings of dried pumpkins 
suspended from the rafters. 

Tliese simple cabins were inliabited by a kind and 
true-liearted people, and in them were domestic in- 
dustry, happiiiess and hospitality rarely elsewhere to 
be found. It is well for " Young America " to look 
back on those early days. They involved a life of 
toil and hardship, and the lack of many comforts; 
but it was the life that made men of character. Me- 
costa County to-day has no better men than the sons 
of those who built their cabins in the forest, and by 
patient endurance wrought out of the wilderness the 
landmarks for a prosperous commonwealth. 



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WEDDINGS. 




I'LddiR J'^l'f'INGS constituted an attractive feature 
of pioneer life. There was no distinction 
"W^O ^'^ rank, and very little of fortune On these 
'''W%\ accounts the first impressions of love uen- 
|Y orally resulted in marriage. Tlie family 
L est:'.blishment cost but little labor, and nothing 
more than labor. The marriage was always ce!e- 
l)rated at the house of the i>ridc, and she was gen- 
erally left to choose the ofticiating clergyman. A 
wedding, however, engaged the'altention of the whole 
neighborhood. It was anticipated by both old and 
young with eager expectation. On the morning of 
the wedding day, the groom and his intimate friends 
assembled at the house of his father, and after due 

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preparation departed en masse for the " mansion " of 
the bride. 

The journey was sometimes made on horseback, 
sometimes on foot, and sometimes in farm wagons 
and carts. It was always a merry journey, and to 
insure merriment the bottle was always taken along. 
On reaching the house of the bride the marriage 
ceremony took place, and then dinner or supper was 
served. After the meal the dancing commenced, 
and generally lasted until the following morning. 
The figures of the dances were three and four hand- 
ed reels, or square sets and jigs. The commence- 
ment was always a square four, which was followed 
by what pioneers called ''jigging," that is, two of the 
four would single out for a jig, and were followed by 
the remaining couple. The jigs were often accom- 
panied by what was called "cutting out;" that is, 
when either of the parties became tired of the dance, 
on intimation, the place was supplied by some one 
of the company without interruption of the dance. 
In this way the reel was continued until the musi- 
cian was exhausted. 

About nine or ten o'clock in the evening, a deputa- 
tion of young ladies stole off the bride and put her to 
bed. In doing this they would have to ascend a 
ladder from the kitchen, composed of loose boards. 
Here in the bridal chamber, the young, simple-hearted 
girl was put to bed by her enthusiastic friends. This 
done, a deputation of young men escorted the groom 
to the same apartment. The dance still continued 
until all were weary. On the next evening the 
" infare " was held, nowadays called " reccjjtion." 



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" SHAKES." 



J MOTHER feature of pioneer life, which 
IjWKa every old settler will vividly recall, was the 
'ili-QT "chills and fever," "fever and ague," or 



j|a,r " shakes," as it was variously called. It was a 
y terror to new comers, for in the fall of the 
year almost everybody was afflicted with it. It was 
no respecter of persons ; everybody looked pale and 
sallow as tliough frost-bitten. It was not contagious, 
but derived from iiupure air and water, which is al- 
ways developed in the ojiening up of a new country. 



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The iinpurities continued to bo absorbed from day to 
day, and from week to week, until the wliole body 
coriKjrate became saturated with it as with electricity ; 
and then tlie shock came; and llie shock was a 
regular shake, with a fixed beginning and ending, 
coming on in some cases each day, but generally on 
alternate days, witli a regularity that was surprising. 
After the shakes came the fever, and this " last 
estate was worse than the first;" it was a burning 
hot fever, and lasted for hours. 

When you had a chill you couldn't get warm, and 
when you had the fever you couldn't get cool. It 
was exceedingly awkward in this respect, — indeed it 
was; nor would it stop for any contingency; not 
even a wedding in the family would stop it. It was 
imperative and tyrannical. When the apiwinled 
time came around everything else had to l)e stojjped 
to attend to its demands. It didn't even have any 
Sundays or holidays. After the fever went down 
you still didn't feel much better; you felt as though 
you had gone through some sort of collision, thresh- 
ing macliine, or jarring machine, and came out, not 
killed, but next thing to it. You felt weak, as though 
you had run too far after something, and then didn't 
catch it. You felt languid, stupid and sore, and was 
down in the mouth and heel, and jjartially raveled 
out ; your back was out of fix, your head aclied, and 
your appetite was crazy ; your eyes had too much 
white in them; your ears, especially after taking ([ui- 
nine, had too much roar in them, and your whole 
body and soul were entirely woe-begone, disconso- 
late, sad, poor, and good-for-nothing; you didn't 
think much of yourself, and you didn't believe that 
Other people did either, and you didn't care. You 
didn't (juite make up your mind to commit suicide, 
but sometimes wished some accident would happen 
to knock either the malady or yourself out of 
existence. You imagined that even the dogs look- 
ed at you with a sort of commiseration; you thought 
the sun had a sort of sickly shine about it. Al.'out 
this time you came to the conclusion that you would 
not take the whole State as a gift ; and if you had 
the strength and means you would |>ick up Hannah 
and the baby, and your traps, and go back " yander " 
to " Ole V'irginny," the " Jarseys," Maryland, or 
" I'ennsylvany." 

This bilious condition was as bad as the consuni])- 
tion for promising to leave you alone, and failing to 



keep its engagements; as bad as a weak-minded old 
debtor in promising to pay and e\er delaying the 
fulfillment of his promise. 

.\iiil lo-ilay till' swalldw-i lUtling 
){i(Uiiil niv ral)lii sec nic silting 
^loiiilily witliin tlic sun-iliiiic, 

.liHl inside my sileiil iloor, 
\\ :iil inn' t'nr tlip ■* agcr," .-ippniiiig 
Like .1 man foioviT (h'cainiii^: 
.\li(l till- suiilijllit, iMi uir .strraiiiiii;;. 

Thiows nil sli.iijiiws on tlii' llimr: 
I'lir Tni lull llilii anil salliiw 
To nial<i' shallows on tin' Iloor — 

Xary shallow any inori-! 

Tiie foregoing is not a picture of the imagination : 
it is simply recounting in quaint phrase what actually 
occurred in hundreds of cases. Whole families would 
sometimes be sick at one time, and not one member 
at all able to wait upon another. Labor or exercise 
always aggravated the malady, and it took General 
Laziness a long time to thrash the enemy out. These 
were the days of swallowing all sorts of roots and 
" yaibs," and whisky straight, with some faint hopeof 
relief. Finally, when the case wore out, the last 
remedy got the credit of the cure. 



FIRST THINGS 



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jfc X Mecosta County the first white child born 
was Alice Brockway, daughter of William 
and Margaret Brockway, the second family 5^ 
to settle in the County. She was born l-'eb. 12, ^ 
1853, less than a year after her parents settled / 
■'among the pines.' 
in the fall of 1854, Silas Moore and Mrs. Sally 
French were married at Big Rapids, by Elder Kelly, 
of Big Prairie. This was the first wedding in the 
county. 

In the fall of the same year, James Montague, of fT 
dreen Township, sowed two acres of winter wheat, [ 
which was undoubtedly the first wheat sown in the • ' 
county. 

In the summer of 1856, John Hinton, of the y^ 
township of Hinton, built a large frame barn, 
which was the first frame building erected in the ^ 



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^ county. The lumber for it was cut with a whip-saw, 

fU involving a task that would discourage most men. 

^ John Davis erected a large frame l)arn in the town- 
i ship of Mecosta the same year. 

^ In the fall of 1856, Warren & Ives erected a 

part of the frame for a water-jxjwer saw-mill on 
Mitchell Creek, near where Michigan avenue, in Big 
Rapids, crosses that stream. The mill was com- 
pleted during the next spring and summer, and start- 
ed for the first time, and a few boards sawed, on the 
Fourth of July, 1857, twenty-six years ago. This 
was the first mill, and the first lumber manufactured, 
in Mecosta County. This mill was the first manu- 
factory of any kind ever erected in the county, and 
in those days was regarded as an institution of no 
little magnitude. It was well known to all the ear- 
lier inhabitants as the " Old Red Mill," and was in 
operation for many years, furnishing the lumber and 
limber for all the oldest wooden buildings in this city 
and vicinity. It was torn down a number of years 
ago, and little trace of the once busy mill now re- 
minds the resident of earlier days. 

Immediately after the mill was put in operation, 
the same firm, Messrs. M'arren & Ives, erected a 
small frame building for an office, a few rods south of 
the mill. Dining the same summer, they erected a 
two-story frame boarding house, which was the first 
"j frame dwelling in Big Rapids, and also a large frame 
barn. 

In November, 1857, a weekly mail was established 
between Big Rapids and Greenville. Jesse L. Shaw 
was appointed postmaster at Big Rapids, the name 
of the office when first established being Leonard. 
It was kept at the office of Warren & Ives, near 
the mill, and was the first post-office in the county. 
Prior to that time, the nearest post-office was at Cro- 
ton, in Newaygo County, twenty-eight miles distant, 
from which point mail for this region was usually 
brought in a hand-satchel, the settlers taking turns 
in going after it. In December, 1863, a tri-weekly 
mail route was established between Big Rapids and 
Newaygo; and alwut the same time, a Mr. Van- 
sickle, of Big Prairie, who was the mail carrier, com- 
menced carrying passengers in a rickety old two- 
seated wagon, which he called a tri-weekly stage. It 
was the first thing of the kind in this part of the 
country, and its establishment was hailed as a luxury. 
In May, 1858, a log school-house was built on 

^ section twenty-eight, in the township of Creen; and 



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during the summer following a school was taught in 
it by Mrs. Martha J. Evarts. This was the first 
school-house built, and the first school taught in the 
county. 

During the summer of 1858, Augustine N. Will- 
iams erected and opened a small hotel, which grew 
to be the Pacific House of later years, but which is 
now not run as a hotel. A part of the present struc- 
ture is the original building erected by Mr. Williams. 
Although every settler's '' latch-string " was kept 
hanging out, and every man's cabin afforded a stop- 
ping place for the traveler, this was the first hotel in 
the county. 

At a special meeting of the Board of Supervisors 
of Mecosta County, held Sept. i, 1859, Warren and 
Ives were granted permission to establish a rope 
ferry across Muskegon River, near the place where 
the lower bridge in this city now spans the stream. 

The first equalized assessed valuation of the county 
(including the then unorganized county of Osceola, 
which was attached to Mecosta for judicial and mu- 
nicipal purposes), as determined at a regular meeting 
of the Board of Supervisors in October, 1859, was 
$376,447.84. The first county tax, which was levied 
at this same meeting, was 113,137.40. 

The first general store in Mecosta County was 
opened by Edson Fuller, in 1859, in Big Rapids. 
The stock of merchandise for this store was hsuled 
by teams from Grand Rapids, over roads that neither 
tongue nor pen can describe. The store stood on 
the corner of Michigan avenue and Elm street. 

The first frame school building in the county was 
a two-story edifice built in Big Rapids in 1859. 

At the April election in i860, a proposition was 
carried to raise by tax $6,000 to build a bridge over 
Muskegon River and to build a county jail. Aeon- 
tract to build tlie bridge just above where the lower 
bridge in this city now stands, was let to John F. 
Tinkham, May 24, i860, for $2,500. The bridge was 
completed and accepted Sei)t. 14, i860, and was the 
first frame bridge over the Muskegon in Mecosta 
County. The proposition to build a county jail was 
afterwards abandoned, and rescinded by the Board. 

The first term of tlie Mecosta (Circuit Court was 
held at the school-house in the village ot Leonard, 
commencing April 17, 1S60, Hon. F. J. I.ittlejohn 
presiding. 

The first lime burned in this county was by John 



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Snyder, in i860, in the township of Green. Judge 
C. C. Fuller bought the first load of it and used it in 
the construction of a dwellint; on'the southeast cor- 
ner of Michigan avenue and Linden street, in Big 
Rapids. 

The first genera! celebration in this county of the 
national anniversary was held at Big Rapids, July 4, 
1862. The officers of the day were Charles Shafer, 
President: C. C Fuller, Reader; E. L. (>ray. Ora- 
tor; J. O. Coburn, Marshal; and Rev. Mr. .Mills, 
Chaplain. 

The first photograph gallery in the county was es- 
tablished at Big Rapids, by Zerah French, in 1862. 

The first election of county officers was held on 
the first Monday in April, 1859, at which time the fol- 
lowing officers were chosen : Alfred L. Clark, Sherifl'; 
Orrin Stevens, Clerk and Register; Charles Shafer, 
Treasurer; Jesse A. Barker, Judge of Probate; Aug- 
ustine N. Williams, County Surveyor. William T. 
Howell, of Newaygo, was apix)inted the first Pros- 
ecuting Attorney. 

The first meeting of the Board of Sui)ervisors was 
held on the first Monday in May, 1859. Present 
Jesse A. Barker, Supervisorof Green, and Luther Cobb, 
Suijervisor of Leonard — there being at that time (jut 
two organized townships in the comity. 

The first kiln of brick burned in the county was 
put up by James Gillespie, in the summer of 1862, 
alx)ut a mile and a half southwest of the original 
plat of the village of Big Rai)ids. .A Mr. Fitzgerald 
put up a small kiln in i860, in the hollow on State 
street, a short distance south of C. C. Fuller's resi- 
dence, but abandoned it before burning. Prior to the 
burning of Gillespie's kiln, all brick used in Uiis 
region were hauled from Grand Rapids, at an ex- 
pense of from $50 to $80 per thousand. 

The first fire in the county occurred Jan. 29, 1863, 
when French's hotel, a large frame structure, was 
burned. It had been built the summer i)revious. 

The first secret order established in the county 
was Big Rapids Lodge, No. 171, Free and Accei)ted 
Masons, which was instituted in 1865. 

In the spring of 1865, Thomas Lazell put up and 
commenced operating a steam saw-mill and planing 
machine in Big Rai)ids, — the first steam power in the 
county. 

The first harness-shop in the county ivas started in 
Big Rapids, by A. S. Mason, in October, 1864. 

The first millinery establishment in Mecosta County 






was opened in the spring of 1865 in Big Rapids, by 
Mrs. J. W. Tenny. 

The first religious society in the county was the 
First Methodist Episcopal Church of Big Rapids, 
which was organized Oct. 23, 1865, with William |. 
Aldricli as pastor. During the following summer the 
society built a church edifice, — the first in Mecosta 
County, — and dedicated it Nov. 16, 1867. 

The first daily stage route was established between 
Big Rapids and Newaygo, in November, 1S65, by 
Hiram Misner, and with it came a daily mail. The 
following December a weekly mail route was estab- 
lislied between Big Rapids and llersey. 

The first drug store in the county was opened in 
February, 1866, in Big Rapids, by J. W. Perry. 

In the spring of 1866, John Bigelow and William 
Van Loo built a large flouring mill on Ryan Creek, 
about two miles southeast of Big Rapids. This was 
the first mill devoted exclusively to the grinding of 
grain in the county. 

In July, 1866, at a s[)ecial meeting of the Board of 
Supervisors, permission was granted F. II. Todil & 
Co., to build a dam across the Muskegon River in 
the u[)i)er i)art of Big Rapids. This was the first 
dam across the Muskegon River in Mecosta County, 
and it afterwards became known as the 'I'ioga Com- 
pany's dam. 

During the summer of 1866, James Sutherland 
erected a brick dwelling on the southeast corner of 
State and Maple streets in Big Rapids, which was 
the first brick structure in the county. 

In the spring of 1867, Gen. Stephen Bronson and 
his son Charles D. opened a banking house in Big 
Rapids, — the first in Mecosta County. 

In 1867, Duncan McLellan and Robert A. Moon 
built and opened a tannery on the Tioga race in Big 
Rapids, — the first institution of its kind in the 
comity. 

Sejjt. 17, 1867, a school-teachers' convention was 
held in Big Rapids, — the first gathering of the kind 
in the county. 

In the spring of 1868, ("hades H. McConnell 
opened a book store and news depot in Big Rapids, — 
the first in the county. 

In 1868, the First Presbyterian Church was organ- 
ized, with E. B. Miner as pastor. In 1872, the so- 
ciety erected a commodious brick edifice in Big Rap- 
ids, — the first brick church in the county. 



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The first foundry in the county was built on the 
Tioga race, in Big Rapids, by Price and Osborn, — 
who were succeeded by E. G. Haney, — during the 
summer of 1869. 

The first railroad in the county of Mecosta was 
the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad; June 20, 
1870, the iron w s laid on that road into the corpor- 
ate limits of Big Rapids, and a locomotive entered 
the city for the first time on that day. The road was 
soon completed to Paris, and the first passenger 
coach passed over it on the 2 2d of July. Regular 
trains commenced running August 8th, following. 

In 1870, ^Villiam Van Loo built the first brick 
block in Big Rapids, and the first in Mecosta County. 
It was completed in December, and occupied by 
D. E. Stearns, with a stock of dry goods, Jan. i, 
1S7,. 

The Northern National Bank was opened JiUne 12, 
1 87 I, — the first national bank in the county of Me- 
costa. George F. Stearns was elected President and 
Charles P. Gififord, Cashier. 

The first county fair was held in 1874, commenc- 
ing Sept. 29, and continuing three days. 

The first lawyer in Mecosta County was J. H. 
Mulford, who came to Big Rapids in 1859. 



The first physician in the county was Dr. D. F. 
Woolley, who located in Big Rapids in 1859. 

The first resident clergyman was Elder William 
Kelley, who came to Big Rapids to live about 1861. 

The first resident dentist was Dr. A. ^V. Eldridge, 
wlio came to Big Rapids in 1867. 

The first mason was Thos. Lazell, who located at 
Big Rapids in 1S60. The first stone wall laid in 
lime mortar, iiowcver, was built by C. C. Fuller, in 
the summer of i860. 

The first wagon and carriage-maker was James 
Jones, who located in Big Rapids early in the sum- 
mer of 1857. There being no demand for his work, 
however, he did not open a shop till several years 
later. 

Tlie first resident blacksmith was Edward L. Wil- 
liams, who left his farm in the township of Green 
a d opened a shop in Big Rapids about i860. 

Robert Palmer was the first resident boot and shoe 
maker. 

John Shaw was the first painter in the county. 

The first village in Mecosta County was Big Rap- 
ids, recorded Nov. 3, 1859. 




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UST previous to tlie organiza- 
,"a tion of tlie county of Mecosta, 
tlie territory now included 
within its limits was attached 
X^ to Newaygo County for judicial 
.\;*C^' 7 '^'id niuniciijal purposes, the com- 
bined territory being then a por- 
tion of the Ninth Judicial Circuit 
'■^\ of Michigan. The Legislative act 
\ establishing the new county of 
Mecosta was passed Fob. ii, 1859. 
The county seat was by the same 
authority fixed at the village of 
fijj Leonard, whose name was changed 
in November following to Big Rapids. 
On the first Monday in .Vpril, 1859, 
the first election was held for county 
officials, at which time the following 
ii? [| were elected : Sheriff, Alfred S. 
Clark; Clerk and Register, Orrin 
Stevens; Treasurer, Charles Shafer; 
Judge of Probate, Jesse A. Barker; 
County Surveyor, Augustine N. Wil- 
liams. William T. Howell, of Ne- 
j waygo, was appointed the first Prose- 
cuting Attorney for the county of Mecosta. 



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One month later, on the first Monday in May, 1859, ^ 
the first meeting was held of the County Hoard of ;^. 
Su[>ervisors. There were at that time but two organ- ^ 
ized townships in the county, — Green and Leonard, 
and there were present, of course, but two Supervi- 
sors, — Jesse A. JJarker, of Green, and Luther Cobb, 
of Leonard. Jesse A. Barker was elected Chairman 
of the Board. June first of the same year, a joint 
meeting of the Boards of Supervisors of Mecosta 
and Newaygo Counties was held at Newaygo, to 
effect a settlement between the two counties. Me- 
costa was found to be indebted to Newaygo County to 
the amount of i§r,ooo. Osceola and Lake Counties 
were attached to Mecosta for municipal and judicial 
purposes for a number of years, until sufficiently 
populated to "stand alone." Osceola at first formed 
but one township, but when separated from Mecosta 
comprised five civil townships. 

The counties of Osceola and I>ake remained at- 
tached to Mecosta until the spring of 1869. ^L^rch 
4, of that year, a bill for the organization of t)sceola 
County passed the House of Representatives without 
a dissenting voice. It had already passed the Senate, 
and accordingly, when signed by the Governor a few 
days after, became a law and took immediate effect. 
It located the county seat at the village of Hersey, 
and provided for the election of county officers on 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 






the fifth of April. This election resulted as follows: 

Sheriff — Isaiah Manes; no oppposition. 

Clerk — J. A. Gamage, 9 maj. 

Treasure! — R. F. Morris, 35 maj. 

Pros. Att'y — S. F. Dwight, no opposition. 
Cir. C. Com. — S. F. Dwight, no opposition. 

Recorder of Deeds — J. A. Gamage, 9 maj. 

Surveyor — E. F. French, 1 19 maj. 

Coroners — J. W. Ash, 28 maj.; E. H. Wood, no 
opposition. 

The same Legislature passed bills incorix)rating the 
city of Big Rapids, and attaching the west half of 
the unorganized county of Clare to Mecosta County, 
for judicial and municipal purposes. 

The Boards of Supervisors of Mecosta and Osce- 
ola Counties, being unable to agree upon a settlement 
between the two counties, five commissioners were 
appointed by the Circuit Court of Mason County, on 
the application of Osceola, to adjust all unsettled 
claims and matters of difference. Three of the com- 
missioners, William Freeman, E. N. Fitch and S. F. 
White, met in Big Rapids, Aug. i, 1871, and after a 
session of two days awarded Osceola County the 
sum of $676.59, also the field notes and plats of the 
towns in that county. The costs of the hearing 
amounted to $154.80, which were also paid by Me- 
costa, making a total of $831.39. This amount was 
about $16 less than that offered by the Mecosta 
County Board. 

Leonard (now Big Rapids) and Green Townships 
were organized in 1858; Hinton in i860; Deerfield 
and Mecosta in 1861 ; Wheatland in 1862; Grant, 
.Etna and Millbrook in 1S65 ; Fork and Sheridan in 



1867; Chippewa in 1868; Austin and Colfax in 
1869; Martiny in 1875, and Morton in 1877. 

When Big Rapids was incorporated, it was entitled 
to three representatives on the Board of Supervisors. 
Since then, by provision of the Legislature, it has 
been allowed one for each of the five wards. The 
Board of Supervisors, at first consisting of two, now 
comprises twenty-one members, as follows : 

^^^tna — John Pierdon. 

Austin — John Potter. 

Big Rapids — E. C. Moore. 

First Ward— O. D. Glidden. 

Second Ward — Thus. Skelton. 

Third Ward — Thos. J- Shari)e. 

Fourth Ward— J. T. Escott. 

Fifth Ward — C. F. Mynning. 
Chippewa — Henry Hammond. 
Colfax — E. A. Straub. 
Deerfield — M. T. Nethaway. 
Fork — Wm. Creevey. 
Grant — L. F. Corey. 
Green — W. D. Hopkinson. 
Hinton — Andrew Breakey. 
Martiny — John Porden. 
Mecosta- — W. S. Tucker. 
Morton — L W. Ferris. 
Millbrook— D. C. Fuller. 
Sheridan — John A. Markle. 
Wheatland — Isaac Wambold. 

Mecosta County has been a separate judicial dis- 
trict since 1873; and in 1881 it and Newaygo County 
were organized into the 27 th Judicial Circuit. At the 
same session of the Legislature it was made a part 
of the 27th Senatorial District, with Manistee, 
Osceola and \Vexford Counties, and a part of the 
9th Congressional District with twelve other counties. 









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OR historical purix)ses, no for- 
mal organization of the old 
settlers of Mecosta County 
has yet been undertaken, 
though such an association 
will doubtless be formed in due 
time. On several occasions 
many of the pioneers have been 
brought informally together, 
but the largest gathering of the 
kind occurred at the OiJera 
House in Big Rapids, in the 
evening of Thursday, Jan 23, 
1879. Nearly all the early set- 
tlers of Big Rapids were in at- 
tendance, and the surrounding townships were well 
represented, with a few from Newaygo, Osceola and 
Montcalm Counties. They all "set out " to have a 
good, old-fashioned jolly time, and they had it. 
Everybody seemed young again, and Opera Hall 
never contained a happier crowd. Those who de- 
sired to indulge in the " poetry of motion " — and there 
were few who did not, in Money Musk, Opera Reel, 
Virginia Reel, McDonald's Reel, and other old-fash- 
ioned contra dances — had the floor, while others oc- 
cupied seats about the room, and engaged in social 
chat upon the scenes and incidents of days long 
gone by. The supper at the Mason House was not 
one of the modern "high-toned" affairs, with more 
•' style than victuals, but a real, genuine, old-fashioned. 
The bill of fare embraced oysters 

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^ substantial meal. 



in every style, baked pork and beans, meats of every 
description, mince, pumpkin and apple pie, with an 
abundance oi ct-cctfras. The committee of arrange- 
ments had bargained for a genuine old-fashioned 
supper, and right faithfully did Mr. White, the hotel 
pro[)rietor, carry out his part of the agreement. 
Many pronounced it the best meal they ever ate at a 
hotel. Only one thing occurred to mar the pleasure 
of the occasion, and that was a failure of the lights 
before tne assemblage was ready to disperse. 

OLD SETTLERS OF THE MUSKEGON 
VALLEY. 




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'JiM N association has been formed called the "Old 
Settlers of the Muskegon Valley," which 
has held several annual re-unions. June 
'^^ 18, 1879, it held a meeting at Rig Rapids, 
lt|; about two hundred people attending. The as- 
I sociation was called to order at noon by the 
President, Mr. T. D. Stimson, and Judge Brown de- 
livered a welcoming address. About 60 new names 
were added to the register. At two o'clock an old- 
style dinner was served at the Mason House, to 
which all did ample justice. One table was set 
with dishes belonging to Mrs. White that were the 
property of Mrs. Wliite's great-great-grandmother. 

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A mustard spoon and cup were two hundred years 
old. After dini;er the meeting was addressed by Dr. 
Tatman, W. S. Utley, J. V. Crandell and Hannibal 
Hyde. A general good time was had, and the old 
friends and neighbors of years ago had a real old- 
fashioned visit. 



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SECOND OLD SETTLERS' PARTY. 




" ^^f ^ ''^^ evening of Feb. 10, 1S80, another old 
1 1 settlers' party was held in Big Rapids, at 
Barrows' Hall. No speeches were delivered 
and merely an informal party was intended. 
Superfluous style and affectation where entirely 
ignored, and all hands went in for a good time, 
such as was common 15 and 20 years ago. There 
were 41 dance tickets and 97 supper tickets sold, 
the latter indicating the number present, besides the 
musicians. Those were invited to be present who 
had been residents ten years or more. These old 
settlers' parties were so successful that it was de- 
termined to keep them up as an annual institution. 



and it was agreed that all residents of more than ten 
years should be welcomed. 

The third annual party came off Friday evening, 
Feb. II, 1881, and was very successful. Tickets 
were sold to the number of 79, indicating an attend- 
ance of over 150. Dancing was commenced at half 
past seven o'clock, and was kept up with no inter- 
mission, except for supper, till three o'clock in the 
morning. Many did not participate .in the dancing 
festivities, but they put in good time in social chat 
and talking over old times. Taken all in all, it sur- 
passed all former gatherings of the old settlers of 
this region. The gross receipts were $162.50; ex- 
penses $124.10; surplus, $38.40, which was placed 
in the treasury of the Old Settlers' Association of the 
Muskegon Valley. 

The fourth annual party was held at Armory Hall, 
on the evening of Friday, Feb. 17, 1882. Eighty-five 
numbers were sold, and over two hundred people 
participated in the dance. It had been announced 
that dancing would " begin at candle-light, and con- 
tinue till breakfast time," and this program was very 
nearly executed. Supper was furnished at the 
Bracket House. 

No party was held in 1883. 



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UDICIAL tribunals and le- 
t;al advocates will always be 
found in every civilized coni- 
nuinity. Mecosta County is 
no exception to this rule, al- 
though its citizens are not 
much given to litigation, and its 
criminal cases are remarkably 
rare. 

The first term of court held in 
the county was in April, i860, pre- 
sided over by Judge F. J. Littlejohn, 
of Allegan. Mecosta was then in 
the ninth judicial circuit, which in- 
cluded all of Northern Michigan. 
I The first case called was that of 
William H. Leeds, versus John Powers. The first 
case decided was Theodore Newell versus Philetus 
P. Jones, a case of assumpsit, and was ended by 
default. There was no formal trial at this term, but 
several cases of importance were tried at the second 
term, held in September, i860. 'I"he first criminal 
case tried at this term was the People versus Walter 
Kilpatrick, on a charge of rape. Kilijatrick was 
actpiitted. 

In regard to the Bar, we should bear in mind that 
the prosperity and well-being of every community de- 
pends U[x3n the wise interpretation of its laws, as well 
as upon their judicious framing. Ui)on a few |>rin- 
ciples of natural justice is erected tin: whole su|)er- 



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structure of civil law, tending to relieve the wants 
and meet the desires of all alike. Hut when so many 
interests and counter-interests are to l>e protected 
and adjusted, to the judiciary is presented many 
interesting and complex problems. Change is every- 
where imminent; the laws of yesterday do not com- 
pass the wants and necessities of the people of 
to-day. The old relations do not e.xist, and new and 
satisfactory ones must be established; hence the 
true lawyer is a man of the day, and his capital is 
his ability and individuality. He cannot bcipieath 
to his successors the characteristics that distinguish 
him, and at his going the very evidences of his work 
disappear. 

In compiling a sketch of the Bar of a county, one 
is surprised at the paucity of material. The pecu- 
liarities and the personalities which form so pleasing 
and interesting a part of the lives of the members of 
the Bar, and which indeed constitute the charm of 
local history, are altogether wanting. The court 
records give us the main facts, but tiie auxiliary facts 
and interesting circumstances of each case are pre- 
served in the memory of but few, and even there they 
are generally half forgotten. 

The first lawyer in Big Rapids was a '' transient." 
1 le came in the fall of 1859, and left early in the win- 
ter. He found but little' to do, and did that little so 
un])opularly that he eked out a very meager living, — 
in fact he was "starved out," and left on the api)roach 
of cold weather, wearing his summer clothes. It is 
related that when some one asked him why he did 






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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



not go to work, he replied with an oath that he had 
a profession, and "if that doesn't support nie I'll 
starve before I'll work!" It is to be hoped that he 
found some more congenial abiding place than Big 
Rapids. The next member of the legal profession to 
arrive in the village was H. \V. Wiltse, who came in 
the spring of i860, and was elected Prosecuting 
Attorney for the county the same fall. He practiced 
law until his death, in the fall of 1862. Ceylon C. 
Fuller, whose services forever 20 years are well known 
to the citizens of this region, and who at present fills 
the position of Circuit Judge, came to Big Rapids 
May I, i860. The fourth attorney to practice in the 
county was John G. Murdock, who remained a uum- 




ber of years, and then went to Texas. J. O. Coburn 
was another early lawyer of prominence. He enlist- 
ed in the Ur.ion army in 1862, and died in Libby 
Prison. 

The present Bar of Mecosta County contains the 
following practitioners: M. Brown, John H. Palmer, 
Lewis C. Palmer (Palmer & Palmer), John B. Upton, 
Elijah F. Dewey, Frank Dumon, Calvin W. Notting- 
ham, D. F. Glidden, Edwin J. Marsh (Glidden & 
Marsh), Douglas Roben, A. W. Bennett (Roben & 
Bennett), O E. Mann, F. A. Mann, C. L. Northrup, 
G. R. Malone, Andrew Hanson, and S. V. R. Hayes, 
all of Big Rapids; Dewitt C. Moshier and John V. 
Haist,of Morley ; and David C. Fuller, of Millbrook. 



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LTHOUGH Mecosta has uni- 
formly been Republican since 
its organization, on National 
, and State issues, yet in local 
-'ya elections there has been a 
'''■ ^/ tendency to cast away party 
/ discipline and support the best 
candidate. Before the war, the 
settlers were too few in number, 
and their attention too much 
taken with more pressing mat- 
ters, to allow much political dis- 
cussion. During the war all citizens 
^jy united on the simple platform, the 
I unconditional support of the Union. 
In this great question was merged all minor ones. 
Since the Rebellion, the strength of parties has some- 
what varied, as is seen in the following summary of 
elections, beginning with the first election after the 
organization of the county, in the year 1859. 




ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6, i860. 

President. 

Abraham Lincoln 109 54 

Stephen A. Douglas 55 

Governor. 

Austin Blair 109 53 

John S. Barry 56 

Lieutenant-Governor . 

James Birney 109 53 

William M. Fenton 56 

Secretary of State. 

James B. Porter 109 53 

William Francis 56 

State Treasurer. 

John Owen 109 53 

Elon Farnsworth 56 

Auditor- General. 

Langford G. Berry 109 53 

Henry Pennoyer 56 






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S^ Attorney-General. 

: J Charles Upson 109 

:'li Chauncey Jojlyn 56 

* Superintendent of Public Instruetion. 

jr. 

/) John M. Gregory 109 

Francis W. Sherman 56 

Commissioner of State Land Office. 

Samuel S. Lacy 109 

Samuel L. Smith 56 

Member of Board of luiiication. 

Edwin Willets 1 09 

_i John V. Lyon 56 

\ Representative in Congress. 

Rowland E. Trowbridge 95 

Edward H. Thompson 49 

Francis W. Kellogg 13 

Thomas H. Church 7 

Amendments to Constitution. 

For Amendm't to Banking Corjxjration . 82 
^ Against " " " . 73 

/A, For Amendment to Sec. 2, Art. iS 104 

i^ Against " " " 5 

= For Amendment as to Leg. Sessions. ... 89 

^ State .Senator. 

■r ■ Osmond Tower 98 

Y Frederick Hall 65 

^ Nelson Green i 

Reprtsentative in Legislature. 

Martin P. Follett 109 

Irving E. Arnold 45 

William S. Howell t 

ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 4, 1862. 

Go-<rrnor. 

Austin niair 103 

Byron G. Stout 31 

Lieutenant-Governor. 

Charles S. May 118 

Henry R. Riley 14 

Secretary of State. 

i James B. Porter 121 

^^ William R. Montgomery 13 

i State Treasurer. 

t^ John Owen 121 

<% Charles C. Trowbridge 14 

^ Attorney-General. 

1 i' Albert Williams 120 

>^ John S. Holmes 14 



53 



53 



53 



S3 



46 



9 
99 

33 
64 



72 



104 



108 



107 



106 



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107 



107 



107 



107 



66 



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Auditor-General. 

Eniil .Anneke 121 

Rodney Payne 14 

Commissioner of State Land Office. 

Samuel S. Lacy 121 

Charles F. Heynman 14 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

John M. Gregory 121 

Thomas 11. Siiiex 14 

Member of Board of Education. 

Edward Dorsch ■.121 

Daniel Brown 14 

Representative in Congress. 

Francis W. Kellogg 100 

Thomas B. Church 34 

State Senator. 

Charles Mears 1 20 noopp. 

Reprcsentati'i'e in Legislature. 

William T. Howell 1 1 1 no opp. v 

Sheriff. -^ 

Daniel F. Woolley 86 

Samuel W. Rose 53 

County Clerk. 

Orrin Stephens 140 noopp. < 

County Treasurer. 

Sumner Stickney 82 

John Dalziel ^7 

Charles Shafer i 

Register of JJeeds. 

Luther Cobb 82 

William P'uller 48 

Scattering ^ 

Judge of Probate. 

1 )aniel Stearns gr 

Hamilton M. Herrick 45 

Jesse A. Barker 14 

Prosecuting A ttorney. 

C'eylon C. Fuller i 77 

C. P. Ives ' , 

Circuit Court Commissioner. 

Ceylon C. l''uller So 

John H. Murdock 62 

County Surveyor. 



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40 



Augustine N. Williams 1 



39 noopp. 



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S^ Coroiwrs. 

•Q Daniel Stearns 145 no opp. 

■''i John \V. Rose 142 noopp. 

^ ELECTION OF APRIL, 1863. 

Circuit Judge. 

Flavins J. Littlejohn 106 

William J. Cornwell 87 

Associate Justice Supreme Court. 

/ James V. Campbell 105 

^ David Johnson 92 

■* Regents of the State University. 

Henry C. Knight 105 

Thomas D. Gilbert •"*• 105 

Edward C. Walker 105 

J. Eastman Johnson 105 

George Willard 105 

James A. Sweezey 105 

Alvah Sweetzer 105 

Thomas J. Joslin 105 

I* Oliver C. Comstock 93 

^ William A. Moore 93 

= Zina Pitcher 93 

,^ Nathaniel Balch 93 

_^ Charles A. Richmond 93 

=1 Adam A. Roof 93 

^ Elijah F. Burt 93 

y Joseph Coulter 93 

*^ ELECTION OF NOVEMBER S, 1864. 

President. 



Abraham Lincoln 143 

George B. McClellan 97 

Governor. 

s^ Henry H. Crapo 146 

William M. Fenton 97 

Lieutenant- Governor. 

Ebenezer O. Grosvenor 146 

Martin S. Brackett 97 

Secretary of State. 

James B. Porter 146 

'^ George B. Turner 97 

, State Treasurer. 

•<r John Owen 146 

I* George C. Monroe 97 

Member of Board of Education. 

Witter J. Baxter 146 

Oliver C. Comstock 97 

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19 



13 



12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 
12 



46 



49 



49 



49 



49 



49 



Representative in Congress. 

Thomas W. Ferry 147 

Frederick Hall 96 

Associate Justice Supreme Court. 

Thomas M. Cooley 146 

Alpheus Felch 97 

Representative in Legislature. 

William S. Utley 1 30 

Daniel F. Woolley ; 1 10 

State Senator. 

James B. Walker 14!; 

William J. Mead 97 

Sheriff. 

Alfred S. Mason 161 

Charles B. Humphrey 95 

Judge of Probate. 

Ceylon C. Fuller 164 

Samuel G. Hutchins 98 

County Clerk. 

John Dalziel 162 

Orrin Stevens 102 

Register of Deeds. 

Samuel Chipman 166 

Floyd Misner 98 

County Treasurer. 

Sumner Stickney 168 

Charles Shafer 95 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Elias O. Rose 1 63 

John G. Murdock 100 

Surt<eyor. 

Augustine W. Williams 168 

Justus W. Tenny 96 

Circuit Court Commissioner. 

Ceylon C. Fuller 164 

John G. Murdock 99 

Coroners. 

Rufus T. Morris 1 63 

B. Elial Hutchinson 167 

Alfred Clark 98 

William Brockway 98 

ELECTION OF APRIL, 1865. 




50 



49 



48 



66 



66 



60 



68 



73 



63 



72 



65 



65 
69 



Associate Justice Supreme Court. 
Isaac P. Christiancy 83 no opp. 



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Regents of the State University. 

Edward C. Walker S3 no opp. 

George Willard 83 no opp. 

ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 6. 1866. 
Goj'ernor. 

Henry H. Craixj 274 165 

Alpheus S. Williams 109 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Dwight May 274 1 65 

John G. Parkhurst 109 

Secretary of State. 

Oliver L. Spaulding 275 167 

Bradley M. Thompson 108 

State Treasurer. 

Ebenezer O. Grosvenor 275 167 

Luther H. Trask 108 

.■I u it i lor General. 

William Humphrey 274 166 

George Spaulding 1 08 

George Gray i 

Commissioner of State Land Office. 

Benjamin I). Pritchard 275 1 67 

Louis Dillnian 108 

Attorney General. 

William L. Stoughton 275 167 

George Gray 108 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Oramel Hosford 275 167 

Samuel Clements 108 

Member of Board of Education. 

Edwin Willets 275 167 

John Bischmore 1 08 

Representative in Congress. 

Thomas \V. Ferry 276 169 

John B. Hutchins 107 

State Senator. 

John 1 1. Standish 278 no opp. 

Representative in Legislature. 

Charles W. Dean 277 no opp. 

Revision of Constitution. 

For 239 204 

Against 35 

Sheriff. 

Joseph T. Escott 264 147 

William P. Montonye 117 




County Clerk. 

John Dalziel 268 

I")aniel F. WooUey 112 

James M. Colby i 

County Treasurer. 

Andrew Green 242 

Daniel Stearns 91 

Sumner Stickney 46 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Elias O. Rose 245 

John G. Murdock 136 

Circuit Court Commissioner. 

Ceylon C. Fuller 257 

John Ci. Murdock 126 

Register of Deeds. 

James M. Colby 238 

1 )aniel F. Woolley 99 

Thomas Lazell 42 

County Surveyor. 

Benjamin F. Gooch 272 

George Brady 1 09 

Coroners. 

Isaiah J, Whitfield 269 

Thomas Sliaw 272 

Charles B. Humphrey 110 

Thomas Cahill 108 

ELECTION OF APRIL, 1867. 

Justice of the Supreme Court. 

Benjamin F. Graves 232 

Sanford M. Green ." . 69 

Regents of the State Uniivrsity. 

Thomas 1). Gilbert 232 

Hiram W. Burt 232 

Ebenezer Wells 69 

William M. Ferry 69 

Circuit Judge, 

Moses B. Hopkins 230 

Robert W. Duncan 70 

Delegate to Constitutional Convention. 

William S. Utley 195 

Scattering 10 

County Superintendent of Schools. 

Zephaniah W. Shepherd 190 

John G. Murdock 15 

Scattering 16 




139 



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ELECTION OF APRIL, 1868. 

Nc7v Constitution. 

Against adoption 474 

For adoption 333 

For annual sessions of Legislature 519 

Against annual sessions of Legislature. . 125 

For Prohibition 396 

Against Prohibition 362 

ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, 1868. 

President. 

Ulysses S. Grant 775 

Horatio Seymour 352 

Governor. 

Henry P. Baldwin 765 404 

John More • 36 1 

Lieutenant Governor. 

Morgan Bates 770 411 

Salathiel C. Coffinbury 359 

Secretary of State. 

Oliver L. Spaulding 771 412 

Richard Baylis 359 

Treasurer. 

Ebenezer O. Grosvenor 771 412 

John F. Miller 359 

Auditor General. 

William Humphrey 771 412 

Louis Dillman 3^9 

Commissioner of State Land Office. 

Benjamin D. Prichard 771 412 

Henry Grinnell 359 

A ttorney- General. 

Dwight May 771 412 

Augustus C. Baldwin 359 

Superintendent of Public Instruction. 

Oramel Hosford 771 412 

Duane Doty 359 

Member of Board of Education. 

Daniel E. Brown 771 

Isaac W. Bush 359 

Representative in Congress. 

Thomas W. Ferry 775 

Lyman G. Mason 356 

Senator. 
John H. Standish 772 noopp, 

Representatiiv in Legislature. 

C. C. Fuller 946 

Augustus Paddock 117 



412 



419 



Sheriff. 

Joseph T. Escott 760 

Lewis H. Green 369 

James Donley i 

County Clerk. 

John Dalxiel -746 

Orrin Stevens 378 

Judge of Probate. 

George VV. Crawford 722 

James Kennedy 370 

County 'Treasurer. 

Stephen Bronson 657 

George F. Stearns 472 

Register of Deeds. 

James M. Colby 742 

Erastus E. Thompson 376 

George F. Stearns i 

Prosecuting A ttorney. 

Frank Dumon 663 

John G. Murdock 365 

Elias O. Rose 88 

C. C. Fuller i 



I 



Circuit Court Commissioner. 



Frank Damon 
John G. Murdock 
Elias O. Rose 

County .Surveyor. 

Theodore W. Robbins 
Edwin F. French 
Marquis Morgan 

Coroners. 

Isaiah J. Whitfield 
F. B. \Vood 
Sidney P. Phelps 



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368 



343 



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366 



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1055 (noopp.) 
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ELECTION OF APRIL, 1869. 
Regents State University. 

Joseph Estabrook 703 

fonas H. McGowan 704 

Tohn M. B. Sill 167 

John F. Mills 166 

Circuit Judge. 

Moses B. Hopkins 639 

Robert W. Duncan 208 

Superintendent County Scliools. 

829 I Michael Brown 

I George W. Warren 




424 
188 



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f ELECTION OF APRIL 4, 1870. 

Circuit Jiiiigc. 
'^ • 

'v* Augustine H. Giddings 
J Levi W. King 

ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 8, 1870. 



9'7 
4 



9'.; 



Governor. 



Henry 1'. Baldwin 
t'harles C. Conistock 



538 
241 



297 



Representative in Con^^ress. 

Thomas W. Ferry 562 343 

Myron Ryder 2 19 

.State Senator. 

Seth C. MofTatt 549 (no o]'i).) 

Representative in Legislature. 



Edgar L. Gray 
Seth C. Moffatt 



r Daniel F. Woollcy 
^ Edward S. Decker 



533 
16 



Sheriff. 



421 
346 



^ County Clerk. 

•^ Charlie Gay 
ca Orrin Stevens 
^ George Warren 

^ Register 0/ Deeds. 

> James ^L Colby 
William IJrockway 
Scattering 

County Treasurer. 

Charles Shafer 
George W. Warren 
Scattering 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Frank Dumon 
John G. Murdock 

Circuit Court Commissioner. 



430 

344 

I 



55' 

2'3 

3 

385 
372 



430 
332 



5'7 



75 



86 



538 



Elijah F. Dewey 



County Sur7ieyor. 



^ 



Edmund i'ucker 



\ Augustine N. Williams 
1 Edward Tucker 



694 (no opi).) 

406 102 

304 
4> 



<iA 



■V W. Irving Latimer 
i»jjk Everett Douglass 
■'*) Sidney P. Phelps 
v^ William Remus 



Coroners. 



550 
545 
230 
228 



222 

2'5 



ELECTION OF APRIL 3, 1871. 
Representative in Congress. 
Wililci 1). Foster 806 

William M. Ferry 341 

County .Siiperin/endent of .Se /tools. 

Henry C. Peck 832 

John 15oyer i 1 1 

Scattering 4 

ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 5, 1S7; 
President. 

Ulysses S. Grant 1 103 

Horace Greeley 

John J. Bagley 
Austin Blair 
Henry Fish 
William M. Ferry 



Governor. 



319 

1 102 

357 
4 

2 



3f'5 



7-' 






^ 



784 



745 



f 



748 X 



803 t' 



1008 



710 



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Represenlali've in Congress. 

Jay A. IluhlicU 1 106 

Samuel P. Ely 358 

Slate Senator. 

Edgar L. Gray 1112 

George W. Innes 309 

Representative in Legislature. 

Elias O. Rose 1 082 

George F. Stearns 74 

Sheriff. 

Joseph T. Escott 1074 

John \\ . Weaver 364 

William Gailii:k -XiZ 

Judge of Probate. 

Walter S. I lowd 874 

Thcron W. Barliour 564 

County Clerk. 

Charlie Gay 1 095 

Orrin Stevens 366 

County Treasurer. 

W, Irving Latimer 1000 

Charles Shafer 472 

Register of Deeds. 

James M. t!olby 1 133 

William Warren 312 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Benjamin F. Graves 1025 

Byron F. Lockvvood 389 

Michael Brown 24 



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729 



528 



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636 






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Circuit Court Commissioner. 



II 17 '09S 



f 

■:{ Calvin W. NotUngham. 
;% Donald Mclntyre 22 . 

T Coiinly Stirivyor. 

!ji Darwin (i. Bell 1 1 2 1 (no opp) 

Coroners. 

Thomas Shaw 1129 793 

Everelt Douglas 1109 754 

Sidney P. Phelps 354 

Thomas Cahill 336 

Representative in Legislature. 

Elias O. Rose 1846 1705 

George F. Stearns 141 

Benj. H. Coolbaugh 12 



MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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A 



ELECTION OF APRIL 7, 1873. 

County Supcriiiteiulent of Schools. 
Lewis G. Palmer 949(no opp) 



ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 3, 1874. 

f^ ' Governor. 

f= John J- Bagley. 758 396 

■\J Henry Chamberlin 362 

i» Charles K. Carjienter 77 

' ) Representative in Congress. 

Jay A. Hubbell 832 604 

Henry D. Noble. . .' 228 

Henry H. Noble [32 

State Senator. 

Edgar L. Gray 831 827 

Edward W. Andrews 4 

Representative in Legislature. 

George F. Stearns 553 14 

Fitch Pheljjs 539 

Natlianicl T-. Gerrish 99 

Sheriff. 

Joseph T. Escott 820 446 

Jv Stei)hen W. Foster 374 

^ County Clerk. 

. -s Charlie Gay 818 45 1 

Orrin Stevens 367 

v|5 County Treasurer. 

, V VV. Irving Latimer 897 601 

^ Joseph H. Kilboiirne 296 



Register of Deeds. 

James M. Colby 866 

William Hiien 330 

Scattering 3 

Prosecuting .Ittorney. 

Benjamin F. ( Graves 754 

Frank Dumon 417 

Scattering 3 

Circuit Court Conunissioiier. 

Calvin \V. Nottingham 67 1 

Douglas Roben 501 

Scattering' 7 

County Surveyor. 

Marshall Wheeler 796 

Theodore W. Robbins 3S6 

Scattering i 

Coroners. 

John H. Foster 833 

Thomas Shaw 827 

Matthew Roben 364 

Sidney P. Phelps 361 

ELECTION OF APRIL 5, 1875. 

Circuit Judge. 

Richard A. Montgomery 1076 

Augustine H. Giddings 582 

ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 7, 1876. 

President. 

Rutherford B. Hayes 1342 

Samuel J. Tilden 926 

Peter Cooper 10 1 

Governor. 

Charles M. Croswell 1341 

William S. Webber 945 

Levi Sparks 85 

Sheriff 

Nathan H. Vincent i 25 i 

Stephen W. Foster 1040 

Charles W, Whitfield 53 

Judge 0/ Probate. 

William Ladner 1337 

John E. Gruber 92 1 

Thomas La/.ell in 

County Clerk. 

Charlie Gay 1325 

Daniel E. Stearns 975 

Isaac W. Clifton 46 



536 



337 



170 



410 



472 
463 



494 



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416 



396 



416 



350 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 






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322 



409 



419 
427 



Ri\s;is/i'r of Deeds. 

James M. Colby 105S 224 

Simon G. Webster S34 

Benjamin Chamberlain 503 

County Treasurer. 

W. Irving Latimer 1369 446 

Richard D. Ladner 923 

Jolin Wiseman 63 

Troseeutin^ .-l Homey. 

Benjamin F. Graves '318 336 

Durelle F. Glidden 97 2 

John S. Evans 55 

Circuit Court Commissioner. 

Walter L. Roberts 1 3 1 5 

Wallace W. Carpenter 993 

Michael A. liartigan 57 

County Surveyor. 

William Jacques 135 2 

Samuel S. Mitchell 943 

Ambrose M. Bell 84 

Coroners. 

Thomas Shaw 1355 

Lyman Nelhaway 1356 

Albert E. Newman 936 

Jesse Varney 929 

Augustus G. Fisk 74 

Robert Walker 76 

Representative in Congress. 

Jay A. Hubbell 1323 303 

Joseph H. Kilbourne 1 020 

State Senator. 

Marsdcn C. Burch 141 7 469 

John S. Law 94S 

Representative in Legislature. 

Fitch Phelps ^H'^ 39^ 

Charles M. Darrah 9-56 

William K. Hill 95 

ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 5, 1878. 

Goi'ernor. 

Charles M. Croswell 1 1 92 463 

Henry S. Smith 729 

O. M. Barnes 311 

Representative in Congress. 

Jay A. Hubbell 1 t 79 435 

George I'armelce 744 

John Power 306 



587^' 



Circuit Judge. 

Michael Brown 1887 (noopp.) 

Representative in Legislature. 

Filch Phelps 1139 419 

William E. Hill 720 

Chauncey B. Hannum 360 

S/ieriff. 

Nathan H. Vincent 1198 518 

Allen V^. Williams 349 

Abel B. Knapp . . . . ; 680 

County Clerk. 

Lewis Toan 1 102 421 

George M. Gotshall 681 

William (). Lake 452 

Register 0/ Deeds. 

James M.Colby 1224 491 

Alexander H. Lane 733 

Charles H. Ix)vejoy 266 

County Treasurer. 

Edgar Peirce 1 192 478 

Edmund M. Stickney 714 

Charles P. Bigelow 33 1 

Prosecuting Attorney. 

Lewis G. Palmer 1067 390 

Durelle F. Glidden 677 

Wallace W. Carpenter 487 

Circuit Court Commissioner. 

Calvin W. Nottingham 1 165 396 

Jacob C. Clark 768 

Wallace W. Carpenter 279 

County Surveyor. 

William M. Jacc|ues 1204 495 

Sumner Stic kney 709 

Samuel S. Mitchell 307 

Coroners. 

William Creevey 1 1 94 463 

Lewis (!arnian 1 1 90 4158 

Willard S. Whitney 732 

l.ucien W. Toniey 731 

John E. Grouber 314 

John I .ane 310 

ELECTION OF NOVEMBER 2, 1880. 
President. 

James A. Garfield 1621 769 

\V'infield S. Hancock 852 

James B. Weaver 275 






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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



Go'i'cnior. 

David H. Jerome 1518 

.'.■^ Frederick M. Holloway 979 

I David Woodman 248 

li Reprcsnitalivc in Ciuigicss. 

Jay A. Huhbell 1592 

Edwin S. Pratt 1020 

George Parmelee 91 

S<-ii{T/(ir. 

R. Ambler 1735 

D. Rutherford 530 

G. Fowler 408 

Rcprcsciitali'c'r i/i Lri;is/ir/iire. 

Martin V. Gale 1756 

John V. Armstrong 93S 

S/irriff. 

John Shaw 1^60 

Stei)hen W. Foster 1157 

Ji/i/i^e of Prohah-. 

)C William Ladner 1632 

>. William Warren 1 1 08 

.A«, Comity Clerk. 

■^ Lewis Toan 1 849 

7^ George B. I )ougalI 86 r 

>^ Register of Deeds. 

James M. Colby i486 

Homer A. Morey i 240 

County Treasurer. 

Kdgar Peirce 1726 

Koscoe G. Wakefield 998 

Troseci/ting Attorney. 

y Lewis G. Palmer 1584 

V VValhice W. Carpenter 1 100 



H 



Ciicuit Court Coniwissioner. 

Cluircliill II. Thrall 1846 

Wallace W. Carpenter 181 

County .SurTevor. 

William Jacc^ues 1620 

Samuel S. Mitchell 1122 

^ Coroners. 

4. William T. Bliss 1624 

■|j Gardner F. Cutler 1632 

Rufus Kent 866 



^ 



4 



539 

572 
1 201; 

818 

403 
524 
988 
246 
728 
484 

.665 
498 



458 
763 



ELECTION OF APRIL 3, 1882. 
Circuit Judge. 

Ceylon C. Fuller 1324 

George Luion 97 i 



ELECTION OF NOVEMBER, 1882 

GoTernor. 

David H. Jerome 1367 

Josiah W. Begole 122 

Daniel P. Sagendorph 44 

Charles C. Foote 7 

Representative in Congress. 

Byron M. Ciitcheon 1572 

Stephen Bronson 1 030 

.State .Senator. 

Fitch Phelps 1502 

Smith Fowler 1 1 44 

Representative in Legislature. 

Edgar Peirce 1556 

Robert Robbins 1095 

.Slierijf. 

Eli Frederick 1545 

Arnold Ely 1 1 22 

County Clerl;. 

Lewis Toan 1481 

Richard D. Ladner 884 

Charles A. Munn 295 

Register of Deeds. 

Daniel W. Stewart 1527 

Joseph H. Kilbourne 1 108 

County Treasurer. 

Simon G. Webster 1705 

Chauncey B. Hannum 950 

J'roseeuting Attorney. 

Frank Dumon '473 

Lewis G. Palmer 1167 

Circuit Court Conunissioner. 

Churchill H. Thrall 1575 

Oscar E. Mann 1 1 34 

County Surveyor. 

Harry I. Orwig 1622 

Samuel S. Mitchell 1033 




Coroners. 



Thomas Shaw . 



Colonel Ethan Allen 869 

\« Willard S. Whitney 252 

^ Sidney L. Rood 251 



David C. Fuller 1504 

Willard S. Whitney 1151 

John V. Armstrong 1 148 



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423 






597 V 



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419 



755 



441 



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'..'1 ". '1 ". '1 ■. '1 ". '1". 'X' ; V .'if."'i' .' 1' .■'■' .'1' .' 1' ." 1'.; i';^'^'5Sj"^ii«<i' p 







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UST as President Lincoln cn- 
%^ tiTcd upon his first term of 
■y office, the attack on and tlie 
/J fall of Fort Sumter was the 
s signal for the loyal people 
tliroughout the North to rouse 
themselves and rush to arms in 
defense of the flag. Even in 
f Mecosta County, then thinly 
populated, and on the remote 
L borders of civilization, the feel- 
• ij ing of enthusiasm was intense. 
Recruits promi)tIy stepped forth to 
swell the army of the Union, and 
departed for the front amidst the 
prayers of far.'.ilies, friends and 
fellow-citizens. With cheerfid alac- 
rity the people responded to the 
successive calls of the President 
for troops throughout the war. 
'I'iiere is something grand in the 
patriotism animating that [leople 
which, after stiaining its resources 
' for months to meet one call, and 
hearing the news that 500,000 more are wanted, goes 
untiomplainingty, eagerly, into the work of raising its 
quota once more. 

What terrible ordeals those trooi)s passe<l linough 




during their long and eventful military career, and 
what magnificent results crowned their service ! Vic- 
tims of swamp and typhus fevers ; baffled time and 
again by the flood ; battling at every disadvantage 
with the flower of the enemy, on a strange soil, with 
a hostile population; long denied a victory; matured 
plans jeopardized; fighting all day, marching all 
night ; advancing until they saw the spires of Rich- 
mond, then back again within sight of the white 
dome of Washington ; never elated with success, 
never depressed with defeat; disaster following dis- 
aster, — they were buoyant to the close. Smiling 
through tears they parted with their beloved chief; 
one brave commander gave place to another, yet 
gaily they transferred their fealty. Marching to cer- 
tain death u|) Mary's Heigiits on those awful days at 
Fredericksburg; falling by thousands at Chaiicel- 
lorsville; the waves of war sweeping toward their 
homes, spreading devastation worse than the track of 
the tornado, they again gave battle to that exultant 
invader at Gettysburg, and on that renowned and 
thrice sacred field for three long days they fought 
and won the victory that turned the tide of war and 
saved the North from desolation. Hack again they 
follow the unyielding foe, drenching the wilderness 
with gore; for still another year they bleed, \nuil 
Richmond falls; the army of Northern Virginia, 
overwhelmed with numbers, anil supjilies exhausted, 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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capitulated, the Confederacy was crushed and the 
Union preserved! In a few months all that were 
left of mighty opposing forces,— victor and vani pushed, 
officers and privates, — returned to their homes, doffed 
their uniforms, furled their battle-flags, and their 
deeds passed from the present to the reahns of his- 
tory. 

FIRST ENLISTMENTS. 

HEN the loyal people of the North were 

3L tailed upon to rally around the stars and 

stripes, Mecosta County responded with a 




i> will. The patriotism of the early settlers of 
this county was equal to that of any people 

in the State. May 13, 1861, George French 
went to Grand Rapids and enlisted in Company K, 
Tliird Regiment Michigan Infantry, and soon after- 
wards returned to Big Rapids for more volunteers. 
John Shaw, Fred L. Barker, Sidney Fox, James Mc- 
Allister, Alexander French, James Misner, Robert 
Misner, Elias Snyder, Fred Schriver and Cole- 
man enlisted with Mr. French, and constituted the 
first squad of volunteer soldiers from Mecosta County. 
They were mustered into the United States service 
June 10, 1861, and shortly afterward accompanied 
their command to the front, where they did their full 
share toward earning for the " Old Third " its bril- 
liant record as a fighting regiment. Of the original 
number, Messrs. French, Shaw, Barker, and James 
and Robert Misner lived to return home. Tlie lives 
of the others were sacrificed in defense of their 
country. 



COUNTY AID. 



HE county autliorities, as patriotic as those 



^ *■ of every other county in loyal Michigan, 




early adopted measures for assisting the 

families of tliose who volunteered for the Un- 

Y ion army. At a special meeting held in Aug- 

' ust, i<S62, the Board of Supervisors passed a 

resolution to pay a bounty to volunteers enlisted in 

the county, of $50, and also to pay the families of 

the volunteers seven dollars per month for the wife 

and two dollars for each child under the age of fif- 




teen years. This resolution took effect from its pass- 
age, and did not apply to those who had enlisted 
previously, except the support of families which 
applied to all in the county, regardless of the time of 
enlistment, and was to be paid regularly, whether the 
family were in a destitute condition or not. 

This was a move in the right direction, because it 
was not right that the family of a volunteer be 
obliged to consume the last morsel of food, and wear 
out the last article of clothing, and the wife com- 
pelled to take in washing, or engage in some otlier 
menial employment to support her family, because 
her rightful protector and supporter was fighting the 
battles of his country, before receiving from the 
county the aid so generously and wisely authorized 
by the State. 

Under the encouragement of this stej), a number 
more volunteers came forward within a month. 

DRAFT. 

In the summer of 1863 an enrollment was made of 
those in Mecosta County liable to perform military 
duty, by E. O. Rose, enrolling officer; and it was 
found that there were 226 of the first class, and 78 
of ihe second class; a total of 304. Those between 
the ages of twenty and thirty-five who were married 
and up to forty-five unmarried, constituted the first 
class; the married inen between thirty-five and forty- 
five, the second class. Of tlie total number thus en- 
rolled, thirty-five claimed to be aliens. 

Soon afterward came a call by the President for 
300,000 more volunteers before January. The quota 
of Mecosta County under this call was 32 men. Re- 
cruits came fonvard slowly for a while, but in Decem- 
ber a sum was raised by subscription to pay each 
volunteer an extra bounty of $100. The quota of 
several townsliips were aliout full, and a draft was 
continually expected in the remaining townships, 
which however was postponed several times, until 
in the spring came still another call for 200,000 men. 
This necessitated a draft from all tlie townships but 
Leonard (Big Rapids), which filled its quota under 
both calls by volunteer enlistments. The draft took 
place June 13, and 47 were drawn, as follows: 

Richmond. — Henry Zeitler, Christian Schafl", John 
Pepper, Philii) Mosser, Murray Cromwell, John Ger- 
hardt, Theodore Lotte, Isaac Osborn, Neil Mc- 
Farlan. 

Green. — George Shust, Joseph West, Andrew 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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Green, Andrew J. Hyatt, ]o\\n Dalziel, Ariel Alilrieli, 
George W. (ireen, William dibson. 

Mecosta. — Franklin Smith, Nelson Ganong, John- 
son E. Hiirgess, Hiram Hull, John Davis. 

Dt\-rfii-liL- Frederick Hunter, William Senar.Henry 
Mills, John (."link, Lewis Eckhardt, William Callar, 
Lewis Swartout, Ellis Davis, Samuel Hutchins, Wil- 
liam H. lUirsse, William Mitchell. 

IVIieatland. — James McCloud, \Viliiani Scheidel, 
John W. Gingrich, George Miiikel, John Schneider, 
Michael Diltel, Dorvil H. Whitney, Randall F. 
Capen. 

Hill/on. — John W. Rose, John Van Dewater, Wil- 
liam J. Allen, John Bower, Asa Brockway, Bentley 
Davis. 

SUPPLEMENTARY DRAFT. 

For various reason; the above draft did not sup- 
ply the requisite number, and a supplementary draft 
came off July i. The Pioiurr \\uk humorously al- 
ludes to it : 

. "A kind of supi)!ementary draft came off this 
week, and the lucky ones are now being notified. 
This draft is for the purpose of filling the place of 
those who reported in Canada instead of at Grand 
Rapids on the last draft, and also those who were 
exempt. The town of Richmond seems to have been 
the most fortunate as to skedaddlers, as a new draft 
of five men was made there ; and we are informed 
that three of those drafted before are now in C'anada, 
thus leaving those who remain a chance of being 
drafted to fill their places. Other [)arts of the county 
are in a similar situation." 

Those drafted this time were : 

Richmond. — Louis Reminapp, Conrad Folmer- 
hauser, Ale.x. McFarlane, Thomas Sales, Henry Ger- 
hardt. 

Mecosta. — Henry Myres, Edward Davis, diaries 
Marsh. 

Dcerfield. — George Gilmore, James Buchner, Mar- 
cellus T. Nethaway. 

Hintoii. — W'illiam Brockway, Daniel Van Antwerp, 
John Godfroy. 

Wheatlaihi. — Eli W. Gingrich, Adam Kunk- 
elman. 

MORE RECRUITS. 

This year, 1864, the Government was determined 
to crush the Rebellion by force of numbers, and call 



after call for troops brought forth a cheerful res]X)nse 
throughout the loyal North. Hardly was this draft 
over when 500,000 more were asked, and under this' 
call the (piota of Mecosta County was as follows: 
Richmond, 6; Green, 7 ; Leonard, 8; Mecosta, 5 • 
Decrfield, 6 ; Hinton, 3; Wheatland, 2. 

Leonard, Mecosta and Wheatland Townships 
raised their quota before March i, 1865, and Rich- 
mond, Decrfield, Hinton and Green resolved to await 
the draft. This, however, never came off, as soon 
after came the fall of the Confederacy, and all enlist- 
ments stopped. 

THE END. 

II EJOICING at the end of the cruel war was 
fully as great in Mecosta County as else- 
'^(^\ where. Ujxjn the reception of the news of 
•V, the capture of Jefferson Davis, the citizens of 
Big Rapids turned out and bought all the 
powder in town, and fired fifty-two guns. 
This accomplished, they deemed it advisable to exe- 
cute the " old reprobate;" whereupon, an image of the 
ex-president, made of straw and old clothes, was 
speedily put together and suspended by a rope 
around the neck from a long pole, in which condition 
it was conducted to a cart, and after being properly 
put aboard, was conveyed through the principal 
streets, followed by a long procession carrying bells, 
horns, circular saws, and everything from which 
a noise could be made, that could be got hold of. 
After marching around for about an hour, the crowd 
came to a halt in front of Hutchinson's store, and 
hung the effigy. Speeches were then called for, and 
short addresses were made by several citizens. 

The soldiers in due time returned to their homes 
and resumed their ordinary vocations. 



1: 




THE SURVIVORS. 



HE brave men who survived this struggle 

have as true sentiments of i)atriotism with- 

jy'iM^ in t'leir breasts to-day as when they left 

•^- mother, father, wife and family for the front. 

t wherever they are found, in all <piestions of 

National or State imjjort, it springs forth. It 

is not spasmodic in its action, blazing forth only, as in 




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a comet's erratic course, in times of public trials or 
danger, upon great occasions, and upon great incen- 
'tive; but it is their rule of conduct, — constant, 
equable, incorruptible and enduring. M'ealth cannot 
bribe it; power cannot reduce it; ambition cannot 
blind it ; friendship cannot swerve it from justice. 
Fear cannot intimidate it, nor injustice warp it, nor 
luxury corrupt or enervate it. We speak only, of 
course, of the men who volunteered from inspirations 
of patriotism ; and, since their return from the field, 
by a conscientious deportment, stirred by these true 
principles of patriotism, they have earned the general 
respect of the people, and have filled some of the 
highest offices in the land ; and as patriotism seeks to 
be effective to the interests of a State, to vindicate 
its rights, redress its wrongs, and secure its prosperity, 
these can never be better left than with those men 
who braved death for the Union of States, and that 
the States' rights might not be trampled upon in the 
mire of secession and rebellion ; 

Men win) their iliitic^ know. 

But also know their light-, ami, l<no\\ ing-. 

Dare niainlain them. 



1 



V 



SOLDIERS' REUNIONS. 




IC VERY successful reunion of soldiers and 

[ sailors was held at Big Rapids on Tues- 

Although the weather 



day, Sept. ro, 187 8 
in the morning was threatening, the attend- 
ance was large enough to fill Armory Hall. 
N. H. Moody acted as Marshal, assisted by 
John Shaw and G. W. Crawford. The procession 
was formed at 11 o'clock in the following order: City 
Cornet Band ; Light Guards; Old Soldiers, headed 
by men who had been commissioned officers — the 
whole forming a long column. The line of march 
was northward to Pine street, eastward to Warren 
avenue, southward to Oak street, westward to State 
street, northward to Linden street, eastward to Mich- 
igan avenue, and northward to the Armory. 

Three tables, extending the whole length of Arm- 
ory Hall, with seats for 240 people, were loaded 
down with edibles of every description. The tables 
were tastefully ornamented with flowers and miniature 



flags, and presented an appearance that did credit to 
the ladies having the picnic in charge. Dinner was 
announced at half-past twelve, and after all the seats 
were filled, a blessing was invoked by Rev. C. A. 
Munn, formerly Chaplain of the looth Regiment 
Indiana Volunteers. As there were nearly a hun- 
dred people unable to obtain seats at the first table, 
a second one was prepared after the first had been 
cleared off. 

After dinner came the speaking. The meeting 
was presided over by E.'O. Rose. A brief but elo- 
quent address by L. G. Palmer, of Morley, then fol- 
lowed, after which these toasts were offered and 

responded to : 

I. Oui' Couutrv : One ami lii-epar.-ilih'. Kespon-e by 
Serg't. Edjrai- I'ieree. 

■2. The I'resideiit ol the I'liileil Siiiti-. Response by 
Gen. Bron.soii. 

8. The Army ami the Xavy. Kesponse by lloughis 
Koljeii. 

4. 'J'he Stars ami Stripes. Hespouse by Col. .1. O. 
llmliiut. 

.'i. .Miehiiiaii in U'ar. Hesjionse by J. H. Palmer. 

(1. Miihigan in Teaee. Kes))0iise by ('apt. B. F. 
(« raves. 

7. (m'M. liiant ami hi- Lieutenant-. l!e>iMinse by 
L. II. Palmer. 

5. The Hank ami File ol' om' V(ilimt<'er Army. Ke- 
sponse by Serg"t. J. H. Kilbonrne. 

9. The Rebel Pris(Uis and their I'nfortmiate Inmates. 
Response by Dr. F. B. Woo. I. 

1(1. Our Fallen Comrades. J{esi)onse by the audieuee 
silently rising. 

II. The Loyal AVomen of the I'liion. Itesjionse by 
Lieut. 'J', .r. Owc-n. 

\i. The ( '(dored Troops. Response by Charlie Seott- 

l:i. The Press— The Headlight of Anieviean Institu- 
tions. Respoii.se by Lieut. E. O. Rose. 

1 I. When Johnnie (Monies Mairhing' Home. l{es|)oiise 
by S. MeClanatlmn. 

The res|)onses, which were both able and elocpient, 
elicited fre(iuent applause, and were listened to with 
marked attention throughout. The exercises were 
interspersed with instrumental music and singing. 
The former was furnished by the City Cornet Band, 
and the latter by a glee club, consisting of E. F. 
Dewey, S. S. Griswold, S. D. Henderson and Mrs. 
Campau, with Miss Jennie Mason' at the organ. 
The pieces selected were the patriotic songs of war 
times, and the audience joined heartily in the chorus 
of each. This reunion will long be remembered by 
the participants as one of the most enjoyable days of 
their lives. 



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A permanent organization was effected, with a 
view to future reunions. 

SECOND REUNION. 



.A second reunion was lickl on I'licsday, Si:\>[. j 5, 
1879, and, like the former occasion, was a gratifying 
success. Something over two hundred veterans, ac- 
companied by their wives and families, were in at- 
tendance from the city and surrounding country. At 
10 in the forenoon, a national salute was fircil, and 
shortly afterward the procession was formed for the 
street parade l>y ("apt. H. F. Hrazee, acting as Mar- 
shal, in the following order: City Cornel Band ; Big 
Rapids Light Guard ; veteran soldiers and sailors on 
foot; one of the rilled cannon which once formed 
a part of the e(iuipment of the famous Loomis Bat- 
tery ; mounted veteran cavalrymen, among the lat- 
ter being ]}. C. Allen, who was a private in the war 
of iSt2. Mr. Allen carried a well worn flag, which 
was the identical flag borne by him in active service, 
and which he has since preserved as a relic of the 
last great struggle between England and the United 
States. 

The line of march was as follows: north on 
Michigan avenue and Osceola street to Waterloo 
\y street; thence west to State street; thence south to 
^ Hemlock street ; thence east to Michigan avenue ; 
) thence south to I'inc street; thence east to Warren 
avenue ; thence south to Oak street ; thence west to 
State street ; thence north to Linden street ; thence 
east to Michigan avenue ; thence north to the Arm- 
ory. Many business and private residences along 
the line of march were tastefullydecorated, conspicu- 
ous among the latter being the house of J. 1'. Huling, 
which was adorned with a large portrait of Wash- 
ington, a bust of Lincoln, and a profusion of flags, 
mottoes and accoutrements of war. The column 
was halted opjwsite Mr. Uuling's house, faced to the 
right, and three rousing cheers given for Washington 
and Lincoln. 

.-\rrived at the .\rmory, the parade was dismissed, 
and shortly afterward the seats around the four long 
■^ tables in Armory Hall were filled. .Mthough pro- 
I vision had been made for upwards of three hundred 
^ people, the 1 rowtl was so great that only about two- 
^ thirds of it could be accommodated at the first 
'^ sitting. 

After an intermission of about an hour, during 



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which the tables were removed and seats arranged, 
the crowd re-assembled, filling the li^UI to its utmost 
ca|>acity. The stage was handsomely decorated with 
flowers, flags and various implements of war. .\lr. 
.\llen, the veteran of 1812, occupied a iX)sition at the 
front, i>roudly bearing aloft his old flag. Order being 
restored, the audience was treated to a medley of 
National airs by the cornet band, after which Lieut. 
E. O. Rose, President of the Association, delivered a 
very elo(|uent address, from which tiie following brief 
extract is taken : 

"Every man and woman who can say, 'my 
father (or grandfather) was a soldier in the war 
of 1.S12 or in the Revolution,' utters it with a 
feeling of i)ride; and in after years our children 
and grandchildren will experience the same feeling 
of pride in alluding to the part we took in the great 
struggle for the maintenance of national unity. 

" As we view this vast assemblage, and reflect 
upon what brings us together, the mind's eye invol- 
untarily wanders back over the lapse of years to the 
time when we left our several avocations, and went 
forth to assist in defending the old flag and the Ciov- ^ 
eminent that floats it. We see the farmer leaving y, 
his plow, the mechanic his bench, the merchant his ^ 
store and the professional man his office; we see s^ 
them sign their names to the muster roll, and put on 
the uniform of the army and navy of the United 
States; we see tliem finally, with blanched cheek 
and (piivering lip, bidding good-bye to those they 
love ; we hear the gray-haired mother speak in trem- 
ulous tones as she bestows a ])arting blessing u|x)n 
iier darling l)oy; we hear the sister's reluctant fare- 
well, and the sweet-heart's stifled sob as she bids her V 
nftianced good-bye; we hear the wife's agonizing 
groan as slie ga/.es through blinding tears upon the 
receding form of her husband and protector; while 
little children, unalile to comprehend the solemnity 
of tlie occasion, cling to her skirts with a frightened 
l<x)k and wonder what it is all about. And could 
von look into the hearts of the men who thus tore 
themselves from the ties of home, and boldly went ^ 
forth to brave the perils of a soldier's life, you would 
find photographed there mental struggles which few 
but old soldiers can understand. Many of those 
family i)artings were the last upon earth, for hundreds 
of thousands of those who battled for the I'nion 
found graves in Southern soil. 

" In conclusion, let nie exi)ress the hope that this 



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reunion, so pleasantly begun, may be throughout a 
season of rejoicing. When we go to our respective 
homes, 1 trust that each may feel that it was ' good 
to be jiere.' May the chain of friendship which was 
first linked together in the camp, on the march and 
on the battle-field, be brightened and strengthened. 
Many of our comrades fill Southern graves ; others 
are falling by the wayside from year to year, and the 
day is not far distant when the sods of earth will 
cover the last of the grand old army of the Union. 
And as we pass down the declivity of time, each day 
bringing us so much nearer honored graves, may the 
love and gratitude of the Nation, and the choicest 
blessings of heaven and of earth be yours." 

After another air by the band, Frank Dumon re- 
siwnded to the toast, "The Union," following whicli 
the band played '"Hail Columbia." J- B. Upton 
then responded to the "Old Flag" in such eloquent 
words that they are worth recording here. 

" Wlien a few years ago the message flashed over 
the wires, 'The Duke is dead,' every person knew 
that il meant the Duke of Wellington. When it was 
announced that the Senator was dead, every i)erson 
knew that Charles Sumner was no more. And when 
now we hear the words, ' the old flag," every intelli- 
gent, enlightened American citizen knows that they 
mean the history of the United States as a nation. 
They mean the high and glorious resolve of our 
forefathers that this goodly land should be free, and 
the home of millioJis of undisputed sovereigns. They 
mean all the sorrows and grief they bore to secure 
this grand heritage for their descendants, as well as 
the joy they experienced in contemplating such a 
grand and glorious legacy. They mean their heroic 
bravery, their unflinching devotion to the principles 
of liberty during all the long years of the war. They 
mean their victory and elation at Saratoga; their 
defeat at Germantown; their heroic enduran<:e and 
suffering at Valley Forge; their unswerving devotion 
to the just cause; and their grand and glorious victory 
at Yorktown, wherein they smote and shivered the 
power of haughty England, and secured for them- 
selves and us their descendants the priceless boon of 
independence. They mean the type and symbol of 
our national growth until the war of i<Si2, in whii h 
it floated jiroudly over our victorious soldiers on the 
land and on the sea, and saw England again the 
suppliant for peace. They mean the daring and the 
courage of our patriotic soldiers in the war with 




Mexico, and their victories achieved therein. They 
mean the power of a loyal government of patriotic 
men and women to suppress the mightiest domestic 
insurrection and rebellion recorded in the annals of 
history. They mean the heroic resolve, the dauntless \^ 
courage of our gallant soldiers, many of whom are 
here now present. They mean the quarter of a mil- 
lion of slaughtered brothers, husliands and fathers; 
the sorrow, the grief, the desolation in thousands of 
households; the nntlinching devotion of our sisters, 
wives and mothers. They mean the sanguinary as- 
sault, the deadly affray, the rei)ulses, the victories, 
during all the years of the war, until the rebellion, in 
the person of General Lee, laid down the scei)ter ol 
its power at Ai)pomattox, at the feet of the silent 
man, — the mightiest, the greatest and the grandest 
general of the world, — Ulysses S. Grant. They 
mean thereafter the healing of the nation, and the 
restoration of the powers of Government. They 
mean the marching onward of our Government from 
its infancy until it is recognized as among the leading 
powers of the earth. They mean the development 
of our country until it has become the granary of the 
world — the Egypt where all the sons of want may 
come to procure the needed sustenance of life. To 
the loyal and patriotic of to-day they mean a greater y 
love for our institutions, a higher zeal for their sup- 
port, a more hearty consecration to their maintenance, 
and a firmer determination to uphold tliis Govern- 
ment, because it is 'of the people, by the |ieo[)lc, 
and for the peo|ile.' They mean the hearty orthodox 
prayer of heaven for the defenders, and hell for the 
destroyers of 'The Old Flag.'" 

The glee club sang " Rally Round the Flag, Boys," 
aixl then the third toast, "Abraham Lincoln, the 
martyred President," was resjionded to in a fitting 
manner by L. G. Palmer, as follows: 

"No need to recite history. It is indelibly written 
upon every loyal heart. From the cabin to the cap- 
itol, his record is that of an honest boy, a faithful 
citizen, a loving, brave commander, content to labor 
in the most humble calling, yet competent to decide 
the destinies of a great nation. Never within the 
period of our national history had we such need of a 
Lincoln ;is when he entered upon his perilous duties, y-. 
Asking the prayers of his countrymen, he took tlieir ^^ 
cause upon his broad shoulders, carried it trium|jh- '"^ 
anily through the dark struggle, landed it safely at •< 



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the cost of his hfc. Marlyr indoed ! Never did the 
old flag take haif-inast u[kiii so sad an occasion as 
when the wires flashed lliat fatal message, " Lincoln 
is dead." The nation was at Srst convulsed as by an 
earthiiuakc, then it trembled, then wept as a child. 
Sad silence reigned everywhere. The hum of ma- 
chinery was hushed. All gayety gave place to deep 
sorrow. The palace, tiie cottage, the hovel, were 
alike drajjcd in mourning. Strong men met, greeted 
each other in whisjjers, and sobbed aloud. 

" In his death, every human being lost a friend. 
He long ago predicted and expressed a belief that 
his life and the rebellion would end together; and 
his blood, though shed by the cowardly assassin, as 
the agent of our ungrateful people, has cemented the 
bonds of our Union; and accursed be the traitor wlio 
dares attemi)t to break that sacred seal. 

"No name enrt)lled ui)on the pages of history calls 
forth such tender, loving enthusiasm from the .'\mer- 
ican jieople as the honored name of Abraham Lin- 
coln. He was not only great as a statesniar, l>ut a 
man in the purest meaning of that term. 'I'he mur- 
mur of a child would move his sympathy; and wlien 
his country called upon liiin, above all others, to re- 
unite, if possil)le, the l)roken bonils of brotherhood, 
he res|K)nded from ti\e depths of his great heart, 
' We are not enemies, but friends. We must not be 
enemies. Though passion may have strained, it 
must not break, the Ijonds of affection. 'I'he mystic 
cords of memory stretching from every battle-field 
and patriot's grave to every living heart and hearth- 
stone all over tiiis broad land, will yet swell the 
chorus of LInion, impelled by the better angels of 
our nature, with malice toward none, with charity 
to all.' These are but a trifling example of the calm, 
deliberate, loving sentiments of our sainted hero. 
Yet with gentleness he combined firmness. When 
he heard the lash of the master, followed by the 
groan of the slave, mark his expression : 

"'Fondly do we hope, fervently do we i>ray, that 
the scourge of war may soon pass away, liut if 
God wills, let it continue until all the wealth piled 
up ljy the bondmen's 250 years of nnre(piited toil 
shall be sunk, and every drop of blood ilrawn by the 
lash shall be paid by another drawn by the swoid.' 
Yes, he heard the i>iteous appeal and hastened to the 
rescue. He struck the shackles from 4,000,000 
slaves and left them as God inlendeil tliey should be. 



unfettered, free as the waves of ocean, the winds ol 
heaven. .Xnd though he could not heal the aching 
limbs, he could rob the slave-pen and the whippiii- 
|)0st of further victims. He could clasp the black 
hands that were everywhere u|)held to him. He 
could heal their wounded hearts. 

"History has recorded many noble documents, 
some never to be forgotten. ' Magna Charta,' dear 
to us all; the ' Declaration of Independence,' which, 
please (lod, shall never die; last in number, first in 
human kindness and brotherly love, Lincoln's im- 
mortal ' Proclamation of Kmanci[)ation.' It brought 
forth liberty from bondage, warmed the cold hearth- 
stone, restored many a lost link so cruelly severed 
from that golden love-chain that binds a mother to 
her child. Forever green in the memory of that 
humble |)eople, Lincoln will be your name. It will 
be lisped in |)rayer until every lip is s])eechless anil 
every heart is still. 

" But why prolong tiiis eulogy.' Human e.\i)ression 
is too feeble to portray his merits or do justice to his 
noble character. He stands alone in history, the 
liuniblest, yet the highest. Summon the artillery of 
the nation, marshal in solemn colinnn all her soldiers, 
iier sailors and her citizens. Let sweetest music be 
wafted on every breeze. Aye — mingle with it the 
heavenly chorus of angels, and chant his requiem 
from shore to shore. Float the oUI flag from every 
hduse-toii and mast-head, and then, even then you 
have but a just response to your toast, '.Abraham 
Lincoln, Our Martyr rresident.'" 

The glee club then sang the song, " Lay me down 
anil save the flag, " and after that Dr. F. B. Wood re- 
sijonded to the toast, "The l'i<ket." This was fol- 
lowed l)y two songs, the " Picket Guard," and " King- 
diini t'omin', ' by the club. Judge M. l>rown then 
respi)nded to the toast, "The Prison Pen." After a 
graphic portrayal of the sufferings at Andersonville 
and Libby and other rebel prisons, the speaker said : 

" No nation can prosper which would treat its pris- 
oners with such cruelty. 1 honor my country; 1 love 
its institutions; but whenever it resorts to such 
treatment of prisoners of war, then, 1 pray that he 
who holds the destinies of nations in his hands may 
blot it from the map of empires." 

The glee club then sang " Tramp, Tramp, Tramp," 
and then the toast, "Our Fallen Comrades," was re- 
spondeil In by the ludience rising, and standing in 






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silence while the hand played a dirge. "The Loyal 
Women " was then responded to by J. M. Colby, and 
the band next played "The C.irl I left behind me." 
After tliis, Noble D. Rood, of Colfa.x Township, spoke 
briefly, from experience, of tlie rebel prisons, confirm- 
ing all that liad been said of their cruelty. At the 
conclusion of Mr. Rood's remarks, it was suggested 
that all who had been prisoners of war stand up. 
A count of those who arose to their feet in response 
to this suggestion disclosed the fact that the audience 
contained twenty-seven men wiio were living wit- 
nesses of the atrocities perpetrated upon those who 
had the misfortune to be captured by the rebels dur- 
ing the war. 'I'he next toast was "The Bivouac," 
whicli was responded to by Lieut. Edgar Peirce, as 
follows : 

" Of the many recollections of a soldier's life 
brought to mind on occasions like the present, none 
are perhaps more vivid and interesting than the recol- 
lections that cluster around the bivouac fire. As 
memory wanders back to those stirring times of 
1 86 1 -5, and calls to mind the countless fires that 
have gleamed from the Potomac to the Gulf, marking 
each day's progress on that long and bloody road, 
what a panorama moves before our mental vision ! 
Those fires have long been cold, but in memory tliey 
burn as brightly to-day as they did in years gone by, 
and give rise to many pleasant, many tender, and 
many painful emotions. 

" What pleasanter scene, for instance, can be im- 
agined than that presented by an evening bivouac at 
the close of a i)leasant summer's day, in some beau- 
tiful sjjot in the valley of Virginia? 'I'he blue moun- 
tain tops in the hazy distance, the green field dotted 
witli wliite tents, the myriads of twinkling camp-fires 
surrounded by careless and picturesque groups of 
boys in blue, the inspiring strains of martial music, 
mingled with the sounds of laughter and song, all 
combine to make a s( ene of enchantment whicli, 
once seen, can never be forgotten. 

"But when autumn came with its icy winds and 
chilling storms of rain and sleet, and the roads were 
one endless, hopeless stretch of mud, the picture had 
a darker shade. Then, after wearily plodding all 
day through mud and rain, often \intil. late at night, 
we would at length turn aside into some dripping 
piece of woods, and listen to some s\ich command as 
this: 'Halt! Dismount and fix \ ourselves comfort- 




able for the night!' Comfortable! Easy said; but 
with the rain coming down in torrents, blankets and 
clothing soaked through, teeth chattering, fingers 
stiffened and benumbed with cold, and stomachs 
yearniiig for mother's cupboard at liome, the prospect 
for comfort was not flattering. AV'e lived through it, 
however, and can again, if occasion require it. 

"But what a troop of mournful and tender recol- 
lections come crowding on the memory when we 
think of the bivouac after the battle ; when the clash 
of arms had ceased; when the sounds of the shrill, 
demoniac Southern yell, and the deep-chested, full- 
mouthed Northern roar were no longer borne on the 
breeze; when the last, fierce, desperate charge liad 
been made, and the battle lost or won ! Silently we 
gathered around the bivouac fire in sadly diniinishetl 
numbers, missing the merry voices, and dear, familiar 
faces of many loved comrades, who only the evening 
before were with us full of life and mirth ; b\it to- 
night their unshrouded and uncoffined forms lowly 
lie in unmarked graves. 

" Hundreds of thousands of those loved comrades 
now lie quietly resting in their last bivouac. .Scat- 
tered all over the sunny South they peacefully sleep, 
making its vaunted sacred soil truly sacred with 
their loyal dust. On the pleasant slopes of Cemetery 
Hill, at Gettysburg, on the very spot where in life 
they stood a living wall against which Lee's trained 
legions surged like a mighty wave, only to be, like a 
wave, dashed back in fragments, thousands of them 
gloriously rest. And I hoiie that these, our annual 
reunions or bivouacs, as the\' might be called, uill be 
kept up, if for no other purpcjse than to keep the 
memory of those brave men green. I trust as time 
rolls on and our numbers diminish, our interest in 
these gatherings will increase, initil we finall\ meet 
in that grand reunion on the other shore." 

The band then played " Yankee Doodle," after 
which M. T. Nethaway resfjonded to the toast, "The 
I-ong Roll." His remarks were very interesting, and 
at their conclusion the bugle call for the long roll,was 
sounded from behind the scenes, which was followed 
by the genuine, old-fashioned roll, beaten upon the 
drums by Messrs. Palmer, Miller and Hobart. Gen. 
Stephen Bronson then spoke on the " Close of the 
War." The exercises closed with the song, " Red, 
White and Blue," by the glee club. 



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Tirikn REUNION. 

Aug. 24, iSSo, another reunion was held of the 
Old Soldiers' and Sailors' Association of Mecosta 
County. The attendance, owing to unfavorable 
weather, was not as large as on previous occasions. 
t\ procession was formed at the armory about 1 1 
o'clock, under direction of Marsnal Owen, assisted by 
W. D. Moody. First came the City Cornet Band, 
then came the Big Rapids Ciuard, and the veteran 
soldiers brought up the rear. The procession moved 
eastward to Warren avenue, thence southward to 
Oak street, thence westward to State street, thence 
northward to Woodward avenue, thence westward to 
Stearns' drove. In passing the residence of A. C. 
Tibbits, on Oak street, the procession was halted, and 
three hearty cheers were given for the decorations 
wliich adorned the front of the building. At the 
grove, after dinner, a stirring address was given by 
the ])resident, Edgar I'eirce. Just as he was closing 
a sudden rain caused the meeting to adjourn to 
Armory Hall. Here the following toasts were re- 
siwnded to : 

I. — "C?///- F/iig." — Response by Hon. Michael 
Brown. 

2. — ^^ Our Fallen Coiniadi-s." — In silence, audi- 
ence standing. 

3. — " General Custer." — David Burns. 

4. — " T/ie Foragers." — J. B. Upton. 

The exercises were interspersed with music by tlie 
band, and songs by a glee club. 

FOUR 111 kl'.UNION. 

The fourth annual reunion was a grand suicess. 
It occurred Thursday, Aug. 4, 18S1, and was largel) 



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attendetl. The great novelty this year was the use of 
real tents, and the peiformance of army camp duties 
by the veterans. A salute was fired at 10 o'clock, 
and shortly aftenvard a procession formed under the 
direction of Captain Brazee, assisted by G. W. (Craw- 
ford and Thomas Shaw, in the following order: 
Knights Templar Band; Big Rapids Guard, armed ; 
old soldiers, armed ; a veteran war-horse, and a sec- 
tion of artillery. The procession moved through the 
principal streets, and then returned to camp for din- 
ner. An excellent dinner was served under a big tent 
erected for that purixjse, and squads had dinner in 
nearly all the mess tents on the groimds. After 
dinner, a patriotic address was delivered by Hon. 
.M. Brown, and the following toasts were proposed 
and appropriately responded to, as follows: 

"On the March." — Response by L. G. Palmer. 

" The Bummers." — Res|)onse by Frank Dumon. 

" Boo/s and Saddles." — Resiwnse by Edgar I'eirce. 

"Our Fallen Comrades." — In silence, audience 
standing. 

" 7 he Chaplain." — Res|)onse by Rev. C. .\. Munn. 

Music was furnished by the Knights Templar 
I'and. At the business meeting the Executive 
Committee were authorized to purchase a ceme- 
tery lot, whereon indigent members might be buried. 
A letter of regret was read from Robert T. Lin- 
coln, Secretary of War. The reunion closed with 
a ball at the .\rmory, which was attended by 125 
couples. 

The Third Michigan Infantry held a reunion at 
Big Rapids, Dec. 13, 1881, which was attended by 
200 veterans. Among the exercises was the toast, 
"-The Boys in Blue," to which J. B. Uplon, of Big 
Rapids, made an impromptu response. 





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XTENT and fertility of the 
soil constitute a measure of 
the permanent wealth of the 
locality. Great as is the 
lumber industry in Mecosta 
County, it is nevcrlheless true 
thai the time will come wlien 
the forests of Central Michi- 
gan will be all cleared away, 
and the State no longer fur- 
nish lumber for a continent. 
It is therefore well tlial the 
soil of this county is ricli and cap- 
able of a high state of cultivation. 
; A very great variety of crops can 
be raised here profitably: fruits, grains and garden 
stuff; and the agricultural resources of the county 
'\ can be imagined when it is considered that in 1882 
the 1,200 farms comprised only 30,000 acres under 
cultivation, which is less than a tenth of the area. 

Iviriy in March, 1S74, steiis were taken to form an 
agricidtural society. A meeting of citizens from dif- 
ferent parts of the county, for this purpose, was held 
March 5, at the office of B. F. Craves, in Big Rapids. 
1 Col. N. H. Vincent was made Chairman, and G. VV. 
• •|« Warren, Secretary. B. F. Graves drafted articles of 
^ association, which were signed by N. H. Vincent, 
^ Carlos Teachout, F. P. Wood, John McCutcheon, C. 
I) C. Fuller, J. K. Klesner, A. Vangilder, C. W. Whit- 
^ field, G. VV. Warren and Henry Main. Messrs. G. 



W. Warren, B. F. Graves and F. P. Wood were ap- 
pointed a committee to distribute to the suiiervisor 
of each township and ward throughout the county a 
subscription paper, to be placed before the voters at 
the next spring election ; and the following address 
issued to the people through the press: 

TO THE CITIZENS OF MECOSTA COUNTY. 

Steps have been taken to organize an agricultural 
and mechanical society. Articles of association 
have been drawn uj) and signed by the requisite 
number, and an invitation will be extended to every 
voter in this county to become a member. Subscrip- 
tion lists will be in the hands of some competent per- 
son at every ])oll district in the county, at the s|>ring 
elections in April next. The object of this society 
is to develop and promote the agricultural and me- 
chanical interests of this county; and to the end that 
it may be made a successful enteri>rise, it is desired 
that ever)' citizen of this county give it their hearty 
co-operation and supjiort. l!ut little is known here 
yet of the great agricultural resources of Northern 
Michigan. Possessed of a rich and fertile soil, the 
time is not far distant when this county will not be 
surpassed in agricultural and mechanical productions 
by any county in Northern Michigan; and that she 
may not fall behind her sister counties in the great 
race of development and civilization, it is desired 
that every effort be put forth by the people of this 
county to build up and firmly establish a society of 
this kind. In the great agricultural districts of the 
F2astern and Middle States, societies of this kind 
have become permanent fixtures, and they are well 
calculate<l to stimulate, build \\\> and promote the 
stock-raising and producing interests of an agricultu- 




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ral coniimiuity. The pine forests of this lounty are 
fast clisai)|)caring, ami a few years hence improved 
farms will take their place. Let us then make every 
effort to biiilil ui) and [iromote the aijriciiltiiral and 
ntechanical interests of the county that tliey may 
keei) pace with iliC lumberman's ax. Nature has 
done much for us in this county, and with the en- 
couragement and assistance of the combined efforts 
of the people of this county, and with the assistance 
of capital, that will come in time, this county can be 
made one of the leadini; manufacturini; counties in 
the State; and nothingis better calculated to stinui- 
late the manufacturing interests than a society of this 
kind. We tliink this is a matter of great importance 
to us all, and we hope that no op[)ortunity will be 
lost to make it a success. 



Cr. W. Warren. 
Foster P. Woou. 

BeNJ. 1''. C"i RAVES. 



Big Rai)ids, March 7, 1874. 



The meeting held .April <», for tlie elei tioii of 
officers, was attended by about 40 persons. Charles 
Shafer was chosen Chairman, and (i. W. Warren 
Secretary. Col. N. H. Vincent was then elected 
President of tlie society, (i. W. Warren, Secretary, 
and W. I. Latimer, Treasurer. The following per- 
sons were elected Directors: Fitch Pheljis, Levi H. 
Roberts, W. W. Smith, John A. Markle, Charles Tea- 
chout and John V. .Vrmstrong for one year; J. T. 
Escott, P. S. Decker, S. S. Chii)man, John F. 
McCabe, J. O. Rose and James Canaan for two 
years; and J. N. Decker, C". M. Darrah, George 
Minkle, H. M. Johnson, B. F. Graves and Luther 
Cobb for three years. J. ( >. Rose, G. W. Warren 
and B. F. Graves were ap|)ointed a committee to 
draft by-laws for the society, and present them to tlie 
Directors for their a|)proval. It was directed that 
the third Monday in April l)e fixed as the time for 
holding annual meetings, and also that all persons 
who had paid into the treasury the sum of one dol- 
lar be considered members. 

.At a meeting of the Directors held .April 28, they 
decided that the Society hold a fair for three days, 
commencing on the 29th of Septemlier following. 
Committees were apixsinted to secure grounds and 
prepare a premium list. 

FIRST FAIR. 

The first fair was duly held at the appointed time, 
and was a grand success. It was the first time the 




peo[)le had hail an opportunity to compare produc- 
tions of agricultural and mechanical skill, and to 
exhibit what was raised, made and owned in Me- 
costa County. The entries aggregated over 500, and 
$408.50 were i)aid in i)remiums. A g(x)dly number 
were in attendance, in spite of bad weather. For 
the succeeding year the following officers were elect- 
ed : President, Luther Cobb; Treasurer, W. I. Lati- 
mer; Secretary, G. W. Warren; Directors for three 
years — Fitch Phelps, of Colfax; L. H. Roberts, of 
Morley ; W. W. Smith, of Fork ; K. P. Strong, of Sheri- 
dan ; C. Teachout, of Green ; J. V. Armstrong, of 
Ciiippewa. Director for two years (to fill vacancy 
caused by electing Mr. Cobb as President), A. Van- 
gilder, of r>ig Rapids. 

SECOND FAIR. 

Tlic second fair, held in Se[>tcinbcr, 1875, was 
nuu h inferior lo the first lair. Tliere seems to have 
been little interest manifested either by exhibitors or 
visitors. The following officers were ele( ted : Presi- 
dent, William Ladner; Secretaiy, John Dal/iel; 
Treasurer, C. M. Dariah. Directi)rs for three years: 
J. T. Escott, C. Main, Geo. Gilmore, R. D. Ladner, 
J. (). Rose and A. B. Knapj). 

THIRD lAlK. 

The third annual fair was helil Oct. j, 4 and 5, 
1876, and was an improvement on the preceding. 
Six hundred entries were made, and the attendance 
was excellent. An annual aildress was delivered by 
J. r>. Uploii.on the afternoon of the second day. 

FOURTH FAIR. 

The fourlli fair, held Oct. 2, 3 and 4, was still 
better, as a very general interest was manifested. 
The display, both of cro[)s and live stock, was fine. 
On the afteriioon of the second day, there was a 
band contest, in which the Rvart band won the first 
prize, the Big Rapids Cornet Band the second prize, 
and the Big Rapids Light Guard Hind the iliird 
prize. A baby show was held the same afternoon, 
which furnished much amusement. Four prizes 
were offered. On the last day was held a firemen's 
tournament, in which four companies entered. For 
the ensuing year William Lailner was elected Presi- 
dent, George W. Warren Treasurer, and C. M. Dar- 
rah, Secretary. 



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FIFTH FAIR. 

The fifth fair, held Sept. i.S, 19 and 20, 1S7.S, was 
a partial failure, on account of persistent rain the 
last two days. The first day gave promise of a suc- 
cessful fair. 

SIXTH AND LAST FAIR. 

No fair was held in 1879. 'I'he sixtji fair was held 
Sept. 28, 29 and 30, 1880. The weather was very 
unpropitious, and Jience the attendance was small. 
The number of entries was 222. The receipts were 
so small that the premiums were paid only at the 
rate of fifty cents on the dollar. Since then no at- 
tempt has liecn made to have a fair. It is to be 
hoped that the enterprising citizens of the county 
will take hold of tliis matter and revive these fairs, 
as they are unquestionably a benefit to all. 

FARMERS' INSTITUTE. 



N the fall of 1879, it was announced that 
six farmers' institutes would be held in vari- 
ous parts of the State, one of tliem at Big 
Rapids. This was duly held Jan. 15 and 16, 
untler the direction of Professors Beal and 
Kedzie, of the State Agrictdtural College, and 
was a very interesting and profitable meeting. Col. 
N. H. Vincent, as President, called the assemblage 
to order in the evening of the first day, Thursday, 
and delivered a short opening address. He spoke 
approvingly of all gatherings of this kind; dwelt 
upon the advantages to be derived from a better 
understanding among farmers, and a more extended 
cuhivatii}n of the social relations. He urged the 
organization of farmers' clubs in every town, that 
there might be frecpient interchange of opinion, and 
a more thorough knowledge of subjects pertaining to 
agriculture. If the farmers would do this, he felt 
confident that the next county fair would be a grand 
success, and result in great profit to all concerned. 
He expressed gratification at seeing so many farmers 




present, and assured them that the people of this 
city would endeavor to make their stay pleasant 
during the session of the institute. 

Dr. J. T. Fraser, of Fowlerville, New York, be- 
ing introduced, gave an intcit;sting lecture on the 
structure and anatomy of the horse's foot; the vari- 
ous acute and chronic diseases to which the horse's 
foot is subject, and the best ways to avoid contraction 
of such diseases. He illustrated his talk by the use 
of the bones which enter into the structure of the 
horse's foot aiul lower part of the leg, and also by 
blackboard diagrams. 

The next morning's session opened with a large 
attendance. After a little time spent in discussing 
questions from the drawer, R. Y . Kedzie, teacher ot 
chemistry in the State Agricultural College, was in- 
troduced, and delivered a learned lecture on "Su|)er- 
phosphate for the Farm." The sjieaker explained 
the component parts of superphosphates, their prop- 
erties and effects upon vegetation, cost, etc'. L. G. 
Palmer, of Big Rapitls, then read an excellent essay 
entitled, " Boys on the Farm." 

In the afternoon Judge Brown, of Big Rapids, 
treated the audience to an essay entitled, " Brain and 
the Farm." Mrs. J. K. Upton read an essay entitled, 
" Polly and the Kettle;" and George W. Warren read 
an essay on the culture of roots for winter and 
spring feeding. Prof. Beal also talked a little on in- 
sects injurious to vegetation. 

In the evening, before a full house, Prof. Beal 
talked for an hour or more on " Horticulture at the 
Agricultural College." Sherman Ui)ton, of Big 
Rapids, then followed with "College Life," illustrated, 
embracing a series of cartoons and crayon sketches. 
This caused a great deal of merriment and formed a 
very ajipropriate closing chapter of the institute. 

Music, which was one of the leading features, was 
furnished by the Big Rapids and Green Glee Clubs. 
Just before final adjournment, resolutions were unan- 
imously adopted tendering thanks to the .Xgricul- 
tural College Professors and others from abroad for 
their assistance and instruction, to the Glee Clubs 
for their music, and to the people of Big Rapids for 
entertainiu" visitors. 



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STORY of railroads is not 
void of interest, and espe- 
cially interesting is the his- 
tory of railroads jKissini; 
. through Mecosta County. 
The pioneer railroad of 
this county is the Cirand 
Rapids & Indiana. Its history is 
very similar to that of many other 
railroads in the United States. 
While it is now a profitable, well- 
equipped and well-managed road, it 
passed through the usual stages of 
struggling and poverty and mis- 
management incident to most roads 
which are attempted to he built with- 
out money. The regular program for all such roads 
is first to get a land grant from the State, then to 
spend several years in canvassing cities and town- 
ships for local aid in the shape of cash or bonds ; 
then to grade a portion of the route and build a few 
miles of railroad; then follows a period of inactivity, 
in which frequent announcements are made to the 
effect that so many millions have been raised in the 
East or in Europe, and work will immediately be re- 
sumed; then at last the road does slowly creep along, 
and the citizens who first aided the road have the 
satisfaction of knowing that tlieir children may 
finally ride over the railroad. In the meantime 




trequent ciianges ot management occur, lawsuits re- 
tartl operations, and i)erhaps the road is sold two or 
three times. 



GRAND RAPIDS & INDIANA R. R. 

Ij- United States land grant for the building of 
IjIp^SrSp a gre^.t north and south line was in e.xist- 
'"^'m ^"^'^ '^'^'"" ^^°"' >8so, and efibrts were from 
y^ time to time made to find a company who 
: would accept it and commence the work. In 
the early part of i860 a party of English capitalists 
sent a representative to this country in the person of 
Mr. Samuels, a civil engineer, to examine the route, 
tile character of the lands and country through 
which the road was to be constructed, and to make 
his report to ihe American directors, which, if favor- 
able, would at once secure all the means recjuired. 
To show what a trifling cause gave check to the 
growth of this entire region for nine years longer, it 
is wortii recording that Mr. Samuels made the sur- 
vey, was gratified with the prospect, and was before 
the Board of Directors in the city of New York to 
say that he would accept the securities and furnish 
the money at oiice ; and while making the final 
arrangeme.its, ne"s ■ anie of the disastrous defeat of 



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the Union army at the first battle of Bull Run. 
Rising in his seat, Mr. Samuels said : " Gentlemen, 
you cannot give us proper security for our money. 
Vour armies are defeated, and you have no country ! 
Our conference is at an end, and I return to England 
upon the next steamer." 

After the war closed, the project was again revived 
and the work commenced, the objective point being 
Little Traverse Bay, antl it was only through the un- 
tiring perseverance and determination of one man 
that a direct line was secured through the embryo 
village of Big Rapids, and the great benefit of a rail- 
road secured to Mecosta County. This road, the 
Grand Rapids & Indiana, was built and oi)erated for 
some years under contract witli the original owners, 
by the " Continental Im[)rovenient Company, of 
Pennsylvania." 

The road was liuilt very slowly, and the various 
townships and villages along the proposed line were 
thouroughly canvassed for subscriptions to aid the 
construction. Big Raiiids, Green Township and 
others resiwnded liberally, voting the maximum 
amount allowed by law. The line was gradually 
constructed from Grand Rapids northward as far as 
Cedar Springs, and there seemed for a time "stuck ;" 
but in the summer of 1869 work was resumed north 
of that place. A thousand men were put at work, 
with teams, etc., and a short journey from Big Rapids 
would bring the citizen face to face with the van of 
the army of laborers. During August, work was 
prosecuted on the contract of \Villiam S. Patterson, 
commencing two miles south of Big Rapids and ex- 
tending six miles southward. 

The natural supposition would be that the advent . 
of this road would have united the interests of all in 
the hitherto isolated Big Rapids, but on the contrary 
there now commenced an internecine strife between 
the upper and lower portions of the town, which 
were alike disastrous and disgraceftd. The railroad 
company, desirous to conciliate all parties, endeav- 
ored to stand aloof from the contention. About this 
time tlie afterwards famous railroad magnate, Tom 
Scott, bought a tract of land of T. C. Hunt, on the 
east side of the river near the upper dam, paying 
therefor $14,000. It was at that time really the in- 
tention of Mr. Cass, President of the Continental 
Improvement Company, to locate the repair shops of 
the road at this point; and it was of course generally 




supposed that this fact would transfer the center of 
commercial business to the north part of the city. 
Residents of that part were elated over the prospect, 
and when visiting the inhabitants of the lower town 
would facetiously observe that grass would soon 
grow in their streets, generously offering to furnish 
the necessary timothy and clover seed, even drinking 
to the prosperity of the " street dairy farm." Soon 
after, when the citizens, by a donation of forty acres 
of land, bound the railroad company to perpetually 
maintain a station on east Maple street, a ])arty from 
tlie lower part of town retaliated by going in a body 
to the north side, and in open day actually sowing 
grass seed in the streets and harrowing it in. Bitter 
words and still more bitter feeling resulted, and as a 
matter of course all general interests suffered. 

As the road actually approached Big Rapids, the 
question of location of the dejwt became an impor- 
tant one. The company offered to build the depot 
on the west side of the river, on the site just north of 
the old red saw-mill, provided the city would procure 
for and donate to them the right of the way through the 
city limits, and the above mentioned field as a site 
for depot and shops, also' $8,000 in cash, or in lieu 
thereof the bonds of the city to the amount of $10,- 
000. The citizens thought this demand was too ex- 
orbitant, and the railroad authorities claimed that it 
was no more than would fully compensate them for 
the extra cost of earth-work, and several hundred 
feet of extra track which they claimed would l)e re- 
(juired. The result was that as the citizens refused 
to pay the amount asked, the dejwt was located about 
sixty rods east of the river, at least three times as far 
from the business center of town as the proposed lo- 
cation on the west side, .\nother depot was con- 
structed at the same time at the upper end of town, and 
trains now stop at both " Lower Big Rapids " and 
" Upper Big Rapids." 

Early in September, 1869, G. A. McDonell tS: Son, 
contractors, broke ground for the railroad within the 
city limits of Big Rapids, east of the river Muskegon. 

October i r of the same year, the comjiany began 
to run daily trains each way between Grand Rapids 
and Morley, in this county. One was a passenger 
train, and the other a mixed train, having in addition 
to freight cars two passenger coaches. The passenger 
made the trip each way in two hours and a half. Tliis 
made Morley a place of some consequence, being the 



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teniijorary temiiniis of tlie road, and the growth of 
the village really dates from that time. A ix)st-office 
was estal)lished at Morley, the first postmaster being 
also first station agent on the railroad, — F. 1'. Bodwell. 

Ill the latter part of May, 1870, the company be- 
gan to lay iron north of Morley at the rate of a mile 
a day, during pleasant weather, and on Monday, 
June 20, 1870, the track reached the site of the pres- 
ent depot east of the lower bridge, and the citizens 
of Big Rapids at last had the pleasure of seeing a 
real live locomotive in their midst. A barrel of 
sugar, surrounded i)y about a Inuidred citizens, greeted 
the thirsty track-layers when they reached the deixjt 
grounds, thus testifying to the satisfaction felt by all 
in witnessing the fulfillment of what had been so 
long promised. June 30, the track was laid to Paris. 

July 6, work was commenced on the lower depot 
at Hig Rai>ids, which was buiit 24 x 60, and was 
ready for use the same month. Another was built of 
the same size at the upiier station, one mile from the 
lower. 

July 27, the interests of the railroad met with a 
temi)orary check. An injunction was issued out of 
the Circuit Court of Mecosta County enjoining and 
restraining the company from running their cars 
across certain lands belonging to Col. Stewart Ives, 
the company having made no arrangements about 
tiie right of way. In the afternoon of the same day, 
Marshall Lynch, of Big Rapids, with a corps of as- 
sistants, " tore up " one length of the rails which was 
laid across the saiil lands. This caused but a tem- 
porary delay, however. The company relaid the 
rails and brought suit against Col. Ives for trespass. 
The rails were not again <listurl)ed, and on Monday, 
Aug. 8, the first regular train came through Big 
Rapids. Paris was now for a short lime tlie termi- 
nus of the road. 

The citizens of the County began to derive benefit 
from the railroad before regular trains were run, as 
freight was carried to some extent on the construc- 
tion trains, by arrangement with Mr. Zimmerman. 
Between June 24 and July 2, 113'j tons were 
brought from the South to Big Rapids, 34^ tons on 
one day. 

September 13, 1870, a special train was run from 
Grand Ra|iids to Paris, for the accommodation ofCiov. 
ISaldwin, wliose duty it was under the law to ins])cct 
each twenty-mile section of road, as completed, in 



order to make the necessary certificate to secure the 
railroad company the Government land to which the 
construction entitled them. The CJovernor was accom- 
panied by Hon. T. W. Ferry and other prominent 
citizens of the State. The party stopped at Big 
Rai)ids for dinner, at the Mason House. The Gov- 
ernor and others were profuse in praises of the road, 
of Big Rapids, Paris and the surrrounding country. 
A week later a train containing railroad notables and 
others was run from Fort Wayne, Indiana, tt) Paris, 
200 miles, in ten hours. 

For some time it was e.vpected that the company 
would locate car shops at Big Rapids ; but Grand 
Rapids held out to the railroad officers such in- 
ducements that the shoi)s were erected in that city. 

The annual reixjrt of the road for the year ending 
June 30, 1870, contained the following with reference 
to business between Grand Rapids and Morley : 



From Passengers, 
" Freight, 
" Other Sources, 

Total, 

( (perating Expenses, 

Net Fiarnings, 



S45.903 60 

7 •.97''^ 5' 

7.533 22 

$i25.4'5 ZS 

65,182 97 

$60,232 36 



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Oct. 10, 1870, the road was formally opened 
through from Fort Wayne to Paris. Karly the next 
year it was comi)leted to Reed City. We will follow 
its detailed history no farther. It has since been 
completed to Traverse City and Mackinaw. The 
importance of the road to Big Rapids, and also of 
Big Rapids to tlie road, is shown by llie following 
table of receipts for 1S71, at both stations at Big 
Rai>ids : 



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Lower Dejiot. 






January, 


§45 3 


99 


S3.867 


73 






February, 


341 


46 


3.829 


24 






March, 


611 


92 


3,802 


94 






April, 


748 


62 


3.543 


'9 






May 


752 


97 


3.5 4S 


68 






Iiine, 


816 


82 


3.249 


7S 


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.luly, 


688 


5^' 


3.799 


32 




August, 


575 


00 


3.f<3f' 


96 


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September, 


1,098 


57 


4.'J37 


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October, 


974 


3' 


3.9of' 


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November, 


1,162 


98 


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December, 


841 


72 


5.353 
$48,862 


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40 




S9,o66 


92 




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The total at both stations was therefore $57,929.32. 
Of course the business now is much larger. 

SMASH-UP. 



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On the evening of Tuesday, April 8, 1872, occurred 
a smash-up on this road, in Mecosta County, which 
was the most destructive that had occurred up to 
that time anywhere on its line. It took place 
between eight and nine o'clock in the evening, about 
five miles south of Big Rapids, the regular mail 
train from the south being the victim. On that 
■-3 Tuesday morning, some time after the early mail 
train had gone south, a small jiortion of the road-bed 
over a little swamp, a short distance north of Morley, 
had settled so as to render it impassable for a time, 
and necessitated the transfer of passengers and bag- 
gage from train to train on either side of the sink. 
For this purpose locomotive No. 14, driven by 
Engineer Tinkham, with two box or freight cars, 
backed down from Big Rapids in the evening, to 
meet the regular mail train from the south, which 
was due at 4:46. Workmen had been engaged on 
the sink during the day, and at a little before nine 
o'clock succeeded in repairing it so far as to admit 
of the passage of trains; and instead of transferring, 
the coaches composing the mail train were attached 
to the rear of the box cars, and the whole proceeded 
toward Big Rapids, at about 20 miles an hour. 

In passing through the long, deep cut south of the 
" high bridge," about half or three-iiuarters of a mile 
south of Byers' Station, the. train encountered a 
quantity of earth that had caved down from the 
eastern bank. The locgmotive was thrown from the 
track, and the box cars, being crowded forward by the 
momentum of the baggage cars and coaches, were 
crushed and smashed into a promiscuous pile of 
splinters and rubbish, while the tender turned a 
complete somersault, landing clear in front of the 
engine, with its rear to the north. 

Three men were in the engine cab at the time of 

the accident — M. II. Tinkham, engineer ; Isaac L. 

Walker, fireman, and Ed. Stoff, brakeman on a freight 

train. Walker and Stoff were instantly killed, both 

being so wedged in between the wrecked cars and 

.V, engine that it was impossible to extricate them till 

/< the debris had been removed by the wrecking train. 

* 'i'he engineer was pitched forward through the front 

^ cab window, and landed in the mud beside the 







boiler, the tender passing over him in executing its 
flying leap. He was considerably bruised, but had 
no bones broken. His escape from an instant and 
terrible death was almost miraculous. 

The forward end of the baggage car pitched into 
the bank on the opposite side of the track from the 
engine, while the rear end was thrown off the other 
way, leaving it diagonally across the track. Its 
inmates, the mail agent, baggage-master and express 
agent, all escaped with only slight scratches and 
bruises. 

Forward of the baggage car, between that and tlie 
box cars, was a freight caboose, which contained a 
large number of laborers who had been at work on 
the sink ; and although the caboose was somewhat 
stove up and turned partially across the track, as 
well as canted up on one side, none of the men were 
seriously hurt. 

The passenger coaches were brought to a standstill 
without being thrown from the track. They were all 
well filled, and, marvellous as it may appear, all 
escaped with nothing more serious than fright, and 
slight scratclies, bumps and bruises for a few. This 
good fortune is probably attributable to the fact that 
the crushing of the box car materially diminishetl the 
shock which the coaches must otherwise have sus- 
tained, as well as the moderate speed of the train. 
Had it been going at as high a rale as the mail train 
usually runs, with no box cars to receive the force of 
the shock, the inevitalile result is siui|jly terrible to 
contemplate. 

The excitement and confusion which followed the 
crash can only be realized by those wlio have wit- 
nessed and experienced similar scenes. The dark- 
ness was impenetrable, the mud on both sides of the 
track miry and deep, and the whole hemmed in liy 
a steep bank on either side, higher than the tops of 
the cars. The escaping of. steam from the disabled 
engines made a most frightful noise, drowning tiie 
voices of all about the wreck, and adding to the al- 
most perfect bedlam which seemed to reign for a 
time. 

The train was in charge tif Conductor .\rnold, who 
walked to the lower depot in Big Rapids, bringing 
the first intelligence of the disaster, and reporting 
the same by telegraph to the company authorities. 
Quite a number of passengers walked through to Big 
Rapids, anil during the night several women and 












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^ children were brought up in wagons which were sent 
■^ down for them ; hut many remained till morning, 

."^^j suffering from huniier and numerous other discom- 
forts incident to their castaway situation. These 

"^1 . then g<>t away as best they could, some on foot, a few 
on a hand-car, and others in wagons which went 
down from this city. 

Early that morning, the telegraph operator at 
Lower Hig Rapids was transferred to the wreck, the 
wire tapped, and direct communication opened with 
headipiarters. Su|)l. Gorham and Ass't. Supt. Walk- 
er were on the ground as soon as they could reach 
there from their respective headquarters, and a force 
of men put to work at removing the debris. 

Walker had been in the employ of the comiiany 
some time, and was a favorite among his associates. 
He was a single man. .Stoff was a married man, 
his family residing in Middleville, Barry County, 
Mich. He had but just entered the employ of the 
company, and was making his second run when his 
earthly career was thus suddenly and tragically ter- 
minated. No blame was attached to the engineer 
or any other employe on the ill-fated train. It being 
very dark, and the obstruction of exactly the same 
color as the road-bed, it is not at all surprising that 
he should not discover it till so near; and Iiaving 
passed safely over the same track within the preced- 
ing hour, there was nothing to occasion unusual cau- 
tion on his part. If blame rests anywhere, it is uijon 
the company, for permitting stumps and trees stand- 
ing \\\K>n the very brink of cuts, to become gradually 
undermined, and finally tumble down the bank with 
the disastrous result witnessed in this instance. 



RE-ORGANIZATION OF THE ROAD. 

Jan. 14, 1874, at a special meeting of the Conti- 
nental Improvement Conijiany, held at Grand Rap- 
ids, the formal transfer of the road from the C. I. 
Co. to the Grand Rapids & Indiana Railroad Com- 
pany was completed, the latter having taken actual 
possession on the first of December previous. Un- 
der this new arrangement, W. O. Hughart, of Pitts- 
burg, formerly President of the Pittsburgh Connells- 
ville Road, was elected President of the G. R. & I. 
R. R., and entered at once wyion the active duties of 
his oftice. He made Grand Rapids his home, and 
from that time on the road has been managed exclu- 
sively from that city. 



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CHICAGO & WEST MICHIGAN R R. 

HIS was the second road built into Me- 
costa County, and was projected soon after 
the G. R. iV I. Ry. first entered the County 
Feb. 5, 1870, a meeting of representative citi- 
zens was held at the Mason House in Big Raj)- 
ids, at which resolutions were adoiHed favoring 
the building of a railroad from Muskegon to 'Big 
Rapids, and a committee was appointed to confer 
with citizens of Muskegon and intermediate points. 
This committee consisted of Gen. S. Bronson, Hon. 

C. C Fuller, J. F. Brown, Col. Stewart Ives, Andrew 
Green, George F. Stearns, T. D. Siinson, J. O. Rose, 

D. M. Benjamin, Charles Shafer, E. Fisher and G. 
W. Crawford. 

Another meeting was held March 21, at Brown's 
1 lall, at which enthusiastic speeches were made ; and 
it was reported that the citizens of Muskegon had 
already subscribed $30,000, and would raise the 
amount to $So,ooo. Resolutions were ado|>ted in 
favor of Big Rapids Township aiding the scheme to 
the extent of $40,000. 

The Muskegon & Big Rainds Railroad Company 
was formally organized April 12, 1870, at Muskegon. 
Big Rapids was represented on the Board of Direc- 
tors by George F. Stearns, John F. Brown, Jacob O. 
Rose, Col. Stewart Ives and Sumner .Stickney. Gen. 
Bronson and Col. Ives were ai)i)ointcHl from this city 
to receive subscriptions. At a sul)set|iient meeting 
of the Directors, oflicers of the company were elected 
as follows: Alexander Rogers, President; George 
F. Stearns, Vice President; Stewart Ives, Secretary; 
C'hauncey Davis, Treasurer. Early in May the actual 
survey of the road was commenced, and all seemed 
to be going on well, when unexpectedly the Suineme 
Court of Michigan decided against the constitution- 
ality of local aid given to railroads. This decision 
killed many railroad projects in the State, and for a 
time the Muskegon v\: Big Rapitls Railroad seemed 
to have been effectually strangleil. 

After a year or so, however, the company was once 
more organized, with Hon. I,. G. Mason as President, 
and F. A. Nims as Secretary, and it was determined 
to build the road with no aid except that of individ- 
uals. In the summer of 1S72 they visited New 



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York, and on returning announced that the road 
could be built and equipped that year, under one ar- 
,'i rangement. This was nothing more nor less than a 
1 consolidation of the company with the Chicago & 
' . Michigan Lake Shore, whose road was then built and 
operated as far north as Pentwater. This arrange- 
ment was cordially'endorsed bytlie stockholders and 
directors resident at Big Rapids and Muskegon, and 
the contract for the construction of the entire road, 
to be completed and in running order by the first of 
i January following, was let to a Mr. Thompson, a rail- 
'Pd road contractor wlio had just been performing a piece 
^ of work for the Michigan Central, and who at once 
transferred his entire force of about i,ooo men, with 
all tlie necessary tools anti ciiuipmenTs for railroad 
work, to this Muskegon & Big Rapids road, begin- 
ning at the same time at both ends of the line. 
With this large, efficient and well organized corps, 
the work was pushed as rajiidly forward as it could 
have been under the circumstance.s. 



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Owing to bad weather and other obstacles, the 
completion of the road was delayed till the summer 
of 1873. In July, regular trains — two passenger 
and one freight — were put on the line. The stations 
and distances on the line are as follows: Big 
Rapids; Hungerford, 6}^ miles from Big Rapids; 
Traverse Road, 11 miles; Filigree's Dam, 19 miles; 
Morgan Station, 20 miles; AUeyton, 21 miles; Wor- 
cester, 25 miles; Fremont Center, 31 miles; Fre- 
mont Lake, i^;^ miles ; County Line, 36 miles; Holton, 
yj miles; Twin Lake, 45 miles; Big Rapids Junc- 
tion, 5 i miles; Muskegon, 55 miles. 

The completion of the road was celebrated by an 
excursion from Big Rapids to Muskegon, which was 
well patronized. In connection with this road's his- 
tory, it may be mentioned as an interesting fact tliat 
it crosses the natural bed of Mitcliell Creek thirty- 
two times within two miles of Big Rapids, and 
thirty-eight times within three and a ipiarter miles. 
Five or six years after the completion of this road, 
the Chicago & Michigan Lake Sliore and the Muske- 
gon and Big Ra|)ids lailroails were organized as one 
road, under the name of the Ciiicago & West Michi- 
gan railroad. 

Tims the city of Big Rapids has direct communi- 
cation witli ("hicago and all the lake ports interven- 
ing. 





HIS was the third railroad built into Me- 
costa County. Its present northwestern 
terminus is Big Rapids. The Ionia & Stan- 
ton Branch of the D., L. & N. R. R. was made 
by consolidating the Ionia & Stanton road with 
the D., L. & N., a number of years ago, and 
almost every year since the project has been dis- 
cussed of extending that road to Big Rapids. Feb. 
21, 1879, Col. J. O. Hudnutt received a letter from 
J. B. Mulhken, Suijerintendent of the D., L. & N., 
saying that he was then " ready to talk railroad to 
Big Rapids, and listen to any proposition the citizens 
might wish to make." On the evening of tlie next 
day a meeting of business men was held at the 
Mason House to talk up the matter and answer a 
list of questions proposed by Mr. Mulliken. John 
F. Brown, F. Stearns, F. Fairman, J. T. Escolt and 
C. P. Bigelow were appointed a committee to confer 
with the railroad authorities. The railroad company 
finally agreed to ask no money bonus, b\it to liuild 
the road at once, if the citizens would procure the 
right of way through the county, which was done. 

A meeting was held at Big Rapids, May ro, to 
discuss means for obtaining the right of way. It 
was finally decided that the most feasible and prac- 
tical way would be to solicit subscriptions from the 
resident property-holders of the city, ecpuil to about 
two per cent, of their respective assessed valuations, 
to be paid as needed in ten per cent, installments. 
The following committeer were ap[)ointed to solicit 
such subscriptions: First Ward, E. P. Clark and 1''. 
W. Joslin; Second Ward, H. R. Hardy and S. S. 
Wilco-x; Third Ward, G. W. Warren and C. D. 
Crandell; Fourth Ward, S. C. Webster and J. T. 
Escott; Fifth Ward, P. I'-rikson and S. S. Criswokl. 
These committees met with gratifying success in 
their canvass, and in four days reported from the 
First Ward $1,200; Second Ward, $2,100; Third 
Ward, $900; Fourth Ward, $500; Fifth Ward, $100; 
total $4,800. 

The road was completed to P.ig Rapids in the 
spring of 1880, and regular trains began running on 
Monday, May 31. This road is now the luincipal 
medium of traffic with the East, and Mecosta C^omity 
has now railroads extending to each of the four 
points of the compass. 



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^ S the settlers of Mecosta 
^^ County came fioiii a (■ouiitiy 
y of free schools, their nttach- 
/'* ment to such institutions re- 
mained with them, and soon 
became manifest in their works. 
They believed that svich agencies 
were the most powerful in advanc- 
1 ing the condition of the i)eo])le. 
The great Frenchman, Jules Simon, 
said: "That people which has the 
best schools is the best people; if it 
is not so to-day, it will be so to-mor- 
row. " The first school-house in 
the county was built in May, 1858, 
nine years before the people were 
able to build the first church. During the summer 
of the same year, Mrs. Martha J. Evarts taugln the 
first school. This was on sec. 28, in the township of 
(ireen. The scIkkiIs of the county have more than 
kejit pace with the progress of other matters. 

The following are the latest educational statistics 
for Mecosta County, being compiled for the year 
1882: 

School Children and Apportionment. 

Wlioli- iMiinlii'r i>\ childri'ii in ii'ii>u<. I..MI7 

NiitnlxM- iiii hiilcil ill :i|(|Miitii>iiiiiriil. -l.lTii 

Si-hoiil riiiiil appiirtioni'il S.">,r)'">0.'i4 

General School Statistics. 

Xo. tiiwiisliiiis anil cith's I" 

" si'liool (listricls '^•"> 
" ilistrii-ts that maintained si-liDol duriiifj: year 

'■ ^nuli'il siliiinls •'! 

•• chililicn liclwiMMi livi- and twenty years of a^Ti- ."i.(K»."> 




\(i. of 1 liililieii alli'iiiliiii; -iIhmiI ilminj; ilie year :{,7<iO 

.\ve|-:iiri' iiiiiiiImt nl' inniillis seliools were niaili- 

laiiii'il li.t; 

Nil. Ill' liiiik ^iliiiiil-liiiiiM's 1 

■■ nl' liMiiie scliiiiil-lKinses (is 

•• of lug srli(i(il-li(iii.-es l(i 

" iif pupils lliat rail lie aeeoiiiiniiilateil ;'i.tl08 

Ksliiiialed value of selidiil property §85.204 



4 



■"• ^ ■ !"■• I 

\(i. of i(iwiisliip> loi I'eitinjj I heir lilirary iimneys 

■■ Iciwnsliips m.iinlaiiiing liliraiies .1 

Wlmle niiiiilier 111' vnliiines ill liliiaries 'ISA 

.\iiiniiiii {i:iiil Icir I K- ami i.ue ol' liliraries .Sll.-V! 

.\iiniiiiil lit taxes VHled tor liliraries ."i(t.(Kt 
.Nnioiiiil lines, ele.. reeeiveil I'ldiii ('oiinly 'I'reas- 

iirer lor support of libraries Pi7.9."i 



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KMi'i.in mi;n r Ol- •rK.\(iii:Ks. 

No. ol male teaelieis eiiiployeil ;j(l 

■• female leaeliers eiiiployeil 101 

" mniillis lailglil liy male le.ielieis 20.i.-l 

■■ moiillis lailglil by female leaeliers Xl'^.2 

'Icilal uages of male leaelieis lor the year 8li,!)H.">.(W 

'I'olal wages ol' lemale leaelieis for llie year l.')..!7". 14 

Average numlhly wages of male leaeliiMs :il.(l!l 

Average monthly wages of female leaelieis ■2.'^.84 ^ 

KKSOiniCKS OK SCIIOUI. msTIilCTS. I, 

Moneys on liaiiil Sepl. .">. ISSl S](;.7!l!).!).". 

OiK'-ii'iill lax 2.77."i.:«» 

I'limarv school iiiien'>l fiim! !).:!0!l.ll 

l.ilir.ny moneys 1.07!».:i:t 

Disiiii'i laxesfor all imrposes :iO,:{2l.2S 

I'ai-i'il lidiii all oilier sonrees .■<.S1!).72 

Tolal le-oiirees for llie year (i."i.250.2!> 



KXI'KN urn lil s ii|- SI IKidl. lU^I Kli r'-. 

Paid leaeliii-. .•*22.2;!l.iil 

■' lor liiiildings and repairs l."i.271.2li 

lilirary hooks and care of lihrai y S(;;{.OS 

on honded illdehledlies~ .■i,(>Sl).7:! 

for all oilier |iiirpo~i > <>.882.17 

.\nioiiiil on hand Sepl. 1. 1S,S2 14.:I21.44 

Total expeiidilures. ineliKliiig aim I on liand (l."i,2.")0.2!t 

STATISTICS o|- ToWNSIIir l.ll'.H UdKS. 
No. of lownslilps leporllng lihiaiy moneys used 
for general selioid purpose 



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STATISRS OF SCHOOL DISTKICT LIBUARIES. 


'• female teachers 


14 


No. of (listrk-ts of le.ss than 100 cliiUlivn. report- 


Average number of pupils to each teacher 


47 


iiii; liliraiics 
No. of voliiiiu's reported liy tlic same 


7 

487 


Mecosta. 




•• ilistricts of more tliaii 100 ehililn'ii. 


main- 


Xumlier of children lietweeii five and twenty 




taiiiinu; litiraiies 


:{ 


years 


172 


Xo. of vdliniies addi'd duniij; yi'ar 


'.m 


Estimated value of school property 


.$2,100 


" voliiiiii's ill siu-li lilirarifs 


1.04.") 


Amoimt paid for siiperiiileiideiice and instruc- 




Amoimt paid for siip|ior| of siuli iilnarii's 


§7.")0.2S 


tion 


3.-.6..-)0 


of lino. etc.. leeeiviil from < 


omit V 


Average monthly wages of male teachers 


40.00 


Treasure)- 


i,oo-j.3.s 


'■ ■■ •• female teachers 


3.5.74 






Expeiuliture.s 1 


,2S5..5!) 


Graded School Statistics. 




M<,ih;j. 




Jiig Bapids. 




Xumlier of diildreii hetweeu live and twenty 




Nimi))er of cUildren Ijctvoen five and 


wentv 


years 


13.-) 


vea r.s 


!.(«!» 


Estimated valuation of school projierty 


§1,000 


Estimated valuation of seliool property 


.$30,000 


Amount paid for superintendence and instruc- 




Amoimt jiaid for instriietion 


6,.5(il .J.") 


tion 


70.5 


Averai;e montlily waires of male teachers 


• 130.00 


Average monthly wages of male tiMchers 


50 


Averaj;e monthly wages of female teai-hers 


33..5.-> 


" •• female teachers 


3.5 


Grand total exiiemli tines 


■21 ,171 .02 


Total cost per capita for instruction and inci- 




(iraiid total indelitedness 


0.000.00 


dentals 


il.r)S 


( 'osi |iere:i )ila of instiiirtion 


S.72 


Total euidlliueiit 


114 


Total enrol ment 


I.OSII 


Average numlier helongiug 


80 


Avera<;e iiumlier lielonjcing 


020 


daily attendance 


0.5 


•• ' daily atteiidaiiee 


.■)30 


Xumlier of male teachers 


1 


Nmnher of male teachers 


1 


■' female teachers 


1 








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S tlie Big Rapids Pioneer 
Sg was the pioneer newspaper 
§ of this part of the State, 
" it was rightly named. The 
sfc,"-^.?^;:'- j,^ first number was issued April 
"'",i\ 17, I S6 2, and was a very credit- 
able sheet in every particular, 
though it did not exhibit a very 
liberal advertising patronage for 
the first few months. It was 
started as a five-column folio, by 
Charlie Gay, as pulilisher and pro- 
prietor, and though it has had several 
changes in size, it has been essenti- 
ally under the same management for 
the nearly twenty-two years it has thus far been pub- 




■K-^D!i:o:Dtl>:>A 



ished. Established when Big Rapids (or Leonard) 
had less than 150 inhabitants, and Mecosta County 
little over 1,000 inhaL'itants, and always devoted to 
both town and county, even its enemies admit 
that it has materially aided in the development 
and progress of this seition of the State of Michigan. 
Politically it has lieen uniformly an exponent of 
Rei)ublican principles, which, when the paper was 
started, were synonymous with support of the Union. 
The following salutatory gives the platform of the 
paper, and also shows to some extent the feeling 
generally prevailing among the people: 

" In presenting our little sheet to the public for 
their < riticism, we shall offer no aixilogy for its di- 
minutive proportions or for the matter contained 
therein, but bespeak for the Pioneer a candid and 



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MECOSTA COUNTY. 



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impartial reading. It will be the aim of this paper 
to ailvance the interests of Mecosta County, not fur- 
getting in tlie meantime the interests of the pro- 
prietor. 

"As to [(olitics, we shall discuss them as little as 
possible, believing as we do, that at the present 
time, when our country is shaken to its center by the 
most causeless revolt that has ever happened in the 
history of nations, as the lamented Douglas said, 
" ever)' man is a patriot or k traitor." 

" We shall not stop to discuss party issues, 
nor party measures, but stand on the broad platform 
of American liberty ; determined to know no party 
preferences aside from the one great and glorious 
sentiment, "'the union, the constitution and en- 
forcement of the LAWS.' 

"When this unholy rebellion sh.ill have been 
crushed, and its guilty leaders have suffered a just 
penalty for their damning treason ; when the glorious 
old Stars and Strifies shall wave again in triumph 
over the whole of our reconstructed Union, and 
peace again smiles upon us, then we shall find time 
to talk of party politics — not till then. We shall 
heartily supjwrt the National administration as long 
as its policy is the utter subjugation, and annihilation 
if need be, of traitors to our flag; not believing it to 
be the duty of the Government to treat with treason, 
nor to be influenced by any excuses which may be 
made for the rebellion, by Southern rebels or North- 
ern traitors. 

" We liave always been a Repulilican since the 
first organization of the iJarty; but we now stand on 
the great Union plattbrm, with the President, all 
Union Republicans and patriotic men who have 
forn.erly been identified with liie Democratic parly, 
as Edwin M. Stanton, Joseph Holt, Andy Johnson 
and hosts of others who love their country more 
than the notoriety of being party leaders, or the re- 
cipient of party favor. \\'e shall claim the right of 
expressing our views through the columns of the 
Fioiu-er on any and all subjects, as our motto will be 

" INDEPENDENT IN ALL THINCS, NEUTRAL IN NOTH- 

INO ; " and we may say some things that will be dis- 
tasteful to our readers; therefore we will here ask 
their pardon in advance, as we can do so with inucli 
better grace than after the offense is committed. It 
will not be our policy to criticise the actions of our 
leading statesmen, nor the behavior of our Generals; 



neither to advise the President when it is best to 
order the advance of our "Grand Army, " believing 
as we do that those whom we as a nation have en- 
trusted with the management of the civil and mili- 
tary affairs of the country, are ([uite as competent 
tu judge of what is best and necessary in the matter 
as we are, pioneers in a Michigan wilderness 
neither shall we be so very severe in our reviews of 
the leading journals of the Union as some of the 
country papers sometimes are, thinking that perhaps 
their editors are as competent and do as well as we 
would under like circumstances. And finally, we 
sliall attempt to mind our own business, work for the 
success of the Pioneer, and strive to render it worthy 
of the confidence and sui)port of the people of Me- 
osta C'ounty and the respect of our contemporaries. '" 

C". ('. Fuller was associated with tiie Pioneer in an 
editoiial cai)acity from the beginning forseveral years, 
but for the first three years it was owned exclusively 
by Ml Gay. Dec. 2, 1865, with the beginning of the 
fourth volume, appeared the announcement that 
Orrin T. Fuller had been received as a partner. The 
paper was then jiublished by Charlie Gay & Co. un- 
til May, 1S73, and then Mr. Gay was alone until 
November, 1876, when the A/agne/ was combined 
with the Pioneer, and the Pioneer-Magnet Printing 
Company was formed, consisting of Charlie Gay, M. 
\V. Barrows, and E. O. Rose. In February, 18S2, 
Mr. Harrows purchased Mr. Rose's interest. Since 
Ml IJarrow's death in February, 1S83, Ml Gay has 
been once more sole manager, although Mrs. Bar- 
rows still retains an interest in the paper. Besides 
these changes in ownership, the paper has experi- 
enced several changes in size. For the first five 
years it was published as a five-coluinp folio, l-'rom 
1867 to 1S70 it was a seven. coUunn folio. F'rom 
187010 1874, a nine-column folio; and in the latter 
year it was enlarged again to a seven-i olumn quarto. 
On this occasion its name was changed to the "Big 
Rapids Pioneer. ''' 

Nov. 16, 1876, ai)peared the first number of the 
Pioneer-Magnet, the editors of the two palter^ having 
concluded to join forces. The following announce- 
ment explained this change: 

We greet our patrons and friends to-day with 
the Pioneer-Mitgnef, a consolidation of the Big 
Rapids Mitgnet and the Big Rapids Pioneer. 
We have merged the mataial and business of the 
two offices into one, and have organized a stock 






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association under the laws of this State, which is to 
be known as "The Pioneer-Magnet Printing Com- 
pany." This change has been adopted after mature 
deliberation, with the belief that it will enable us to 
more effectually promote our own and tlic public 
interests. 

The Fionrci-Ma^^net will be, as its predecessors 
have ever been, the champion of all the material in- 
terests and v;iried resources of Mecosta County. No 
effort will be spared to make it a welcome visitor to 
every family, and a source of profit to all business 
men whose patronage it may enjoy. In politics it 
will be Republican to the core. It must not be 
understood from this, however, that it is blindly 
pledged to sanction every measure and act of the 
party, or of its individual members, for deserving 
criticism will never be withheld. 

The patronage and friendship which our respective 
papers have enjoyed in the past are duly ajipreciated, 
and we venture the hope that the business relations 
between our new company and the public may be 
pleasant and mutually profitable. With the increased 
facilities afforded by uniting the material and 
machinery of two well ecpiipped printing-offices, and 
the employment of thoroughly competent workmen, 
we flatter ourselves that the " Pioneer-Magnet Com- 
pany " has no superior in the printing business in 
Western Michigan. 

E. O. Rose. 

Charlie Gav. 

M. W. B.\RRo\vs. 

The daily issue was started Aug. i, i88i,in size a 
five-column folio. The following salutatory greeted 
the public at this time: 

In commencing Uie publication of the daily Pio- 
iitcr-Magiiet, we have but little to say. Believing 
that a readable nevvsi)aper, containing the latest tele- 
grai)hic, general and local news, will i)e su|)ported by 
the people of Big Ra|3ids and vicinity, we undertake 
to furnish such a i)a[)er. A liberal outlay of money 
for telegraphic news and help will be made, and an 
earnest effort put forth to make the daily Pioiiccr- 
Magnci worthy of the patronage it seeks. It will 
contain the regular afternoon press dispatches, which 
cost quite a sum of money, and no efforts will be 
spared to make its local news department perfect and 
com[)lete. Wiienever warranted l)y the demands of 
patronage, its jiresent modest proportions will be 
enlarged, and all improvements necessary to keep 
pace with the times will be made. Trusting that our 
efforts will be appreciated, and supported by an intel- 
ligent public, the daily J'/iwcrr-Magnrt is launc hed 
upon the sea of journalism. 

April 24, icS82, the name was changed to the J'io- 
neer, and the size made six columns. 

The Big Rapids il/a^'/ztV was established under the 




name of the Big Rapids Independent, in 1870, the 
first number appearing June 21. E. O. Rose was 
editor and proprietor. It was started as a four-page, 
32-column paper, very neat in appearance, and mani- 
festing much ability. The following extracts are 
taken from the salutatory : 

This is an humble and [lerhaps difficult undertak- 
ing, promi]ted by neither desire nor ambition to con- 
trol in political or societary matters, but to be a 
chronicler of local and general news, which we pro- 
pose making a specialty, and in which we shall 
endeavor not to be excelled, — in other words, we 
shall publish a news paper. We do not mean by 
this, liowever, that upon all political and social sub- 
jects we shall be silent, for we shall fearlessly 
express our opinions and convictions upon any and all 
matters in which we happen to become interested, 
and condemn wrong whenever and wherever we 
find it. 

In our political ideas we shall be governed by no 
man nor set of men, and our platform will be Inde- 
pendence IN EVERYTHING, NEUTRALITV IN NOTHING. 

In National and State politics we shall, from a 
life-long preference for the great and undying princi- 
ples of the Republican party, support the nominees 
of that party ; but in local politics, where we have 
the advantage of a personal acquaintance with the 
individuals craving the support of the i)cople, we re- 
spectfully reserve the right to determine for ourselves 
which is the most deserving of it, believing as we do 
that in all local and jietty offices, integrity, conijie- 
tency and fitness should have more to do with the 
selection than party lines. 

Promises are among the cheapest conmiodities, and 
sometimes, at the commencement of su( h an enter- 
prise, more are made than are afterward fulfilled; 
but not being given to a profusion of them, and pre- 
ferring to be judged by our deeds rather than words, 
we simply announce that we shall publish just as 
good a paper as is possible with our limited facilities, 
and as the supiwrt we receive will warrant, and that 
it will be our special aim to make the Independent 
interestinsi and profitable, not only to the inhabitants 
of the city of Big Rapids and Mecosta County, but 
of the whole Muskegon Valley. 

With the beginning of tiic year 187 i, J. O. Rose 
became a partner, and the paper was published by 
J. O. and E. O. Rose, the latter, however, continu- 
ing to manage the paper personally. At the begin- 
ning of its fifth volume, June 18, 1874, the Magnet 
(the name for which the Independent had been ex- 
changed) was enlarged to a six-column quarto. The 
connection of J. (). Rose ceased the last of October, 
1874, and the paper was then published and edited 




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by E. O. Rose alone until it was united with the 
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^ Big Rapids Regulator. 

^El'T. I, 1880, the jiaper bearing this name 

was established, and published witli more 

or less regularity for about two years, by 

David Drake Cooper, of Big Rapids. He 

claims to have liad a circulation of 1,200 at 

one time; and at the present writing promises 

that the paper will soon be revived. 

Big Rapids Current. 

3i^K I-IVELY paper by the above name, and 
^1(^3^ the youngest of the three at Big Rapids, 
%^^ is published Wednesdays, by V. W. Bruce. It 
'J'ir was started early in 1879, by Mr. Bruce and 



W. F. Slawson, the first number appearing 
February 6. Tiie following is extracted from 
the salutatory : 

In the ages long ago, before Big Rapids had a 
name or even a being, the powerful current which 
now flows through our beautiful ciiy started on its 
course from the highlands of Michigan, around 
Hougiiton Lake, and ever onward lias been its flow, 
scattering l)lessings without number to all the inhab- 
itants of the .Muskegon Valley. 

To-day another Curriiil starts on its course to ac- 
complish a similar purpose; and it is tlie earnest 
hope of the |)ul)lishers tliat it may as honorably ful- 
fill its mission. We do not come basing our hopes 
of success ui)on the downfall of others; for did we 
not believe that there is room for another paper in 
Mecosta County, among its thousands of iniia!)itants, 
we should not come. 

We shall make the collection of local and county 
news a s|)ecialty, and will be grateful for any such 
items furnished, whether we deem it best to use them 
or not. Party jwlitics and its rewards shall not beour 
gliding star, although, being Republicans, we shall 
stand by our principles as individuals; but our pa|)er 
will be independent (not neutral) on all [xilitical 
matters. Temperance being the great <|uestion of 
the day, our Current will gladly bear on the temper- 
ance standard worthy men and measures, without 
exception, who may confidently look for our encour- 
agement and supixjrt, but no others need apply. To 
build up and strengthen the community in every way 




possible will be our constant aim, and every enter- 
prise bearing this, or the development of the city and 
county, in view, may draw on us as the soil uixm 
that other current. 

The C///7<7// was started as a seven-column folio, 
and enlarged to a quarto July 20, 1881. Mr. Slaw- 
son retired in November, 1879, and Mr. Bruce is now 
sole proprietor. 



Big Rapids Herald. 

i^'^.^l RlNd the spring of 1S76 this paper was 

^yi' started by O. D. (Hidden, and the first 
^ih^^ number appeared May 24. In size, it was 

iV** a six-column quarto; and in politics, a sup- 
porter of the Democratic party, as will be 
\ seen by the following, extracted from the 

salutatory : 

We come before our readers with this new candi- 
date for i)ublic favor, with the belief that it will fill a 
want heretofore fell in this part of the State for a 
])aper Democratic in princijjles, and devoted to the 
interests of the people of northern and central 
Michigan. We shall endeavor to make the HcraU 
a paper not alone for Big Rapids and Mecosta 
County, but for the people of this part of the State. 
Politically, the Herald will be on the side of De- 
mocracy and reform, believing that the Republican 
party is res[)onsil)le for the reckless extravagance 
and corruption in government. 

We believe the only way by which the great jjrob- 
lem of economy and purity of government can be 
solved and the issues of to-day met in the interest 
of the people, is in the complete overthrow of that 
party and the success of the Democracy, lommitted 
as it is, to economy and reform. And we invite the 
cooperation of the Democrats and reformers of 
Northern Michigan, that we may, together, do our 
full share towards such a success. We will cheer- 
fully give space in our columns for the discussion of 
these and all other questions of general interest to 
the people. While the Jleralil\s\\\ occiqjy no eipiiv- 
ocal position politically, we shall endeavor to make 
it eminently a home paper, — such a jiaiJcr that every 
man in Northern Michigan will find it jirofitable and 
interesting to read ; and that it shall be a welcome 
visitor in every home. 

In 1S78 the paper was sold to a stock company, 
and [lublshed for a few months in the interest of the 
Ciieenback party, under the name of the Greenback 
Heralil. B. H. Howig theji became editor, and after 
a few months Mr. Glidden again became connected 



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with the paper, which was for two years pubhshed 
under the firm name of GUdden & Howig. Then 
came another change, Mr. Howig leasing the paper 
for a year of Mr. Glidden. April i, 1882, the office 
was sold to William P. Nisbett, the present proprietor 
and editor. It is now a six-column, eight-page paper, 
30 X 44. 

Daily Morning Enterprise. 

URING the spring of 1881 this short- 
lived paper was started at Big Rapids, by 
J/jju^"^ W. S. Stevens, who came for this purpose 
)m^ froiH Newaygo County. Soon after this, he 
formed a partnership with Wesley Griffith, of 
Greenville. It was independent in politics, and 
in size a four-column folio, afterwards enlarged to a 
five-column folio. Its office was just north of 
McLellan's shoe store. After a struggling existence 
of three or four months, the material was sold to 
Muskegon parties, and the paper discontinued. 





Mecosta Advance. 



U: N April, 1 88 1, this paper was started by 
T. W. Harrison, formerly of Edmore, where 
1^ he had l)een engaged in journalistic work. 
Sept. I, 18S2, he sold out to the present propri- 
etor, H. M. Trussell, of Pittsburg, Pa., where 
he was connected with the Daily Chronicle. 
It was started as a seven-column folio, but with the 
beginning of the second volume it was enlarged to a 
five-column quarto. It is published every Friday. 
Politically it is independent. The Ailvancc is an ex- 
cellent local newspaper, and has good correspond 
ents in all parts of the county. The Morley Ad'oance 
is published also by Mr. Trussell, and is of the same 
size and ap))earance as the Mecosta issue. The first 
number appeared April 13, 1883. H. O. Lake is the 
Morley editor. 



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great tim- 
ber country, and yet at con- 
venient distances from good 
markets and great distribu- 
ting points, and contains 
within its l)orders pine forests so 
valuable, that it is to be expected 
that the hmibering industry be of 
the greatest importance. The 
lumber of Michigan is known all the 
world over for its quality ; and as to 
ya^ quantity, it is sufficient to be a source 
of enii)loynient and wealth for de- 
cades to come. Even before the 
. first settlement of Mecosta County, 
its territory had lieen crossed by many adventurous 




lumbermen. The " Big Rapids " were known among 
the lumbermen long before the site of the present 
city ceased to be the property of the United States 
Government. The Muskegon river was recognized 
as an extremely convenient means of transporting 
logs from the interior of the State. 

The lumbermen leave no record of their work, 
and no trace other than pine stumps of theii' visit ; 
hence it is imirossible to give any extended account 
of early operations. Glancing through the cohnnns 
of the Pioneer, one sees here and there an item 
which indicates the magnitude to which the business 
had reached in an early day. In the issue of April 
29, 1864, appeared the following item : 

"The 'Big Drive ' is now passing our village, and 
in a few days will be over the rajnds, as the water is 
at a good stage, and some thirty men, we believe, are 



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helping the logs over the rough places. About 100,- 
000,000 feet of logs have heen put in the past winter 
on the Muskegon and its tributaries. " 

Again, June 9, 1866: "Commodore Pingree, of 
Muskegon, widely known as the oldest navigator of 
the Muskegon river, has just made an entirely suc- 
cessful experiment in -getting the ' Big Drive ' over 
the rapids at this place. The logs were piled two or 
three deep for about two miles, and about half a mile 
on the flat the logs were on drj' land, the water hav- 
ing gone down and left them there. The getting 
them off seemed almost an im|)ossil)ility, but the 
Commodore got them all afloat by filling the channel 
below with logs, and raising the water over three 
feet, thus producing slack water for nearly lialf a 
nnle. The logs are now being floated ofT rapidly, 
and new 'jams ' are made farther down, as necessity 
re<iuires. He says he will run the logs to the 
mouth, unless the river dries up entirely ; and from 
the manner he is operating here, and the kind of 
men he has to help him, we have no doubt of his 
success. " 

Again, April 30, 1868: "Commodore Pingree' 
passed over the rapids here on Sunday last with the 
' Big Drive,' consisting of about 60,000,000 feet "of 
logs. The drive is considerably ahead of time this 
year, and must reach its destination several weeks 
in advance of former years." And so every year 
whole forests are fioated down the Muskegon, yield- 
ing wealth and employment to thousands. 

LIFE IN A LUMBER CAMP. 

Real life in a lumber camp is so iuiii|ue that a brief 
account of a visit to such a place may not be out 
of place. Every one who can do so should visit a 
camp, and see how the work of cutting and putting 
in logs is conducted. That is one thing that should 
be seen before wandering in foreign lands to feast 
one's eyes on strange and wondrous things, for no- 
where abroad will he find what we have near home. 
The camp visited we found under the immediate 
supervision and management of two gentlemen, who 
had the contract for cutting and putting into the 
river the timber from 240 acres of land. The camp 
was in the midst of the forest, and consisted of six 
^ buildings, situated conveniently near together, and of 
> • sufficient capacity to accommodate seventy men 
^ twenty pairs of horses and seven pairs of oxen. The 

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first is the " cook shanty," 20 x 5? feet in size, and 
one-story high, which serves for a kitchen and dining- 
room for liie entire crew. The work of this depart- 
ment is performed by four girls and a chore boy, the 
latter bringing wood and water and making himself 
useful in a thousand ways. Pwo long tables, covered 
with enamel cloth, enable forty-two men to take tlieir 
meals at once. Two large cooking-stoves are kei)t 
constantly in use; and when told the amount of pro- 
visions consumed per day or week, the ipiery natur- 
ally arises how so few hands can prepare such a 
f|uantity of food with only two stoves. Work in the 
woods creates an appetite like a furnace, and provis- 
ions disappear before a crew of seventy men like dry 
leaves in a whirlwind. The bill of fare consists of 
potatoes, beans, pork, bread and molasses, and other 
substantial food, one meal seldom varying materially 
from another, with strong tea three times a day. A 
full force of men consume each week about five bar- 
rels of flour, five barrels of jwrk, from fifteen to 
twenty bushels of potatoes, and other things in like 
proportion. 

In one end of this building a room is partitioned 
off which serves one of the contractors as a private 
residence and the sleeping apartments of tlie female 
help. An alarm clock at least three-(|uarters of an 
hour ahead of the true time awakens the inmates of 
the shanty at four in the morning, and the day's laljor 
commences at once. The teamsters are first called, 
and while breakfiist is being prepared they feed and 
harness their teams; while they are at breakfast, the 
chojipers and other workmen rise, and fill the second 
table. The teamsters are off to their work long be- 
fore daylight, and usually make one trip to the river, 
a distance of two miles, and back before darkness 
disappears. Five trips constitute the day's work, and 
when that is accomplished, they unhitch and do no 
more till the next morning, although it may be several 
hours before sundown. 

'I'he "men's shanty " is 26 x 36 feet in size, and 
one and a half stories high. It is provided with 
thirty-two bunks, eighteen on the first floor, and four- 
teen in the chamber, each designed for two men, 
though three can sleep in them very comfortably. 
They are made of Iwards, ranged on either side of 
the room, in tiers one aiiove another, and aie i)ro- 
vided with a straw tick and blankets. The building 
is warmed with a large box stove, and lighted at nights 
with kerosene lnm))s. 



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The barn proper is 30 x 52 feet, with a stable on 
either side fourteen feet wide, making it 52 x 58 feet 
on the ground. It is made warm and comfortable, 
and furnishes stabling for forty horses and fourteen 
oxen. Near by is the granary, a small building 
where the grain for the teams is kept. 

In another building, a blacksmith, and a worker 
with edge tools, sometimes called a "wood-butcher," 
find employment, — the latter doing the wood-work 
on the logging sleds, putting in axe-Iiandles, etc., 
while the former does the horse-shoeing, irons the 
sleds, repairs broken chains, etc. 

In a small building near the cook shanty, the other 
contractor resides, with family, and " keeps store," 
his stock consisting chiefly of tobaccOj^lumbermen's 
clothing and such other commodities as the hands 
reciuire. A large bell, suspended on a pole, the 
strokes of which can be heard for two or three miles, 
calls the men to their meals. 

A logging sleigh is an institution deserving more 
than a passing notice, for it never fails to attract the 
attention of the novice. In ajipearance it resembles 




a cross between a pile-driver and a toll-gate. It con- 
sists of a pair of "bobs" with runners three inches 
thick and shod with steel bars three inches wide. 
The beams and other parts are correspondingly 
heavy; crosswise each sled is a beam of timber 
called a " bunk," seven feet in length, with a huge 
spike in either end to prevent the load from sliding 
off. They are built low and wide, the runners being 
from four to five feet apart, to prevent capsizing on 
uneven ground. On this vehicle, an ordinary pair of 
horses move a load of from five to fifteen logs, scal- 
ing from fifteen to twenty-five hundred feet, board 
measure, and making a load in bulk nearly or tpiite 
as large as a load of hay. To haul such loads, the 
roads must be in good condition, and it is well-known 
that the logging roads are the best in Michigan. 
This description of one camp will give an idea of 
all camps, though of course no two are alike. This 
camp had turned into the river 4,500 000 feet in 
three months, and r, 000,000 feet more had been cut 
and rejected by the scaler, for some defect. The 
labor on this 1,000,000 feet was all lost. 




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t HILE the people of Mecosta 
^ County Inive licen as a rule 
°i'-S a very orderly people, yet 
some black sheep are found 
in the best communities in the 
world; and accordingly there 
'\-.' ^ 0_i'^ was an early sentiment in favor 
of erecting a county jail. As 
early as 1862 the question was 
seriously raised, and it was de- 
cided to ask the voters at tlie 
Ajiril election, 1863, to vote a 
tax of $1,500 for the purpose of 
erecting a jail. The J'lc'/itrr favor- 
ed the measure, and in the issue of 
Man h 19, 1863, said : 

" It is well known that we have 
now to send what few criminals we 
have to the jail in Newaygo; and it 
It] is also evident to any one who has 
seen that structure, that it is not 
fit for a stable, much less a proper 
place in which to confine a prison- 
er. Some will object to the tax, on 
account of other taxes being high, 
and may think it cheaper to use the so-called jail of 
Newaygo than to build one of our own ; but when 
the I'act of expenses incurred in taking prisoners to 
Newaygo and boardmg them at the Brooks House at 
§4 a week — as we believe has been done^is taken 
into consideration, we are of the opinion that to build 
for ourselves will be considered the better [xalicy, be- 
sides showing that we are able to have at least one 
public building in the county.' 



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'I'hc proi>ositiun, however, was rejected at the elec- 
tion, and not seriously raised again until after the 
war closed. After many discussions, the Supervisors 
raised $1,000 in 1866, and it was decided to build a 
jail, if $r,50o more could be raised by special tax. A 
proix)sition to this effect was submitted to the voters 
in 1868, and carried by a strong majority. The vote 
stood, 600 in favor, and 246 against, leaving a 
majority of 354 in favor. The townshii>s in Osceola 
and Lake Counties attached to Mecosta, cast 159 
votes in favor of the tax, and 19 against it, which 
left a clear majority of 214 for the tax in Mecosta 
County alone, indei)endent of the territory attached. 

.\t the next meetirig of the Boartl, the Supervisors 
voted unanimously in favor of ex[)cnding the $2,500 
raised for a jail, at Big Rapids. E. O. Rose, Chair- 
man of the Board, John l)alziel. County Clerk, and 
Joseph T. I'.scott, Sheriff, were ajJiKjinted a Building 
Committee, and given full power to select the site 
and have the jail erected. The citizens of Big 
Kai>ids, feeling well satisfied with the action of the 
Supervisors, manifested their exhilaration by furnish- 
ing them a supper at the Mason House on the eve- 
ning after the decision, where some 30 or more of the 
business men joined with them in discussing a good 
meal. The contract was speedily let, and the build- 
ing completed the same fall. 

Propositions to build a court-house at Big Rapids 
have been voted down a number of times, the ma- 
jority thinking that the county seat would some time 
be located at or near the geographical center of the 
county, and hence objecting to the ex[>ense of erect- 
ing a court-house so near one side of the county. 

The county offices are at present located in the 



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Big Rapids Opera House. At the October (1883) 
session of the Board of Supervisors, Mr. Escott 
introduced the following resolution : 

Resolved, by the Board of Supervisors of Mecosta 
County, that the question of raising the sum of 
$30,000 by tax upon the taxable ])roperty of said 
county, to be raised in manner as follows, viz : $15,- 
000 during 1884, and $15,000 during 1885, for the 
purpose of building a court-house and county offices 
in Mecosta County, be submitted to the voters of said 
county, at the election to be held on the first Monday 
of April, 1884. 

The resolution was adopted by the following vote: 
yeas, 14; nays, 6. 

A substantial county poor-house and insane 
asylum was erected in 1883, at Stanwood, in Me- 
costa Township, and in the fall it was burned down, 
presumably by incendiaries. The County Board of 
Supervisors have offered a reward of $500 for the 
detection of the guilty party or parties. 

FOREST FIRES. 

ILIRES in the forests of Michigan are 
dreaded as much as the jjrairie fires of 




Illinois and Iowa once were. They come 
generally in the fall of the year, when dead 
leaves are on the ground, and are most destruct- 
ive after a dry season. Mecosta has suffered 
slightly from these fires at different times, but the 
days have gone by when these are very dangerous • 
and as the timber is gradually cleared away, the fires 
are dreaded less and less. 

October, 187 i, was a month long to be remembered 
as the one which witnessed so much destruction in 
Chicago, and through many portions of the State of 
Michigan. Several localities in Mecosta County were 
visited, though comparatively slight damage was done. 
On Sunday, Oct. S, the fire commenced spreading 
among the brush and down limber which covered 
the ground west of Sanborn and Rust's Addition to 
Big Rapids, and during Sunday night it crossed 
Mitchell Creek, and entered the brush and timber 
along the north side of the stream. It soon swept 
\\\i witliin dangerous proximity to the numerous 
dwellings in that part of the town, which were only 
saved from destruction by the timely efforts of the 
fire de|)arlmenl and citizens, who were called out 
about three o'clock in the morning. By the perse- 




verance of the inhabitants, the flames were held in 
check till about half past two o'clock on Tuesday 
morning, at which time a slight shower of rain ren- 
dered further work unnecessar)'. The moisture from 
this little rain was completely exhausted during Wed- 
nesday and Thursday, and a high wind springing up 
Friday forenoon, the destruction of the town seemed 
imminent. The fire raged all along the western side 
of the city, in many instances in dangerous proximity 
to dwellings and other buildings, while a similar fire 
was sweeping directly toward the town from the 
south, on both sides of State street. Many men were 
endeavoring to check the progress of the flames dur- 
ing the forenoon, and at noon the danger seemed so 
great that all places of business were closed, and all 
the male adults ordered out with pails to prevent the 
fire reaching the town. A large number were en- 
gaged in the vicinity of Warren's Addition, but the 
greater portion went southward, to the farm of Isaac 
Griffin. This latter force were not on the ground a 
moment too soon, for a perfect conflagration was 
raging in the large amount of combustible material 
in the woods on the south side of Griffin's farm, from 
which sparks were blown entirely across the fields, 
setting fire to the woods on the north side, where the 
principal part of the limlier had been cut into fire- 
wood. Had the flames attained headway in this lo- 
cality, the approach of the fire towards town would 
have been difficult to prevent. By dint of hard 
work, however, the destroying element was held in 
check, and no buildings were destroyed. Friday 
night came a moderate rain, wliii h afforded relief. 

In the county at large a few parties suffered. In 
Chippewa Township a house was burned belonging 
to a Mrs. Beck, a homestead settler, who had been 
at work in Big Rapids all summer to earn the money 
to pay for its construction. It was nearly comj)leted, 
but not yet occupied. One of the most sweeping 
losses that happened was that of Peter Powers, who 
resided on a homestead in the llbrthern part of Green 
Township, on the west side of the river, in tiie bend 
to the eastward of the railroad, and it occurred on 
the 9th. Mr. Powers lived in a shanty, near which 
he had completed a good log house. During the 
night, the fire was driven by the wind so close to his 
buildings that he thought they could not be saved, 
and he removed all his household stuff and wearing 
apparel into the garden, — a supposed place of 



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safety. The new building took fire and Inirned ; 
sparks from it f.et fire lo his pile of goods, and they 
too were all consumed, leaving him nothing but a 
naked shanty, and an almost naked family, consist- 
ing of a wife and four children, ranging in age from 
four to twelve years. Mr. Powers had been engaged 
a part of the preceding summer and fall in getting 
out shingle bolts, all of which were burned. In tlie 
town of Austin, a little boy aged about four years, 
son of Jacob Snider, was badly burned. He was out 
in the woods with an elder brother, a lad of some 
six or seven years, where his parents were fighting 
fire, though some distance from them, when his pants 
caught fire ; and before assistance reached him, they 
were completely burned from his limbs, and one of 
his boots roasted to a crisp. Several buildings were 
burned in Wheatland Township. 








STARVATION. 

ETTLERS in the early times occasionally 
suffered from the lack of the necessities of 
life, owing to unexpected failures in crops, be- 
fore they had become able to provide for such 
contingencies by accumulating a surplus. In 
the Pioneer of December 31, 1S68, appeared 
the following notice, startling enough to the reader of 
to-day, but, alas! too familiar to those inured to 
pioneer hardships : 

"Our citizens must take action at once to relieve 
the destitution which now prevails in the northern 
part of Osceola County. It is a fact that a large 
number of families are now subsisting on potatoes 
and salt, and some are not even as well off as that. 
These people moved into the wilderness during the 
past spring and summer, without means, and settled 
uix)n homesteads, and on account of the dry season 
the few crops put in by them were nearly ruined ; 
hence they have scarcely anything to eat. Many of 
them reside several miles from neighbors, in an 
almost unbroken wilderness. The fact is, these help- 
less women and children will starve before the open- 
ing of spring, unless timely relief is furnished. Our 
Hoard of Supervisors should also act promptly in 
affording temiwrary relief to these iX)or sufferers." 




-i— <• 




" HEREOF FAIL NOT." 

I'4.ARLY in July, 1872, a man was brought to 
Big Rapids to be committed to jail on a 
document of which the following is a copy, 
>^S>- fictitious names being inserted for those in the 
instrument : 

" State of Michigan, County of Mecosta. To 
any Constable of said county : In the name of the 
People of the State of Michigan, you are hereby com- 
manded to take one John Pack, or whatever his name 
may be, and bring and have him forthwith before me, 
one of the Justices of the Peace in and for said 
county, at my office in the village of Paris-Green, on 
the second day of July, 1872, at ten o'clock in the 
forenoon, then and there to answer a complaint made 
by G. Staba, for burning, in a plea of burning a 
building, to the damage of four hundred dollars; and 
after such arrest you are to notify the plaintiff there- 
of. Hereof fail not, but of your doings make full 
return according to law. (liven under my hand at 
Paris-Cireen, this 2d day of July, 1872. 

"John Doe, J. P." 



IRON-CLAD MARRIAGE CEREMONY. 




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OT many years ago in the history of Me- 

i costa County, a newly elected justice of 

^ the peace who had been used to drawing 

wills and deeds, and little else, was called 

1(5 upon as his first official act to marry a couple 

who came into his office very hurriedly and told him 

their purpose. He lost no time in removing his hat, 

and remarked, "Hats off in the presence of the 

court. .\11 being uncovered, he said, " Hold up your 

right hands. You, John M — n, do solemnly swear 

that to the best of your knowledge and belief you 

take this woman ter have and ter hold for yerself, yer 

heirs, execkyerters, administrators and assigns for your 

and their use and behoof, forever.' " 

■' I do," answered the groom. 

" You, .Mice E — r, take this yer man for yer hus- 
band, ter hev and ter hold forever; and you do fur- 
ther swear that you are lawfully seized in fee simple, 



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are free from all incumbrance, and have good right 
to sell, bargain and convey to the said grantee, yer- 
self, yer heirs, administrators and assigns?" 

" I do," said the bride, rather doubtfully. 

" Well, John, that'll be about a doUar'n fifty cents." 

•'Are we married? " asked the bride." 

"Yes, when the fee comes in." After some 
fumbling it was produced and handed to the "court," 
who pocketed it and continued : " Know all men by 
these presents : that I, being in good health and of 
sound deposin' mind, in consideration of a dollar'n 
fifty cents to me in hand paid, the receipt whereof is 
hereby acknowledged, do and by these presents have 
declared you man and wife during good behavior 
and until otherwise ordered by the court." 







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MODEL MARRIAGE CEREMONY. 

'HE following is an actual occurrence in 

Chippewa Township, in the fall of 1871, 

and for brevity and simplicity may well be 

termed a "model marriage ceremony." It is 

here given for the benefit of those dignitaries 

and ofticers who are authorized to marr\-, and 

also those who contemplate a similar leap in the 

dark : 

The first preliminary was the payment of a fee of 
five dollars, which the Justice required in advance. 
He then directed them to join hands, and inquired 
their ages. The groom replied " sixty years ; " and 
the bride elect blushingly admitted that she had seen 
fifty-six summers fade into autumn and winter. He 
then inquired, " Have you, or either of you, ever 
luid a living husband or wife i " to which he received 
a negative answer from both. Then, addressing 
them, he inquired if they took each other for lawful 
husband and wife; and receiving affirmative answers, 
announced with due solemnity, "Then in the name 
of the Lord I pronounce you man and wife." 

Even the above, however, has been excelled in 
brevity. A Methodist minister, of a jovial dispo- 
sition, knowing that the couple applying to him de- 
sired a short ceremony, accommodated them by 
^^ omitting all accessory forms and simply l)idding the 



parties to stand up and saying, "I pronounce you 
husband and wife. " 



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POPULATION OF MECOSTA COUNTY. 



u TRUE index to the rapid growth of Me- 
J^ costa County is the increase in the popula- 
tion as indicated by the census. The county 



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which had in 1859 about 1,000 inhabitants, 
has now perhaps 16,000. The census of 1S80 
credited the county with 13,973, as follows: 

.^tna Township, including part of Morley . . . . 894 

Morley, part of 221 

Austin Township 833 

Big Rapids Township 549 

Big Rapids City 3,552 

First Ward 601 

Second Ward 710 

Third Ward 1,110 

Fourth Ward 561 

Fifth Ward 570 

Chippewa Township 445 

Colfax Township (>('() 

Deerfield Township, including part of Morley. 1,093 

Morley, part of 78 

Fork Township 343 

Grant Township 307 

Green Townshij), including I'aris i.'32 

Paris 155 

Hinton Township, including Altona and Syl- 
vester 986 

Altona 85 

Sy 1 vester 55 

Martiny Township 192 

Mecosta Township, including Stanwood 613 

Stanwood 1 46 

Millbrook Township, including Millbrook 706 

Millbrook 242 

Morton Township, including Mecosta 47 i 

Mecosta 189 

Sheridan Township 207 

Wheatland Township 981 

Total, 13,973 



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TAXATION. 

\l v. give in tlic following lalile an cxliihitiuii, 
in a condensed form, of the luxes spread 
*P ui)on the rolls of the respective townships of 
the county, and the wards of the city of Big 
Ra|)ids, for the year 181S4, as determined by 
the Board of Supervisors, at their session in 
October, 1883: 






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ASSESSED AND EQUALIZED VALUATION. 

|Kk summary of the present wealth of Me- 
|?5^^S costa County may be seen from the follow- 
^lltt ^"^ table of the assessed and etiiiali/ed vahia- 
i|^ tion of property by townships and wards, the 
j figures of which were determined b\ the Board 
of Supervisors of the county at the regular October 
session of 1883. This portrays in undeniable tlgures 
the present wealth of the county : 



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^TNA TOWNSHIP. 



HIS 'I'DWiiship, o(;cupying the 
southwest corner of Mecosta 
County, is numbered thirteen 
nortli, range ten west, Con- 
gressional survey, and is 
bounded on the north by Me- 
costa Township, on the east by 
DeerfieldTownsliip, on the south 
by Montcahn County, and on 
the west by Newaygo County. 
It is watered by both the Mus- 
kegon, which crosses the northwest 
corner, and Little Muskegon, cross- 
ing the southeastern corner. It 
contains also Rycrson Creek and 
lirockway (reek, flowing into the Muskegon, and Big 
Creek, with its tributaries, West Branch and Clear 
Creek, flowing into the Little Muskegon. The town- 
sliij) contains several small lakes, among which are 
Davis Lake, Briar Patch Lake and Brady Lake. The 
greater part of the village of Morley lies in ^tna 
Township, 'i'he drand Rapids & Indiana Railroad 
runs through sections thirteen, twenty-four, twenty- 
five and thirty-six. 

.^£tna was the eighth township organized in Me- 
costa County, its fust election occurring Oct. lo, 1865. 
Its first Supervisor was Frederick R. Luther. The 
first white settler was William Brockway, who located 
on section twenty-nine. The first birth was that of 
Ira P. Mitchell, son of William G. and Mary A. 
Mit<hell. The first death was that of Piatt Mitchell, 
in April, 1855. The first coupl? married were Fred. 



Matthews and Mary Howe, by Clark D. Green, Jus- 
tice of the Peace, in June, 1864. The first frame 
building was a dwelling erected by Clark D. Green, 
in 1868. The first mill was a portable saw-mill put 
up by A. B. Bunn, in 1869. The first school-house 
was a log building erected on section ten, in i860. 
The first school was taught by Rachel \vniitzel, in 
i86i. The first store was opened by John Butler, in 
1869. The first post-office, Morley, was established 
in 1869. 

.'Etna Township shows remarkably steady and 
rapid increase of population. In 1870, at the first 
census after its organization, yKtna had already a 
population of 385. The State census of 1874 gave 
557, and the last census, in 1880, showed a total of 
894. In 1874, it had 722 acres of improved land, 
and in 1881 in had r,22i acres. In 1866 the ecpial- 
ized valuation of its real and personal estate was 
$27,078. Its present valuation is $192,480. The 
total vote in November, 1S82, was 231. 

MORLEY. 

The village of Morley owes its existence to the 
construction of the G. R. & I. railroad. The first 
settlers on the village plat were Charles Lawson, 
Nelson Pike, M. Swanger, (leorge H. Ward, Hiram 
Bryant, Allen Chapin, Rodney Elmer and Harvey 
Winas, all of whom came in the summer or fall of 
1869. The ix)st-office was established the same fall, 
and Frank P. Bodwell was apiwinted the first Post- 
master. The present I'ostmaster is D. C. King. 

The population of the village increased very fast, 



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and in one year had become 328, by the actual count 
of M. Swanger, who took a census in the fall of 1870. 
This showed a sufficient [Xjpulation to warrant the 
incorporation of the village, which was ordei^d by 
the County Board of Supervisors the same fall. The 
first officers elected were : Michael Swanger, Presi- 
dent; A. Chapin, Clerk; H. Daniels, Treasurer. In 
1883 Morley was incoiwrated by the Legislature, and 
the following officers were chosen : George H. 
Ward, President ; W. H. Richmond, Clerk ; George 
H Force, John Pierdon, William Hugh, Sen., M. T. 
Nethaway, William '1'. Jones and John Hanson, 
Trustees. 

The population of the village is now between 500 
and 600. The following is the list of business men 
and firms now in Morley; 

Beard, F. C., grocery. 

Carr, J. M., lumber and shingles. 

Chapin, Allen, general store. 

Cutler, J. F. & Co., hardware store. 

Dickerson, Isaiah, livery stable. 

Davy it Flock, wagon shop and blacksmitii. 

Higbee iS: Hugh, lumber and lath. 

Hill, William, restaurant. 

Force, George H., general store. 

Hanson Bros., grocer)'. 

Hicks, W. H.. drug-store. 

Hanson, M., notions. 

Jones, W. I'., shingles. 

Jones, Wellington, crockery. 

Jones iV Hugh, grist-mill. 

Lake, W. O., stationery. 

Loshbough, G. B., wagon-slio[) and blacksniithing. 

Lawson, Charles, boot and shoe store. 

Morgan Bros., furniture store. 

Mickins, Spencer, barber shop. 

Pehon, Lon. A., hardware store. 

Pike, Nelson, drug store. 

Pike, Mrs. .'\., millinery shop. 

Pierdon iV Sanegar, tannery. 

Reynier, Julius, hotel and saloon. 

Rockwell, Mrs. Wm., millinery shop. 

Richmond, W. H., jewelry store. 

Smith, O. W., photograph gallery. 

Swanger. M., bakery and restaurant. 

Thurkow, John E., general store. 

Trask, R. S., saloon. 

Wiley, N. W., shingles. 



Ward, Mrs. G. H., millinery. 

Wagner & Foolmer, shingles. 

Wliitbei k, L. I., meat market. 

Woolworth, B. F., harness shop. 

The medical profession is represented by Drs. 1!. 
I'. Brown, B. H. McMullen and J. B. Cook; and the 
legal by D. C. Moshier. 

M. L. Jones is the station agent on the G. R. iV I. 
Railroad. 

The Morley Aik'ancc is a five-column folio, printed 
at Mecosta, of which about three columns are items 
pertaining to Morley. H. O. Lake is the Morley 
editor. H. M. Trussell is the proprietor and pub- 
lisher, '['he first issue of the Advance appeared 
April 13, 1883. 

General Wool Post, No. 164, G. A. R.,was muster- 
ed Aug. 2, 1883, with the following officers : Charles 
Reed, Com.; Orwell Ball, S. V. C; M. T. Netha- 
way, J. V. C; D. C. King, Q. M. ; William Rock- 
well, Chap.; Sanford Reed, O. 1). ; Orrin I. Hill. O. 
G.; William H. Hicks, Surgeon; Clark Van Wie, 
Adj. The post numbers 24 members. 

The only church in Morley is that of the Method- 
ist Episcopal denomination, organized in tlie fall of 
1870. For some years, until able to build a church, 
the society held its services in the school-house. 
They have now a commodious church edifice, seat- 
nig between 300 and 400, and which cost $1,500. 
Services are held at least once every Sunday, and 
twice every alternate Sunday. The present pastor is 
Rev. C. W. Smith, who commenced his duties in 
September, 1883. 

The school building -at Morley was erected in 
187 1-2, at a cost of $2,500. Additional sums have 
been spent on the building at different times — $1,000 
in 1883. The Principal of the school is Frank O. 
Wickham, and he is assisted by Miss Gertrude Gro- 
ver. The Morley Academy is a private school 
taught by Clark Van Wie, and was opened in |uly. 
1SS3. It has a model department for preparing 
teachers. The attendance varies from 30 to 40. The 
institution is supported by a stock company, which 
has raised $1,500 in shares of $25 each. 

A driving park has just been purchased west of 
the village, and a track laid out and graded. The 
park contains 20 acres. The President of the as- 
sociation is John Bell; Secretary. H. W. Stewart. 

Morley has been a severe sufferer from fire, on two 



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occasions. The first was Oct. 6, 1876, when the 
National Hotel, the Central House, and the Com- 
mercial House, and all south of them to the river 
were burned. A woman and child, living near Rust- 
ford, were consumed in this blaze. The fire is sup- 
posed to have originated in a lamp explosion. Feb. 
17, 1880, the business block from Second to Third 
streets was consumed. These two conflagrations 
swept away nearly the whole of the village, though, 
Phocni.x-like, Morley is now more of a place than 
ever. The second fire is supposed to be due to 
incendiarism. Albert Fairchild was tried for the 
crime of arson, convicted, and sentenced to the State 
Penitentiary for life, but through a technical error 
obtained a second trial and was acquitted. 



->=.7- 



AUSTIN TOWNSHIP. 

HE township of this name is numbered 14 
north, range 9 west. Congressional survey, 
and is bounded on the north by Colfax 
Township, on the east by Morton Township, 
on the south by Deerfield Township, and on 
the west by Mecosta Township. Austin lies between 
the Muskegon and the Little Muskegon, the former 
of which just touches the northwestern corner of the 
township. Rising in Austin Township are a score of 
small streams, which all flow from the center. Those 
on the east flow to the east, those on the south to 
the south, and those on the west to the west. 
Among the more imix)rtant of these streams are 
Mac's Creek, (^uigley Creek and Beaver Creek. 
In the northeastern corner is Burdon Lake. The 
Grand Rapids and Indiana Railroad passes along 
the western border, running through sections 6 and 
31. The township contains no villages. 

Austin was organized in January, 1869, and its 
first Supervisor was Jacob Snyder. 

'I'he population of the township according to the 
census of 1870, was 346. In 1874 it had grown but 
a little, and had 416. By the census of 1880, it had 
doubled its \)opulation of si.x years before, and had 
833. Its increase in acreage of improved land was 
still greater. In 187411 had 1,089 acres, and in 1881 
it had 2,464. 'I'he equalized valuation of its real 
and personal estate at the time of its organization in 





1869, was but $125,727. Its present valuation is 
$267,028. Its total vote, in November, 1882, was 56. 





-^ 



BIG EAPIDS TOWNSHIP. 

HE township of Big Rapids, containing 
the city of the same name, is an exact Con- 
gressional township, being township fifteen 
north, range ten west. It contains 23,040, 
acres of land, of which as large an amount is 
under cultivation as in any other township in 
Mecosta County. It is intersected by the Muskegon 
River, which flows in a winding course south through 
the eastern part of the township. Flowing east 
through the northern part, and emptying into the 
Muskegon at Big Rapids, is Mitchell's Creek. In 
the southern part are Cold Spring and other small 
creeks, which flow into the Muskegon. Big Rapids is 
pre-eminently the railroad township of the county. 
being traversed by three lines, — the Grand Rapids 
& Indiana, the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, and the 
Chicago & West Michigan (formerly the Muskegon 
& Big Rapids). 

The township was organized in 1858, under the 
name of Leonard. Luther Cobb, was the first Super- 
visor. In 1865, by act of the Legislature, the name 
was changed to Big Rapids. The first white settler 
of the township was John Parish, who located on 
section 14, in 185 1, and was also one of the first two 
settlers in the county. Many of the first events in 
the county occurred in this township. The first 
first birth in the township and also in the county was 
that of Alice Brockway, daughter of William and 
Margaret Brockway, Feb. 12, 1853. The first mar- 
riage in both township and county was that of Silas 
Moore and Sally French, solemnized by Elder Kelley 
in the fall of 1854. The first frame dwelling was 
the two-story boarding-house built by Warren & 
Ives in 1857. The first mill was the water-power 
saw-mill built by the same parties in the spring of 
the same year. This was the first frame structure in 
town; and a run of stone afterwards added, made it 
the first grist-mill in the county. The first school- 
house was a two-story frame building, erected in 
1859, on the corner of Michigan avenue and Oak 
street, in Big Rapids, and afterwards known as the 
First Ward School-house of the city. The first 



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school was taught by ^[rs. Mary Fuller, in the siini- 
iner of i86o. 

The population of Hig Rapids (then Leonard) 
Township in i860 was 317 ; in 1864 it was 342; in 
1870 it was 465; and in 1880 it was 549. It had 
2,440 acres of improved land in 1878, and 2,239 
acres in i88i . The decrease is only apparent, and is 
due to different standards used in different years. 
The equalized valuation of real estate and personal 
property in 1859 was $161,279.36; and its present 
valuation is i53i 2,790. This of course excludes Big 
Rapids City. The total vote in Noveuilier, 1S82, 
was 87. 

i. 



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Chippewa Township. 



^{■fl^^jHIPPRWA Township, situated ui 



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^t'f^^' northern tier of townships of Mecosta 
^1^ County, is township 16 north, range seven 

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west. Congressional survey, and is bounded 
on the north by Osceola County, on the 
east by Fork Township, on the south by 
Martiny Township, and on the west by Grant Town- 
ship. It is on the divide between the two slopes 
drained by the Muskegon and the Chippewa, though 
most of it is tributary to the Chippewa. Pogie Lake, 
in the northwestern part, is the source of Pogie 
Creek, which unites with Muskegon River in Grant 
Township. South through the central part of the 
townshi[) flows Roundy Branch, which enters Upper 
Evans Lake on the southern line of the township. 
This lake has from its southern end, which is in 
Martiny Township, a short outlet flowing into Lower 
Kvans Lake. This in turn flows by another short 
outlet into the South Branch of the Chippewa. On 
the head-waters of the Roundy ISranch and tributary 
streams are Pine Lake, Fnierald Lake, and a num- 
l)er of smaller bodies of water. On the northern 
boundary lies Big Stone Lake, which projects into 
Osceola County, and in the southwestern part of the 
township lies Chippewa Lake, the largest body of 
water in Mecosta County. It may be considered as 
tlie source of the .South Branch of the Chippewa. 
It covers parts of sections 19, 20, 21, 29, and 30, and 
is 800 or more acres in extent. A railroad has re- 
cently been built to Chippewa Lake, as a branch 
from the Detroit, Lansing i<: Northern railroad, and 




a small steamer plies on the lake. It may in time 
bee ome a very [wpular resort. Chippewa Township 
was given a civil organization in 1868, and it elected 
as its first Supervisor, John W. Sparks. The first 
while settler, a Mr. Pollo( k, located on se( tion six, in 
the spring of 1865. The first birth, tliat of Mary 
McCormack, daughter of Malcolm and Catherine 
McCormack, occurred Ai)ril 20, 1868. The first 
death was that of Mrs Sylvester Smith. The first 
marriage, that of Robert Jamieson and Minnie Mar- 
tiny, was solemnized by Rev. E. B. Miner, in Jan- 
uary, 1868. The first frame building was a barn, 
erected by William Perry in 1874. The first mill 
was a saw-mill, erected by R. \V. Kimball, in 1872. 
The first school- house was a log building erected on 
section eight, in the spring of 1870; and the first 
school was taught by Z. N. Tidd, in the summer of 
the same year. The first store was opened by Wil- 
son Brothers in June, 1873. The first iwstoffice, 
Chippewa Lake, was established in 1870, with S. V. 
Tice as Postmaster. 

The Chijipewa Grange is an organization deserv- 
ing mention. It was started in 1874, with a mem- 
bership of 25. At the jiresent time it has 30 mem- 
bers, and is in excellent condition. They have a hall, 
built in 1879. 

The lumber interest is of great im])ortance in Chip- 
pewa Township. The Chippewa Lumber Company 
l)urchased 150,000,000 feet of timber near Chippewa 
Lake, in the fall of 1882. They also purchased the 
I). F. Comstock Mill at Big Rapids, and removed the 
same to Chi[)pewa Lake during the winter. They 
commenced sawing the ist of June. They will soon 
have a large planing mill and shnigle mill in connec- 
tion with their lumber business. Tiie same firm 
have platted a village called Chii)[iewa, which is 
growing rapidly, and has excellent prospects for 
future prosperity, as the nearest towns are Ev.ut and 
Big Rapids, 12 miles distant. On section 2 is a 
saw-mill with a capacity of 18,000 feet per day, run 
by William Wilson, Bro. & Miller. 

In 1S70, the population of Chippewa Township 
was only 140. In 1874 this had increased to 291, 
and in i88o the census credited it with 445. In 1878 
it had 1,522 acres of improveil land; and in 1881 it 
had 1,737 'teres. In 1869, the ecpialized valuation 
of its real and personal estate was §32,414; and its 
liresent valuation is $426,680. The total vole of '.he 
township, in November, 1882, was 54. 






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DEEBFIELD TOWNSHIP. 

EERFIELD Township is thirteen north and 
nine west, of the Congressional survey. It 
"5" lies in the southern tier of Mecosta County, 
and is bounded as follows : On the north by 
Austin Township; on the east by Hinton Town- 
ship ; on the south by Montcalm County ; and 
g on the west by .-Etna Township. It is well watered, 
the Little Muskegon flowing nearly west through 
the middle of the township. It traverses the town- 
ship on sections thirteen, twenty-four, twenty-three, 
twenty-two, twenty-one, twenty, twenty-nine and 
thirty, from which it leaves the Township. In the 
northern part of Deerfield are Quigley Creek, which 
flows with and enters the Little Muskegon near the 
center of the township, and the East Branch of Big 
Creek, which flowing southwest unites with the Lit- 
/S tie Muskegon near the village of Morley, in ^-Etna 
Township. In the southern part of Deerfield begin 
several small streams, which, although they flow 
south, finally find their way to the Little Muskegon. 
The Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad barely enters 
the township, running through sections six and seven. 
A portion of the thriving village of Morley belongs 
to Deerfield, although the main part is in JEXn^ 
Township. Bell's Crossing and Rustford, small sta- 
tions on the D. L. &:. N. railroad, are situated in 
Deerfield Township. 

The territory included in Deerfield was organized 
in March, 1861, and its first Supervisor was Samuel 
S. Chipman. The first white settler was George 
Quigley, who located on section four. The first 
birth was that of James Quigley, son of George and 
Jane Quigley, in 1858. The first death was that of 
Frederick Eckard, in 1863. The first marriage was 
that of Isaac Sedore and Elizabeth Smith, solemnized 
by George Quigley, Justice of the Peace, in Decem- 
ber, 1862. The first frame building in the Township 
was a dwelling erected by Lysander Quigley, in 1859. 
The first mill was a small water-power grist-mill and 
saw-mill, built on the Little Muskegon River by Ethan 
.,. Satterlee. The first school-house was a log building 
^ erected on section five, in 1862 ; and the first school 
_ was taught the same year by Margaret Quigley. 
^ The first store was opened by George Magill, in 1863. 



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The first jx)st-oflfice, Big Creek, was established about 
1865. 

In 1864 the pojnilation of Deerfield Township was 
296; in 1870 it was 564; in 1874 it was 654; and 
in 1880 it was 1,093. ^'^ 'S?^ 'he township had 
4,389 acres of improved land; and in 1881 it had 
4,491 acres. At the time of its organization, in 1861, 
the equalized valuation was $40,45 i ; and its present 
valuation is $300,080. The total vote of the town- 
ship in November, 1882, was 145. 




COLFAX TOWNSHIP. 



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Of HIS is township 15 north, range 9 west. 
Congressional survey, and is bounded on 
the north by Grant Township, on the east 
by Martiny Township, on the south by Austin 
■I- Township, and on the west by Big Rapids 
I Township. The township is drained jjrinci- 
pally by Ryan Creek, which flows west through the 
northern part of the Township. There are several 
good-sized lakes and a number of smaller ponds in 
Colfax. The largest is Clear Lake, on section 21. 
In the northwest corner are Long Pond and Town 
Line Lake. On the northern boundary is Pickerel 
Lake; and in the northeastern part of the townshi]) 
are Colby Lake, Cook Lake, Mud Lake and Twin 
Lakes. In the southwestern part of the township is 
the Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad, which crosses 
section 31. On this road is Byers' station and post- 
office. The Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad 
runs through sections 18, 17, 16, 15, 14 and 13. In 
section 13 the Chippewa branch connects with the 
main line, and at this junction is the new village of 
Rodney, which has good prospects for future growth. 
The township of Colfax was organized in 1869, 
and its first Supervisor was Sidney L. Rood. 'I"he 
first white settler was Lloyd W. Simonds, who located 
on section 19, in i860. The first death was that of 
Helen A. Rood. The first couple married were 
Noble D. Rood and Martha A. Edwards. 'I'he 
ceremony was performed June 30, 1869, by Lloyd W. 
Simonds, Justice of the Peace. The first frame 
building was a barn erected by L. W. Simonds in 
1868. The first mill was a i)ortable steam saw -mill, 
put up by Henry Escott, in 1 869. The first school- 



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house was a frame building erected on section 3 1 , 
in 1870. 

The ]X)pulation of Colfax Township in 1870 was 
only 146. In 1874 it had increased to 263; and the 
census of 18S0 showed a furtlier increase to 669. It 
had 2,001 acres of improved land in 1881. The pres- 
ent equalized valuation of tlie real and personal 
property of the township is $264,842. Its total vote 
in November, 1882, was 94. 



Fork Township. 

ORK Township is situated in the northeast 
corner of Mecosta ("ounty,and is Coiigress- 
■i^" ional township 16 north, range 7 west ; and 
is bounded on the north by Osceola County, on 
the east by Isabella County, on the south 
by Sheridan Township, and on the west 
Martiny Township. It is watered by Chip- 
pewa River, the North and South Branches of the 
same, Rat-Tail Creek and Cliippcwa Creek. The 
last two are tributaries of the Noith Branch, which 
they join in about the center of the township. These 
streams, especially the South Branch, are the outlets 
of a score or more of lakes, of which but tluee or 
four are in Fork Township. The others are mostly 
in Chippewa and Martiny Townships. Fork has no 
railroad, no village, and but one post-office, — Fork. 

The territory above described was organized into 
a township in October, 1867, and William Creevey 
was elected the first Supervisor. The first white 
settler was Marvin A. Rogers, who located on section 
28, in the winter of 1865-6. Among the other early 
settlers, who came between 1866 and 1868, were 
John H. Gibbs, Charles Rogers, Chauncey Rog- 
ers, Charlie Powers, Almond Mott, Leonard Chro- 
shaw, Walter Kendall, Philip Chroshaw, Will- 
iam Brown, J. H. Groom, Oliver Bark and Leland 
Roe. The first white child born was Gazelle 
Murphy, daughter of James and Josephine Murphy, 
Aug. 21, 1866. The first death was that of John 
Nicholson, in the fall of 1869. The first marriage 
was that of Marvin A. Rogers and Alice Ford, in the 
fall of 1S67, solemnized by Elder Z. W. Shepherd. 
The first frame building in the township was erected 
by L. W. Roe, in the fall of 1870. The first school- 



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house was a log building put up on section 28, in the 
summer of 1870; and llie first school was taught by 
Mrs. Cynthia L. Brown, during tlie same summer. 
The first store was opened by Lewis E. Wolcott, in 
1875. The first and only post-office, Fork, was es- 
tablished in the spring of i860. 

In 1870, the [wpulation of Fork Township was 
163; in 1880, this had more than doubled, being 
343. In 1878, F"ork had 1,670 acres of improved 
land. In 1881, under a different rule of assessment, 
it had 1,219. ^'s eipialized valuation in 1868 was 
$64,096; and its present valuation is §122,705. The 
total vote in November, 1.SS2, was 43. 



Grant Township. 

HIS is slightly smaller than any other town* 
^ ship in the county. It comprises all of lown- 
'^rd^ ship sixteen north, range nine west. Congress- 
ional survey, except se< tion six and parts of 
sections five and seven, which, being cut off 
by the Muskegon River, are, for the sake of conven- 
ience, attached to Green Township. It is bounded 
on the ncKth by Osceola County, on the east by ('hip- 
pewa Township, on tlie south by Colfax Township, 
and on the west by ( ireen Township. It is watered 
in the northern part by the Muskegon River and its 
tributaries, Pogie Creek and Blodgett Creek, and in 
the southern part by Pickerel Lake River and Ryan 
Creek. The Township contains several small lakes, 
drained by these streams, of which the most impor- 
tant are Blodgett Lake, Mud Lake, Pickerel Lake, 
Young Lake and Little Young Lake. These lakes 
and streams abound in fish, and no better field for 
the sportsman exists than Grant Township. It has 
no railroad within its borders and yet much of its 
territory has been cleared and settled. 

The township was given a civil organization in 
1865, and the first election was held in October of 
that year. The first white settler was Sylvanus 
Ford, a single man, who located on section 20 in 
1863. The first family to settle in Grant was that of 
Charles L. Tuttle, who located on section iS, also in 
1863. The first birth was that of Irving Tuttle, son 
of Charles L. and Mary C. Tultle, which occurred 
July 4, 1865. The first death was that of Uryal 

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Aldrich, in 1865. The first marriage was that of 
Uryal Aldrich and Mary Donley, in 1863. The first 
frame building was a dwelling erected by Sylvanus 
Ford, in 1871. The first school-house was a log 
building erected on section '18, in 1868. The first 
school was taught by Lydia Marsh, in the same year. 

By the census of 1870, the population was 144; in 
1874 it was 179, and in 1880 it was 307. In 1878, 
Grant Township had 1,231 acres of improved land ; 
111 1 88 1 it had 1,324. Its equalized valuation in 
1866 was $44,797; its present valuation is ij)!24o,io7. 
Its total vote in November, 1882, was 71. 

The first officers of the township were: Super- 
visor, Charles L. Tuttle; Clerk, Abram Van Alstine; 
Treasurer, Allen Moore ; School Inspectors, Peter 
Long and S. C. Hemphill; Highway Commissioners, 
Hugh McCune, R. Whalen and H. M. Wilder; Jus- 
<tices of the Peace, Sylvanus Ford, Hugh McCune, 
S. C. Hemphill and R. Whalen; Constables, William 
White and Joseph Morgan. 



►^^-<^i.— 

Green Township. 

REEN Township is numbered 16 north, 
range 10 west, of the Congressional sur- 
'^i'^ vey, and lies in the northwest corner of 
cws Mecosta County. It is bounded on the north 
by Osceola County, on the east by Grant 
Township, on the south by Big Rapids Town- 
ship, and on the west by Newaygo County. Besides 
an exact Congressional Township, Green includes a 
little over two sections which naturally belong to 
Grant Township, but are cut off from it by the Mus- 
kegon River, and are therefore for convenience' sake 
attached to Creen. Muskegon River forms thus the 
eastern boundary for a mile and a half It then 
flows west for about four miles and then in a south- 
eriy direction until it leaves the township. The 
land is watered also by Buck Horn, Paris, Shaw and 
Tinny Creeks, and a number of smaller streams, all 
of which are tributary to the Muskegon. 

The township was organized in 1858, before the 
County of Mecosta was detached from Newaygo, 
and was one of the only two townships organized 
when the first meeting of the Board of Supervisors 
of Mecosta County was held, in May, 1859. Jesse 
A. Barker, who was at this meeting, was the first 





Supervisor of Green Township. The first white 
family in the Township was that of James Montague, 
who settled on section 27 in June, 1854. The first 
white child born was Helen Montague, daughter of 
James and Laura Montague, born in 1855. Theo- 
philus Humphrey, son of Charles B. and Jane Hum- 
phrey, was born in the fall of 1857. The first death 
was that of Mrs. Millard, in 1859. The first mar- 
riage, that of John McFarlane and Betsey Turk, was 
solemnized by Jesse A. Barker, Justice of the Peace, 
Dec. 25, i860. The first frame building was a house 
erected by Andrew and Lewis H. Green, in 1857. 
The lumber for it was drawn from Big Prairie, a dis- 
tance of 30 miles or more, and the mortices of the 
framework were dug with an old chisel and a mallet, 
without the aid of an auger, there being no such a 
tool in town. John Parish and Andrew McFarlane 
erected a frame dwelling the same year The first 
mill was a saw-mill, built by John Parish and An- 
drew McFarlane, in 1857, on Parish Creek, near 
where the village of Paris now stands. The first 
school-house was a log building, erected in May, 
1858, on section 28. The first school was taught by 
Martha J. Evarts, in the summer of 1858. The 
first store was opened by Edmund M. Suckney, in 
1866. The first post-office, Paris, was established in 
1 864. 

The census of i860 gave Green Townshiii 246 in- 
habitants; in 1864, the State census showed but 
235. In 1870 the population had increased to 616; 
in 1874 to 886, and in 1880 to 1,132. In 1878 the 
township had 1,395 ^^^res of improved land; and 
4,638 in 1881. Its equalized valuation in 1859 was 
$144,306.60; and its present valuation is $418,676. 
Its total vote in Novemlier, 1S82, was 166. 

PARIS VILLAGE. 

The village of Paris is located on the east half of 
section 16, and on the west bank of the Muskegon 
River. The first white settler was John Parish, the 
"father ''of the village, which he laid out. It was 
named " Parish," and this was afterwards changed to 
the present appellation, " Paris." He also built the 
first house of logs, about 1864, on the village site. 
He also built the first frame house. Among the 
early settlers was Andrew McFarlane, who, in part- 
nership with Parish, built and operated a saw-mill. 
Other early settlers were E. M. Stickney and James 



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Wright. Mr. Stickney opened the first store, in 
February, 1S66. Shaler & Fitting built the mill 
now owned by E. M. Stickney, in 1867. 

Paris is not incorporated, and has a population of 
about 350. There are no lodges or other organiza- 
tions. A small, neat church has just been built by 
subscription, in which all denominations may meet. 
The pastor who preaches every Sunday in this 
church lives at Hersey, Osceola County. 

The following are the names of the business men 
of the village : 

Bisbee, J. E., grocery and drug store. 
Frink, L. M., Frink's Hotel. 
Hopkinson, W. D., general store. 
Johnson, T. C, wagon shop. 
Leggett, I. J., drug store. 
Murphy & Dolan, saloon. 
Nichols, J. E., restaurant. 
Robison, H. M., blacksmith. 
Symonds, S. H., shoe shop. 
Swigler, N. J., blacksmith. 
Stickney, E. M., saw and grist mill. 
Scranton, W, S., saloon. 



The medical profession is rejjresented only by Dr. 
I- J- Leggett. 

The most imiwrtant event in the history of Paris 
was the great fire of 1879. At about half past three 
o'clock in the morning of Monday, ^fay 26, the rear 
part of Andrew McFarlane's store was discovered to 
be on fire. A strong wind was blowing from the 
northeast at the time, and but two or three minutes 
elajised before the entire building was enveloped in 
flames. McFarlane's hotel, the " Muskegon House," 
which stood adjacent to the store on the south side, 
was on fire; but a few minutes after the alarm was 
given, and the inmates of the hotel had barely time 
to get out, some of them saving but a part of their 
a])parel. 

The store buildings of E. M. Stickney, situated un 
the opix)site side of the street, and occupied by Mr. 
S. Elwood, with a general stock of merchandise, were 
on fire before half the people of the village had been 
aroused from th^ir slumbers. A two-story building 
1 adjacent on the south, owned by Mrs. Annie Hall, of 
'^ Detroit, and occupied by Mr. Elwood with a stock of 
'jj crockery, melted into smoke and ashes with the rest. 
^ A large two-story building, originally designed for a 
\^ store, but occupied by Elliot Cheney for a hotel, 



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which stood next south of the store-buildings occu- 
pied by Mr. Elwood, was also in flames about as soon 
as the others, all of them being directly in the course 
in which the flames were driven by the wind. The 
inmates of this last mentioned building escaped with 
most of their apparel, which was about all that was 
saved. The Cheney Hotel was owned by Mrs. Roxy 
Compton. .\nother large two-story store building, 
situated several rods south of the Cheney Hotel, was 
the next to take fire. It was occupied as a residence 
by two families, one of them being that of Mr. Jud- 
kins, station agent at Paris, and they had time to re- 
move all or nearly all their household goods. A 
substantial barn belonging to E. M. Stickney, and 
two or three cheap cow stables, complete the list of 
buildings destroyed. 

Mr. McFarlanc saved literally nothing from his 
store, in fact no one attempted to enter the building, 
the entire inside being a sheet of flame before the 
inmates of the surrounding buildings were apprised 
of the danger that threatened them. Mr. McFar- 
lane's loss on buildings and stock was about $7,000 
or $8,000, with no insurance. Mr. Stickney 's loss on 
buildings was about $2,500, with $1,500 insurance. 
He also lost about $200 worth of lumber, which was 
piled near the railroad track, in the rear of McFar- 
lane's store. A small warehouse situated at the rear 
of Stickney 's building, and owned by Fox, Shields & 
Co., of Grand Rapids, was insured for $300. Mr. 
El wood's loss on merchandise was about §10,000, 
with $4,000 insurance. Only a few handfuls of 
goods were saved. The postoffice was located in 
Elwood's store, and the letter case and stamp drawer 
were saved, but the paper mail and the jwuch con- 
taining the letter mail to come south that morning, 
were swallowed up in the flames. Mrs. Hall's build- 
ing was worth about $t,2oo. Mrs. Com[)ton's build- 
ing was worth about $1,200, and was insured for $300. 
Mr. Cheney, who occupied the building, lost about 
$500 with no insurance. Mrs. Staab's building was 
worth about $1,000. Many other buildings were in 
imminent danger; but the activity of the citizens 
fortunately saved them. Among other things burn- 
ed were the books and records of the town of Green, 
which were in Mr. Elwood's store. The origin of 
this disastrous conflagration is not known. It was 
probably a case of incendiarism. 






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Hinton Township. 

HIS is Congressional Township 13 north, 
range 8 west, and is bounded on the north 
by Morton Township, on the east by Mill- 
brook Township, on the south by Montcalm 

I County, and on the west by Deerfield Town- 
ship. It is drained by Silver Creek (into which flows 
Decker Creek), in the northern part, and by Tama- 
rack Creek in the south, which flow westward into 
the Little Muskegon, sometimes known as the South 
Fork of the Muskegon River. This stream itself 
flows in a southwesterly direction through the north- 
western corner of the Township. There are two 
post-offices in Hinton. Altona on sections six and 
seven, and Sylvester on section ten. 

The township of Hinton was organized in Janu- 
ary, i860, and the first Supervisor was R. Van De- 
water. The first white settler was John Hinton, who 
located on section fifteen, in June, 1855. The first 
birth was that of Margaret Kibbe, daughter of Ho- 
ratio N. and Margaret Kibbe, Aug. 15, 1857. The 
first death was that of Phoebe Hinton, Feb. 18, i860. 
The first marriage was that of John Hinton and 
Mariette Rockwood, solemnized by Leonard Aldrich, 
Justice of the Peaqe, May 26, i860. Another report 
says that Samuel \\'. Rose and Ann Hinton were 
the first couple married. The first frame building 
was a barn, 30x50 feet, erected by John Hinton, in 
the summer of 1856. Tlie first mills were a saw- 
mill, built by William Seaton and Bartley Davis, and 
a flouring mill, built by Harrison J. Brown, in the 
summer of 1868. Both are water-power mills, 
located on the Little Muskegon, where the village of 
.Altona was afterward platted. The first school-Jiouse 
was a log building, erected on section 21, in 1861. 
Tiie first school was taught by Rachel Whitzell, in 
the summer of 1861. Otliers say that Lydia Allen 
taught the first school, in the spring of 1861. One 
report says that Harrison J. Brown opened the first 
store in 1868; another says that David Fowler 
opened the first at Sylvester. The first post-office 
in Hinton Township was Hinton, established in 1S62. 

In i860, tlie year of the organization of the town- 
ship, the population was 153; in 1864 it was 167; in 




1870 it was 390; in 1874 it was 638, and in 1880 it 
was 986. In 1878 the township was reix)rted to 
have 3,799 acres of improved land; in 1881 only 
2,971 acres were reported. This apparent decrease 
was due merely to a change in Supervisors, and con- 
se(iuently no standard of classification. Hinton's 
equalized valuation at the time of organization was 
$70,194.38, and its present valuation is $302,298. 
Its total vote in November, 1882, was 189. 



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Martiny Township. 

HIS is township 15 north, range 8 west 
'^ Congressional survey, and is bounded on 
on the north by Chippewa Township, on the 
east by Sheridan Township, on the south by 
Morton Township, and on the west by Colfax 
Township. It is drained in the northeastern part by 
the South Branch of the Chippewa, including its 
tributaries, Upper and Lower Evans Lakes, Bloom 
Lake, Dimon Lake, Tubb's Lake and others; but 
the greater i)art of the Township is drained by the 
West Branch of the Litde Muskegon River, which is 
the outlet for Horsehead Lake, Martiny or Johnson 
Lake and Pretty Lake. Horsehead Lake is the 
second body of water in the county, in point of size. 
In the southeast part is the East Branch of the 
Little Muskegon River. Through the southwestern 
part of the Township runs the recently constructed 
Detroit, Lansing & Northern railroad, and through 
the northwestern part runs the Chippewa Branch of 
the same road. 

Martiny was organized as a civil township in 
January, 1875, and elected its first Supervisor, Nich- 
olas Thieson. The first white settler was John Mar- 
tiny, who located on section four in 1S6S. The first 
birth was that of Helen Albert, daughter uf Christo- 
pher and Ann Albert, in 1870. The first death was 
that of John Johnson, in 1873. The first marriage 
was that of Noah Eaton and Mary Kent, solemnized 
by George Shields, Justice of the Peace, June 7, 
1875. The first school-house was a log building 
erected on section four in 1873. The first school 
was taught by Nellie Sheir, in 1873. The first post- 
office — Martiny — was established in November, 1875, 
The census of 1880, the only one taken since* 
Martiny was organized, gives it 192 inhabitants. It 



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had 287 acres of improved land in 1879, and 642 in 
1881. Its eiiualized valuation when organized, in 
1875, was $102,470.50; and its present valuation is 
§424,47 8. Its total vote in November, 1882, was 25. 



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Mecosta Township. 

ECOSTA Township is numbered 14 north, 
range 10 west. Congressional survey, and 
is situated in the western tier of townships 
of Mecosta County. It is bounded on the 
north by Big Rapids Township, on the east by 
Austin Township, on the south by /Etna Town- 
shij), and on the west by Newaygo County. It con- 
tains some of the best agricultural land in the 
county, and also much fine timber, of which, however, 
the greater part has been cleared away. It contains 
the villages of Stanwood and Rustford, on sections 
25 and 13. 

The Grand Rapids & Indiana railroad runs 
through sections 12, 13, 24 and 25; and the Grand 
Rapids and Big Rapids State road runs through the 
central portion of the township. 

Mecosta is excellently watered, and its land is 
lower geographically than any other land in Mecosta 
County. The Muskegon River enters the township 
in the northeast corner, and leaves it in the south- 
west corner, though it flows in by no means a straight 
line. It meanders in such a fashion that the total 
length of river is more than twice the length of a 
line drawn diagonally through the township. Be- 
sides the river, there are no less than a dozen 
streams flowing into it within the township, of which 
the most important are Cold Spring, Mac's and 
Davis Creeks. 

The township of Mecosta was organized in .March, 
1 86 1, and R. A. Moon was its first Supervisor. The 
first white settler was John Davis, who located on 
section 27, in 1851, and was also the first settler of 
the county. He resides still on his first location. 
The first birth was that of James Hyde, son of Han- 
nibal and Mary Hyde. The first death was that of 
William Davis, who departed this life in February, 
1852. The first marriage was that of James Suther- 
land and Hannah C. Jaipiett, solemnized by H. Gil- 
more, clergyman, Oct. 21, 1859. The first frame 




building was a barn, built by John Davis, in 1856. 
The first mill was a saw-mill, built by Francisco & 
Marcy, in 1870. The first school-house was a frame 
building erected in 1859, on section three; and the 
first school was taught by Mary Gilmore. The first 
store was opened by James H. Rogers, in 1865. 
The first ix)stoffice, Mecosta, was established in 
1865. 

In 1864, Mecosta Township had a population of 
222; in 1870, 263; in 1874,392; and in 1880,613. 
In 187S, it had 1,654 acres of improved land; in 
1880, 1,600 were reported. Its equalized valuation 
at time of organization was $67,627.14 ; and its pres- 
ent valuation is $195,035. Its total vote in Novem- 
ber, 1882, was 99. 




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Millbrook Township. 

HE Township of Millbrook lies in the south- 
eastern corner of the county, and is num- 
bered 13 north, range 7 west, and is bounded 
on the north by Wheatland Township, on the 
east by Isabella County, on the south by Mont- 
calm County, and on the west by Hinton Township. 
It is watered by Black Creek, in the southwestern 
half, and by two branches of Pine River in the 
northeastern half. It also contains three or four 
small lakes. 

The village of Millbrook lies mostly in the town- 
ship, and Blanchard lies just outside of its limits in 
Isabella County. 

Millbrook was organized into a civil township in 
October, 1865, in the same month with Grant and 
^^tna Townships. Its first election resulted in the 
choice of Peter S. Decker as Supervisor. The first 
white settlers were Leonard and Hazen .Aldrich, who 
located on section 14, in 1859. The first birth was 
that of Forest Aldrich, son of Leonard and Jane 
Aldrich, in August, 1S59. The first death was that 
of Charles Roe, in November, 1866. The first mar- 
riages, those of Hazen .'\ldrich and Jane Jackson, 
and William F. Thompson and Salina .Mdrich, were 
both solemnized by John Bower, clergyman, in Feb- 
ruary, 1S65. The first frame building was a dwell- 
ing erected by Ha/en Aldrich in 1865. The first 
mill was a water-jxjwer saw-mill, erected by Hazen 

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Aldrich in 1864. The first school-house was a log 
building, erected on section 11, in 1863. The first 
school was taught by Louisa Allen, in 1863. The 
first store was opened by W. S. Howd, in 1865, where 
the village of Millbrook is now located. 

The population of Millbrook Township by the 
census of 1870, was 302 ; by the State census of 
1874 it has 412; and in 1880 the general census 
gave 706 inhabitants. In 1878 it had 2,151 acres of 
improved land; and in 1881, 2,407 acres. Its 
equalized valuation in 1866 was $29,957 ; and its 
present valuation is $564,748. Its total vote in 
November, 1882, was 107. 

MILLBROOK VILLAGE. 

The village of Millbrook is a thriving place of be 
tween 300 and 400 inhabitants, on section one. It 
would undoubtedly grow faster, and have more busi- 
ness, had not the railroad been located so far away 
as it is. The citizens of the village offered the D. 
L. & N. Railroad Company every reasouable induce- 
ment to come to the village, but opposing influences 
were too strong. 

The first house was a log dwelling erected by 
Hazen Aldrich, in 1863. The same man put up the 
first frame house on the village site, in 1864. The 
fiist store was opened by W. S. Howd, in March, 
1865. The present school-house was erected in 
1869, at a cost of $800. The principal is C. F. 
Fitzgerald. 

Millbrook has two religious organizations, — the 
Congregational and Methodist Episcopal. The 
former denominatio: erected a church in 1874,31 a 
cost of $3,000; and the latter have a small church 
now in process of construction. Rev. Mr. Schiedel 
preaches for the Congregationalists, and Rev. Mr. 
Wyaiit for the Methodists. 

Level Lodge, No. 219, I. O. O. F., has a member- 
ship of 35, and meets every Saturday evening. The 
principal officers at the present time are Levi S. 
Meneri, N. G. ; Charles Knauss, V. G. ; James 
Wylie, Secretary ; William F. Denney, Treasurer. 

'J"he postoffice was organized in 1869, and Orson 
N. Earl was the first Postmaster. Henry D. Brown 
at present holds the appointment. 

The following list comprises all the firms at pres- 
ent doing business in Millbrook : 

Aldrich, Forest, wagon shop. 




Brooks, Keller & Eicher, restaurant. 
Brown, H. D., postoffice, notions. 
Denney, William F., furniture store. 
Dysinger, George, blacksmithy. 
Dole & Precious, saloon. 
Decker, G. A., harness shop. 
Eicher, A., meat market. 
Fink, R. M., dry goods. 
Harmon, E., Harmon House. 
Howd, A. J., feed and flour. 
Horton, E. T., general store. 
Haggett, George, blacksmithy. 
Kenrick, E. H., drug store. 
Lock, Frank, barber shop. 
Norton & Carman, grist-mill. 
Pattison, J. M. & Co., drug store. 
Richards, James & Co., hardware store. 
Stanley, J. B., grocer)'. 
Stanton, H., blacksmithy. 
Willett, Ida, millinery. 

The medical profession is represented by C. H. 
Rodi, S. A. Gates, J. W. Pattison and W. J. Cree ; 
and the legal by D. C. Fuller and W. S. Howd, the 
former of whom is Justice of the Peace. 



Morton Township 



6\i- 1 f?'J'J-'*^K.TON Township is numbered 14 north, 
^■| te^agrf ^ of range 8 west. Congressional survev, 
%i^^Z 'I'ld is bounded on the north by Martiny 
/ A ^ ^ Township, on the east by Wheatland Town- 
',r shij), on the south by Hinton Township, and on 
I the west by Austin Township. The Little 
Muskegon, its East and West Branches, and smaller 
tributaries, drain the township. In the western 
part are four good-sized lakes, and two smaller ones. 
The large ones are named Round Lake, Long Lake, 
Blue Lake and School Section Lake. The last 
named derives its name from the fact of being partly 
on section 16, the section which in every township 
is set apart for the benefit of the schools of the 
State. The recently constructed Detroit, Lansing 
it Northern railroad passes through the north- 
eastern portion of the township. 

Morton was organized as a civil township in Jan- 
uary, 1877. The general census of 1880 gJive a 






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population to the township of 192. In 179 it had 
287 acres of improved hind; in 1881 it had 642 
acres. Its equalized valuation at the time of organ- 
ization, in 1877, was 114,840; its present valuation 
is more than double that amount, being $257,680. 
Its total vote in November, 1882, was 162. The 
township has had a marvelous growth in the last 
three years. 

The first mill was built by John Van Vleck & Son, 
of Palo, Mich., on the north side of the Little Mus- 
kegon River, and afterward moved about four miles 
north of Mecosta village, where it is now run by 
Charles Van Vleck, John Van Vleck having died in 
1S80. 

MECOSTA VILLAGE. 

The village of Mecosta is but little over four years 
old, and owes its existence and prosperity to the 
construction of the D., L. & N. railroad through 
this county. The opening up of a rich agricultural 
and lumbering district, by this road, made a station 
near the center of the county, where several years 
previous a large number of hardy tillers of the soil 
had settled to the south and east, and already had 
many thousand acres of land well under cultivation, 
an absolute necessity ; for the farmer needed a mar- 
ket for his grain and produce, as well as a place to 
purchase supplies, while the lumbermen needed a 
shipping point and base of supplies in order to carry 
on the business of manufacturing the sturdy pine (of 
which there is an immense forest to the north) into 
lumber, lath and shingles for transportation over the 
new railroad. Foreseeing this necessity, Weber 
Bros., of Ionia, who also had a large interest in the 
pine land at this point, E. B. Moore, of E'dmore, and 
Giles Gilbert, of Stanton, formed themselves into a 
stock company and platted what lias since been 
known as the village of Mecosta, ilie plat, which 
was duly recorded July 17, 1879, contains 120 
acres, and is beautifully located on the East Braiuli 
of the Little Muskegon, at the junction of the Alma 
and Clinton State road with the D., L. & N. railroad, 
16 miles southeast of Big Rapids and 12 miles 
northwest of Millbrook, and is aliout four miles east 
of the geographical center of the county. The com- 
pany gave Amos S. Johnson, formerly of Sherman 
t'ity, full power of attorney, and made him the resi- 
dent agent for the sale of lots. 

At that time nearly the entire plat was heavily 







timbered, although the greater iX)rtion of it is now 
cleared. The fust lot was sold to Charles Cum- 
mings, of Stanton, shortly after the plat was recorded. 
The first building was put up l)y D. O'Brien about 
tjie I St of October, 1S79. H. W. Bassingwaite, 
George Evans and A. S. Johnson put up buildings 
the same month, and John Van Vleck and son com- 
menced the erection of a steam saw and shingle 
mill. During the fall and winter of 1879-80, sev- 
eral more buildings were put up by actual settlers, 
but not until the first of May, 1880, when trains com- 
menced running regularly over the new road, did the 
young village experience a healthy growth. 

The first store was a general grocery and supply 
store, kept on Main street, where is now Parks 
Brothers' hardware store, by H. \V. Bassingwaite. 

The post-office was established in December, 1879, 
and John Van Vleck was apix)in'ted Postmaster. His 
widow is now Postmistress. 

The first hotel was opened by Ephraim LeGrange, 
in 1879, and christened the Mecosta House. It is 
on the corner of Main and Weber streets, and is now 
kept by Dominick O'Brien. 

The village was organized as a school district in 

1879, and the school-house, begun in i88o, was com- 
pleted in 1881. This was a log building, and the 
first school was taught by Mrs. M. A. Chipman. 'I'he 
same year, the present nice frame school-house was 
completed, at a cost of §2,000. 

The first religious society was of the Baptist de- 
nomination, organized by John Van Vleck, and held 
its meetings in the log school-house. In the fall of 

1880, the Methodists sent a minister by the name of 
Hoag, who remained about one year, also preaching 
in the log school-house. Rev. J. Berry at present 
holds services in the town hall, but the society is 
preparing to erect a church on the west side of the 
river, at a cost of $2,500. 

The first and only bank is the private bank of 
(Jilbert & Wixs.^n. 

The Mecosta Planing Mills were built by Rathvon 
Bros., and started in tliesj)ring of 1883. 

Mecosta I-odge, No. 93, A. O. U. W., was organized 
March 30, 1881. The present oflfi<ers are A. S.John- 
son, P. M. VV.; C. W. Calkins, M. W.; A. R. Street- 
er. Recorder. The present niemlicrship is 28. 

Mecosta Lodge, No. 55, K. O. T. M., was organ- 
ized in 1 882, and, like the A. O. U. W., is :{.w insiir- 



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ance society. The present officers are R. D. Reed, 
S. K. C. ; J. H.Waller, S. K. F. K. ; L. W. Esselstene, 
S. K. R. K. 

Mecosta has a good brass band, led by A. C. Wal- 
ler, organized in May, 1882. 

The following are the first village officers of Me- 
costa, elected April 2, 1883: President, A. S. John- 
son; Trustees for two years, H. M. Trassell, C. W. 
Parks, J. W. Pierce ; Trustees for one year, J. W. 
Ferris, D. O'Brien, A. R. Streeter ; Clerk, C. M. Calk- 
ins; Street Commissioner, E. La Grange; Con- 
stable, Marvin Spencer; Assessor, E. A. Davis. 

The business interests of the village are repre- 
sented by the following firms : 

Beard, Henry, wagon shop. 
Black, George, general store. 
Bromley Bros., livery stable. 
Calkins, C. W., furniture store. 
Conrad, E. S., photograph gallery. 
Cooley, L. D., drug store. 
Carman, M., general store. 
Duley, R, H., Wilson House. 
Diller, Mrs. George, dressmaking. 
Evans, Mrs. R. G., notions. 
Gilbert, G. & Co., general store. 
Gardner, J. T., jewelry store. 
Garland & Hornung, clothing house. 
Gilbert & Wixson, bank. 
Hullinger, James, drug store. 
Morris Thomas, shoe shop. 
Metzorg, Isaac, clothing store. 
O'Brien, Dominick, Mecosta House. 
O'Brien, W., restaurant. 
Pangburn, W. S., boot and shoe store. 
Parish, W. H., saloon. 
Parks Bros., hardware store. 
Reed, R. D., meat market. 
Rice, Lewis, blacksmith. 
Rathvon Bros., planing mill. 
Stewart, B. M., grocer)-. 
Trussell, H. M., Advance o^o.^. 
Thomas & Esselstene, millinery. 
Thomas, Morris, harness shop. 
Wernette & Schultz, blacksmith. 
Wilcox, D. W., shingles and lumber. 
Wilson, Albert, barber shop. 
Wilcox, John, blacksmith. 
Woolford, R. S., grocery and drug store. 





Wernette, C. W., saloon. 

Woolford, Mrs. N. O., millinery. 

Among the professional men are C. B. Pattison and 
J. H. Waller, physicians, and N. W. Bush, lawyer. 

The last school census of the village contained the 
names of 225 children of school age, which would 
indicate a total population of nearly 800. 



Sheridan Township. 

N the eastern tier of townships of the coun- 
ty is township 15 north, range 7 west. Con- 
gressional survey, named as above, and is 
bounded on the north by Fork Township, on 
the east by Isabella County, on the south by 
Wheatland Township, and on the west by Mar- 
tiny Township. 

Sheridan is on the divide between the territory 
contiguous to Lake Michigan, and that stretching 
towards Lake Huron. It contains no stream of any 
size, except the south branch of the Chippewa River, 
which flows through the northwestern corner. In the 
eastern portion are Bamber Brook, and other small 
streams flowing east, while in the southwestern part 
are the head-vi'aters of the Little Muskegon. The 
township contains half a dozen verj' small lakes, and 
three lakes of some size are intersected by its bound- 
ary lines. Lake No. 6 lies near the southwestern 
corner, while Dimon Lake and Tubb's Lake lie near 
the northwestern corner, and partly in Martiny 
Township. 

Sheridan has no villages and no railroads. It was 
organized as a township in 1867, in the same year in 
which Fork was erected, and in October of that year 
it held its first election, which resulted in the choice 
of Edward P. Strong as the first Supervisor. Mr. 
Strong was the first white settler of the township, 
having located on section 1 2 the first of January, 
1866. 

The first white child born was Mary E., daughter of 
William ^\'. and Susan McComb, who greeted the 
light April 29, 1866. The first two marriages — those 
of A. Berry and Angcliue Benscoter, and Chauncey 
Rogers and Minnie Gibbs — were solemnized on the 
same day, Nov. 28, 1867, by Elder Z. W. Shepherd. 
The first death was that of Ella S. Hanna, and oc- 



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curred June i, 1866. The first frame building in the 
township was the school-house in District No. i, 
built by John A. Markle. The first school-house was 
a log building erected on section 1 1, in the spring of 
1868, and Mrs Aaron Osborn taught the first school 
during the summer following. E. P. Strong opened 
the first store in June, 1867. The first [wstoffice, 
Rienza, was established in the spring of 1870. 

Its population in 1S70 was 135; in 187^, 160; 
and in 1880, 207. In 1878, it rejKirted 990 acres of 
impioved land, and in i88r, 1,192 acres. Its equal- 
ized valuation in 1868 was $44,312; and its present 
valuation is §204,139. Its total vote in November, 
1882, was 39. 



Wheatland Township. 

HEATLAND Township is township four 
_pMi^^|) teen north, range seven west. Congressional 
jj^Vp * survey, and is in the eastern tier of town- 
j!^^^ ships of Mecosta County. It is hounded 
on the north by Sheridan Townsliij), on the 
east by Isabella County, on the south by Mill- 
brook Township, and on the west by Moiton Town- 
ship. It is on the divide between the watershed 
tributary to Lake Michigan, and that tributary to 
Lake Huron, and its land is accordingly jiiglier 
than that of surrounding counties. Pointer and 
other creeks tributary to the Little ^luskegon drain 
the northwestern part, while the greater part of the 
township is drained by Piie River and its branches 
(of which the most iniix)rtant is Pony Creek), which 
flow eastward into the Tittabawassee. Wheatland 
Township has a number of small lakes, — Lake No. 
I, Pine Lake, Pickett's Lake, Gay Lake, Mud Lake, 







Lake No. 6, and others, which form the head-waters 
of the Little Muskegon and Pine Rivers. 'J'he 
township is crossed by a railroad recently con- 
structed, — the Detroit, Lansing & Northern, — which, 
runs through the southwestern part. Wheatland 
contains no villages, although Millbrook lies just on 
its borders. 

The township of Wlieatland was organized in Octo 
ber, 1862; and its first Supervisor was Jacob 
Schiedel. The first white settler was William 
Schiedel, who located on section 24, in September, 
i860. Solon Hall located on section 36, the 
same year. The first birth was that of Ellen Hall^ 
daughter of Solon and Mary Hall, in the summer of 
1 86 1. The first death was that of John Norman 
September 28, 1864. t'atharine Robitzsch died 
about the same time. The first marriage, that of 
Thomas Ariss and Catharine McCIoud, was solem- 
nized by Solon Hall, a Justice of the Peace, in 1866. 
Others say that Isaac Harvey and Marisa Blood 
were the first couple married. The first frame build- 
ng was a dwelling erected by John D. Clement, in 
September, 1865. 'J'he first mill was a water-iX)wer 
saw-mill erected by Frederick D. Miller, in June, 
1875. The first school-house was a log building 
erected on section 26, in December, 1864. The first 
school was taught by Lydia Allen, in the winter of 
1864-5. Others say that .Adaline Aldrich taught the 
first school in the winter of 1865. 

The population of the township in 1864 was 120. 
This increased to 400 in 1870; to 632 in 1874; and 
to 1,170 in 1880. The township had 3,534 acres of 
improved land in 187S, and 4.320 acres in 1881. 
Its asssessed valuation in 1868 was $44,312; and its 
present valuation is $424,214. Its total vote in 
November, 1882, was 200. 



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HE origin of the above name 

ihas lieen explained under the 

heading " Early Settlement. " 

It was a name appropriately 

given by the early settlers to 

'l'^ the rajjids in the Muskegon 

River at the point where the 

thriving county seat now stands ; 

and when the town was started it 

naturally took the name it has 

ever since been borne. 

The earliest entries of any lands 

now included in the city plats are 

one fractional lot of 32.20 acres 

1^ located by Robert P. Mitchell, May 

3, 1853, and also one fractional lot 

of 55.70 acres located at the same 

date by John Parish. These pieces 

were south of Mitchell t'reek, and 

between Micliigan avenue and the 

Muskegon River, being portions of 

the First Ward of the city. A Mr. 

Fred Hall entered land soon after, 

but the interest of these men 

must have been purchased by Messrs. Warren & 

Ives some time afterward, as we hear no more of 

them in connection with the village. 

March i, 1X55, Zera French and his brother 
George came througli the wilderness -ria t'roton from 

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Grand Rapids, and in one sense were the real found- 
ers of Big Rapids, as they came in search of perma- 
nent homes, and not in any sense as speculators. 
The entire region north of Big Prairie was then a 
wilderness. Not a lilow had been struck, nor a 
cabin raised, where Big Rapids now stands, and only 
three or four claims made, with the exception of 
speculators in pine lands. We quote now George 
French's own words : 

" We came up on the east bank of the Muskegon 
and somewhere near the upper dam found Duncan 
McLellan engaged in lumbering, — putting logs into 
the river. He had a rude camp in which we were 
hospitably entertained over night. The following 
morning we constructed a log raft, on which we 
crossed the river. The snow was several feet deep 
on the west side and yet the view through the forest 
was to us inviting and grand, and we at once deter- 
mined to locate liere. We found a Mr. Parish and a 
Mr. Mitchell had already a (Government certificate for 
small pieces of land near, and a man by the name of 
Hall had possession through his agent of about 160 
acres ; but aside from this all was undisturbed. My 
brother Zera at once purchased three forty-acre 
pieces, tlie southern boundary of which was Hem- 
lock street, north of where the Central scliool build- 
now stands, and of course covered the mill site 
afterward utilized on Mitchell Creek." 

George French made claim to about the same 
amount of land as his brother, a little farther to the 

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north. They had conversed upon the subject of a 
future village being located here, ond when some 
time afterward Warren Ives surveyed a portion of 
their land, and recorded a village plat, Zera Frent h 
then laid out a portion of his own land north of 
Mitchell Creek, and lying on both sides of State 
street, into a village plat, gave it the name of Glen 
Elm, and it was recorded by that name May 9, i860. 
A. N. Williams was the surveyor of this new village. 

There appears to have been some little feeling at 
this time between Mr. Ives and Mr. French in regard 
to location of county buildings, and this may have 
been the cause of locating a new village on the 
French proi)erty ; but it must have been amicably 
settled soon after, as Mr. French was persuaded by 
Orrin Stevens and others to change the name to 
" French's Addition to Big Rapids," which was done 
and recorded June 4 of the same year. George 
French now decided to engage in other business, and 
sold his claim to Zera French, who, having a small 
family to provide for, at once commenced the build- 
ing of a log house. This was the first house of any 
kind built within the village limits. It was situated 
a little north of the Big Rapids Iron Works, and 
about midway between State street and the river. 
The ruins of its foundation may yet be seen. This 
house, with the south forty acres on which it stood, 
was sold to Ives &: Warren, soon after the arrival of 
Chauncey P. Ives in this country. Another forty- 
acre piece west of this, covering the lot where the 
new school-house now stands, was included in this 
purchase, and the consideration was $600 cash for 
both. 

This house was occupied by Mr. Ives while en- 
gaged in erecting a mill office and large boarding- 
house near by. The saw-mill was built first, all the 
actually necessary lumber for this purpose being 
hauled from Newaygo, and the other buildings fin- 
ished as soon after as the lumber could be cut by 
the new mill to construct them. Mrs. Orrin Stevens 
presided for a long lime at their boarding-house, and 
the old settlers remember many bountiful repasts 
served by her. 

\ good story is told by one of the pioneers about 
these days when nearly all the necessaries of life 
had to be brought from Grand Rapids. He received 
from a certain grocer a keg of molasses {}) and in 
the bill accoiTipanying it found he was charged for 



ten gallons, while the keg, by actual measurement, 
could hold but eight gallons. He wrote back to the 
grocer that he "didn't mind the money overcharged 
so much as he did the strain on the kegl " It is 
needless to say that the error was in due time recti- 
fied. 

Chauncey P. Ives removed here and purchased 
the interest of Fred Hall and others about the year 
1856. As has been said, the French Brothers owned 
and were at this time in possession of about 240 
acres of land, bounded on the south by Hemlock 
street. Uixjn this land where noiv stands much of 
the northern part of the city, they had made consid- 
erable improvement and had designed much more ; 
and it had also become known some time previous 
that they intended some of this ground for a village. 
For this reason, although Zera French did not i)os- 
sess the means to push the enterprise, he deserves a 
large share of the honor of founding the city. 

The following incident shows what trivial matters 
sometimes change the fortunes of individuals. James 
Montague, one of the earliest settlers of the county, 
entered fractional lot number five, covering the old 
red mill site, somewhere about the tune tlie same 
lot was taken by Mr. ?'rench, — he claimed a little 
before, — and undoubtedly had in view the valuable 
water power for a mill site. Both parties appeared 
at the land office, each claiming the right to the cer- 
tificate of entry. In such cases it was the duty of 
that office to institute a court of inquiry, and after 
mature deliberation Mr. French was pronounced the 
rigjilful claimant. Mr. Montague always felt that 
injustice was done him. 

The land upon whicii all the present business part 
of the city of Big Rapids is built, was owned in con- 
nection (but not in partnership) by Messrs. Ives, 
Warren and Leonard. Mr. Warren soon afterward 
purchased the ei.tire interest of Dr. F. B. Leonard, 
and the records show that the original plat was sur- 
veyed and recorded by Warren and Ives, November 
3, 1859, and comprised about 100 acres of land. A 
Mr. John F. Tinkham, of Grand Rai)ids, was the 
surveyor employed to do the work, and it is just to 
add that Mr. Tinkham was thoroughly competent as 
a surveyor. His lines are more accurate than those 
of the Government surveyors. 

It is well known that anything having little present 
or prospective value is carelessly handled and tossed 
about, while an article of real or supposed value will 



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receive the most careful attenlion. It was thus with 
a great portion of the hind in Northern Micliigan. 
Its supposed worthlessness made it cheap in the eyes 
of all, and a little deviation in lines, or the loss of a 
few acres more or less, was of no consequence. Por- 
tions of the forty-acre tract known as Sanborn & 
Rust's Addition %vas wanted at an early day by a few 
settlers, but Mr. Rust could not be prevailed upon to 
sell it in part, although he was willing to sell it entire. 
Several of the well-known citiz3ns therefore agreed 
to take a certain number of acres each, to include 
the entire forty, and the deeds were made out accord- 
ingly. The owners then determined to run streets 
through it, east and west, parallel with and joining 
one or two on the Warren & Ives plat ; and when 
asked why not plat their property in lots and blocks, 
they replied that they only wanted it for pastures for 
their domestic animals ! It seemed foolish to them 
to " lay out the whole country as a city." By a glance 
at the map it will be seen that each selected a por- 
tion according to the size of his purse, or inclinations, 
without regard to shape or dimensions, presenting an 
appearance of either the surveyor or his sextant hav- 
ing been slightly "twisted." Men who have always 
been known as possessing superior judgment in 
other matters, failed to see the vvaut of careful 
groundwork at that early day. 

As many additions have been made to I3ig Rapids, 
for the sake of convenience they are all mentioned 
here in chronological order: 

The original village of Big Rapids was platted by 
Messrs. Warren & Ives, of Troy, N. Y., and duly 
recorded Nov. 3, 1859. It comprised about 100 acres 
of land, situated upon the western bank of Muske- 
gon River, on section 14, township fifteen north, of 
range ten west. On the 9th of May, i860, Zera 
French platted an addition on the north comprising 
about forty acres, which was first called Glen Elm, 
and soon afterwards changed to French's Addition to 
the Vilhige of Big Rapids. On the 20th of Novem- 
ber, 1865, Sanborn & Rust platted forty acres on the 
west, which was named Sanborn & Rust's Addition. 
On the 25th of September, 1866, Clark & Fuller 
platted thirty-six acres immediately south of Sanborn 
& Rust's Addition, which was named Rose's Addi- 
tion. On the 14th of the same month, Ceylon C. Ful- 
ler platted twenty-five acres immediately south of 
Clark & Fuller's .Addition, which was named l'"uller's 




Addition. On the 22d of the same month, Thomas 
D. Stimson platted two acres, lying between the orig- 
inal plat and Clark & Fuller's Addition, which was 
Stimson's Addition. On the 22d of October of the 
same year, George W. Warren platted forty acres, 
lying west of Rose's Addition, which was named 
Warren's Addition. On the 5th of November in the 
same year, B. E Hutchinson platted thirty acres, ly- 
ing west of Sanborn & Rust's Addition, wliich was 
named Hutchinson's Addition. 

The year 1859 was full of promises to the little 
colony of pioneers. The act organizing the county 
of Mecosta, and designating tlie village of Leonard 
(as Big Rapids was then called) as the county seat 
was approved by the State Legislature Feb. 1 1, 1859, 
and the election of the first county officers took place 
soon after. The organization of the county and the 
establishment of the county seat now directed atten- 
tion to those seeking new homes, and gave a new 
impetus to the growth of the village. 

It is somewhat difficult, after the lapse of twenty- 
five years from the time Mr. Ives became a resident 
of Big Rapids, to understand the various motives 
which may have actuated him with regard to some 
portions of his work. His companions of that early 
period all unite in saying that he was active and en- 
terprising, untiring in his efforts to promote the public 
good, generous where the many could be served, a 
man of broad and comprehensive ideas, never vis- 
ionary, although somewhat prophetic, and whose far- 
seeing judgment saw the future city of Big Rapids 
positively standing, in the distance ! It is related 
that when the first small hotel was built, by A. N. 
Williams, in the spring of 1858, and the question 
arose as to the number of lots retpiired for such a 
purpose, Mr. Ives remarked, much to the amusement 
of his neighbors, that " within twenty years a two- 
story hotel covering half a block would be required 
to accommodate the necessities of the time." When 
the reader considers the elegant accommodations 
now afforded the public in the Northern Hotel, one 
of the finest hotels in the State, and in the mmierous 
smaller hotels in Big Rapids, who shall say that such 
a man was not worthy to be a leader in the settle- 
ment of any new country ? He often spoke of the 
geographical position of the village in relation to 
other portions of o.ur country yet to be settled ; and 
possibly in some far distant time, he saw in imagina- 
tion a more direct route from tlie Eastern Hemisphere 



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across the continent to the Atlantic, — saw a great 
national roadway of iron from I'ugct Sound to Lake 
Superior, thence direct to the straits of Mackinaw and 
south througli the village of his creation, bearing 
away eastward to New York and Boston. "Cientle- 
men," said he in one of his speeches, "I assure you 
that cargoes of the teas of China will pass unbroken 
through Big Rapids to New Yorkl" He was a man 
of kindly disiwsition, ever extending a hand to the 
weak and deserving; and it is said of him that no 
man ever ai)i)lied personally for work wlio was, if in 
need, turned away. He would even board the man, 
for the time, at his own expense, until he could make 
business for him. He has been known to employ 
three men to perform one piece of work in order to 
give them all employment at a remunerative price, 
when one man would have answered the purpose 
quite as well. He was a man of fair personal habits 
and personal neatness, but an inveterate smoker, his 
large, generous pipe, with its long reed stem thrust 
deep into his mouth, being ipiite a constant compan- 
ion. He could not have been selfish, and yet he 
had his own peculiar ideas, and was determined to 
follow them. 

Others were now rapidly settling round about ^hc 
new village, and additions -to the original plat were 
now in order. It may be that these weie viewed 
with a jealous eye, as calculated to interfere some- 
what with plans of his own. Be that as it may, Mr. 
Ives, whose lands e.xtended only '.o State street on 
the west, at once determined to prevent additions to 
the village in that direction by platting lots on the 
west side of Michigan avenue, 150 feet deep to an 
alley, reserving the remainder, about 300 feet in 
width, to State street, and extending from his north 
line the entire length of his village plat south, in a 
complete state of nature. His next and favorite 
idea, for reasons of his own, was to force the growth 
of the village over the grounds he had plaited to the 
south. To further this project he ])ositively refused 
to sell any portion of his lands north of Maple street, 
but was generous to those who would make improve- 
ments south or southeast. He felled the trees the 
entire length of Michigan avenue, and opened from 
the south end communication with the old trail from 
Newaygo. He also opened up Ives and Warren 
avenues from Maple street, a long distance into the 
woods, hoping to attract attention in that direction. 



And still later, when grounds for school purix)ses 
were required, he offered to donate the lots of his 
own selection, which were on the corner of Michigan 
avenue and Oak street, then in the woods, seven 
blocks south of his office. 

He prevailed upon others to purchase lots and 
open mechanic shops near the school grounds, and 
many can remember a wagon and blacksmith shop, 
and a bakery and tailor shop, all in active business 
in that vicinity, as late as 1867. He also, as soon as 
a competent mechanic could be procured, com- 
menced the erection of a dwelling for himself, on the 
corner of Michigan avenue and Linden street, which 
was afterward sold to B. E. Hutcliinson, and, al- 
though moved from tlie original foundation, is still 
an old and time-honored landmark of the city. 

But, as " the best laid plans of mice an' men gang 
aft agley," the fond hopes of Mr. Ives were not to be 
realized in his life-time. Other influences were 
brought to bear against him which will hereafter be 
mentioned, ciianging the business center of the city 
permanently. .The following, although occurring 
some years after, is appropriately related here, in 
connection with the location of the business center 
of the village : 

Some time in 1861 or 1S62, when Mr. Williams 
built the second hotel in the village, the site pro- 
posed and thougiu the best was on the corner of 
Elm street and Michigan avenue, where the " Furni- 
ture block " has since been located. In bargaining 
for the ground, the party then owning it insisted on 
having an old wagon thrown in, the value of which 
may have been $20. Mr. Williams would not 
accede to the demand, and immediately purchased 
ground on the site of the old Mason House, and 
within the next 24 hours was laying the foundation. 
Judge C. C. Fuller, whose interest was farther south, 
noticing the change in location, was thoroughly dis- 
gusted, and said to ^\'illiams, "Stop your work; go 
and complete the trade with Mr. Clark for that 
ground, and I'll pay for that darned old wagon my- 
self rather than have you build away out of town." 
But the work had already jirogressed too far, and 
that unfortunate vehicle had, we fear, changed the 
future center of the city for at least the space of half 
a century. 

Mr. Ives, however, had exhibited much wisdom in 
his work and ideas as to tlie future of a large city. 



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He gave all the principal streets a uniform width of 
80 feet, crossing at right angles. The lots were all 
50 x 150 feet, with 20-foot alleys in the rear. He 
left spacious public grounds in a central part, upon 
which the original grand old forest maples were left 
standing (but which selfish and vandal hands have 
since destroyed), donated generous lots to the differ- 
ent religious organizations who might occupy them, 
and planned everything for a model village and a 
iirilliant future. 

His original idea, but one which was strongly op- 
posed by his friends, was that all streets should be 
100 feet wide ; and nothing in the entire history of the 
city is to be more deeply regretted than the objec- 
tion offered at that time to his excellent judgment in 
this particular. 

Besides French's Addition, others were now from 
time to time recorded, and began to be peopled in 
spite of the proscribed barrier of 300 feet of forest on 
the west. State street was opened and became a 
public highway. It was found tliat travel could not 
be forced through from the south on Michigan ave- 
nue, and inexorable fate seemed to point in other 
directions for settlement. Other causes conspired to 
sever mutual interest between the original owners. 
Litigation, threatened and real, followed in later 
years, and gave a check to the prosperity of the vil- 
lage, from which it slowly recovered. 

After Mr. Ives had completed his mill and office, 
a postoffice seemed a necessity. Application was 
made and one established, with Jesse C. Shaw for 
the first Postmaster, who was appointed under Presi- 
dent Buchanan. A weekly mail was then opened 
with the outside world, via Greenville, arriving on 
horseback every Thursday, and returning a portion 
of the way the same day. A peck of mail matter 
was a heavy mail for this region. The first daily 
mail was established in 1865, between Newaygo and 
Big Rapids. For a long time after the first settle- 
ment here, it was customary for the inhabitants to 
speak of themselves as if "walled in;" and if one 
left the town he was said to be " going outside ; " 
and this custom continued until the almost hourly 
arrival of mails and trains broke down that imaginary 
wall between themselves and the rest of mankind. 
The railroads and telephone exchange, now fixed 
institutions, have placed Big Rapids " inside " for all 

time. 

Orrin Stevens, the first Register of Deeds of Me- 




costa County, came to Big Rapids from Big Prairie, 
in the month of March, 1859, and was assisted in 
transporting his goods over the primitive roads by a 
Mr. Hersey, who is said to have been the first white 
settler north of the Muskegon River, and who, as 
late as 1880, resided at Croton. He found the only 
unoccupied house to be the one first built by Mr. 
French, and in which he and his family gladly found 
shelter for a few weeks. Thi~, year, after the county 
officials were elected, it was deemed necessary to 
build a bridge across the river. County orders were 
issued, and the contract let to construct a good sub- 
stantial wooden bridge for the sum of $3,000, to Mr. 
Tinkham, who had been the village surveyor. This 
bridge was built on wooden piers, and thrown across 
the Muskegon at its junction with East Maple street. 
A rather substantia! two-story school-house was also 
built about this time, on the lots before mentioned as 
having been donated by Warren & Ives. 

This structure was an imixising one for that early 
day, and the School Commissioners were empowered 
to let the contract. Charles Shafer was one of the 
directors, and the superintendence of the work de- 
volved upon him. James Jones and a Mr. Kirk- 
patrick were the fortunate contractors, receiving for 
the labor alone the munificent sum of $150. The 
district furnished the material. As lime was not to 
to be had in this region at that date, the building 
was ceiled throughout instead of being plastered. 
Only about a dozen children were found to attend 
the first term of school, which was i)resided over by 
Mrs. Mary Fuller. 

In the early spring of i860, the first term of Circuit 
Court was held in the upper story of this school- 
house. Judge Littlejohn presiding; and the first case 
called on the calendar was William H. Leeds ?Yrst/s 
John Power. The nature of the case is not re- 
corded. 

Charles Shafer came to the village in September, 
1857, and moved his family here in February, 1858. 
He says : " I found a very small clearing in the 
woods. Chauncey P. Ives, Jesse C. Shaw, Samuel 
Bailey and brother, /.era and George French and a 
few others were here — probably fifteen or twenty 
persons in all." Mr. Ives had thrown a rude dam 
across Mitchell Creek, at the foot of the hill where 
it now crosses Michigan avenue, and had erected a 
saw-mill, known since as the "Old Red Mill." It 
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which was one upright saw, and which on the fourth 
day of July, 1S57, to the great dehght of the vil- 
lagers, cut its first few feet of lumber. This mill 
continued to do work as late as 1868 or 1869, and 
in 1875 '' ^^'^^ ''^'^" down and removed to the lower 
dam, where new machinery was added, and the mill 
rebuilt. 

The trees had been cut out of .Michigan avenue 
south, and a narrow roadway opened for travel. On 
the east side of the avenue for a long distance north 
and south a rude brush fence was constructed, so 
that the domestic animals might be safely corraled 
between this point and the river. The price of cor- 
ner lots at this time was $100 each, and inside lots 
§50. Mr. Shafer at once purchased two lots on the 
southwest corner of the block bounded in that direc- 
tion by Michigan avenue and Elm street ; and in 
consideration of his being a mechanic the north lot 
adjoining this property was donated to him, and thus 
he secured 150 feet square for the trifling sum of 
$150. The same land would probably to-day be 
considered cheap at $10,000. His first work was to 
cut out a few trees where the foundation was to be 
laid, and remove 16 feet of the brush fence, and 
prepare to build a dwelling 16 x 24, on the north 
line of his property. The house was one and a half 
stories high, boarded uf) and down with rough lum- 
ber, and as no shingles could be had, rough boards 
formed the roof also. His first bricks for a chimney 
were hauled from Grand Rapids by team, and cost 
!S65 per thousand. 

Soon aftenvard Mr. Shafer built and opened on 
his corner lot the third general store in tlie village. 
Edson Fuller iiad the honor of displaying to the 
early settlers here the first stock of miscellaneous 
merchandise. His store was on the northwest corner 
of Michigan avenue and Elm street, in a small but 
new structure. G. F. Stearns, now President of the 
Northern National Hank, opened the second store, 
with a capital of only $300, in Septemljer, i860, on 
Michigan avenue, near the lot where Vandersluis' 
store now stands. Mr. Shafer, about this time, re- 
ceived the appointment of Postmaster, Mr. Shaw 
having resigned in his favor. 

Mr. Shafer also relates: "Having expended 
what little money I had on hand, after my store was 
completed, it l)e<:anie a serious ipiestion with me liow 
I should fill it in part with a stock of goods. A firm 
in Grand Rapids offered me all the ready-made 




clothing I wanted on time ; but this alone would not 
answer, and I at once repaired to Detroit, an entire 
stranger there, and with only a small amount of 
money. H. P. Baldwin, since Governor of the State, 
was then engaged in the boot and shoe business in 
that city. I called at once at his office and requested 
to see him in person. In brief, I informed him that 
I was Charles Shafer, ex-Treasurer of Mecosta 
County, now Postmaster and Justice of the Peace; 
that I had no cash, but wanted a stock of boots and 
shoes on time, and would remit the money in small 
sums as fast as possible. He seemed to be pleased 
with my frankness, asked a good many ((uestions 
touching my responsibility, etc., then, rising, told me 
to select all the boots and shoes I wanted. I ship- 
ped home about $250 worth of his stock, gradually 
paid off the indebtedness, to his apparent satisfaction, 
and bought many more from the same firm." 

Mr. Shafer kept his [wstoffice for a short time in 
his dwelling-house, until he commenced business as 
a merchant, then removed it into his store. There 
was at that time no jiostoffice north of this in the 
lower peninsula, and of course people came here oc- 
casionally from a long distance. It was customary 
for the settlers in the woods to come in on Thursday 
and await the coming of the mail ; and often every 
family within a radius of many miles was repre- 
sented and on the look-out for the mail-carrier, who 
usually came on a mule to the east bank of the river, 
tied his animal to a tree, and after feeding him fiom 
a bag of grain brought for the purpose, if no canoe 
appeared in sight, would either blow a horn or raise 
an Indian "yell" to attract attention. Someone 
then volunteered to bring liim over; and the mail be- 
ing distributed he was ferried back in the same 
manner. 

The lumbermen's name — Big Rai)ids — stuck so 
thoroughly to the place, and was so widely known, 
that after the establishment of the postoffice here a 
large amount of mail matter came directed to that 
name. It soon became apparent that only the (wst- 
office department and the few inhabitants here knew 
anything about such a place as " Leonard," Michi- 
gan ; and a i)etition was signed and forwarded to the 
proper officer, re<piesting that the name of the office 
be changed to Big Rapids, which was at once com- 
plied with, and the village of " Leonard," with the 
exception of being laid down on a few old ni 
now ceased to exist. 



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About this time Mr. Shafer was asked by the De- 
partment to survey a mail route from this point 
through the wilderness to Elk Raijids via Grand 
Traverse, and to receive bids for carrying a weekly 
mail, as during the winter months the settlers at 
these remote points were practically ice-bound and 
isolated from the outside world. Among o'.hers, 
Nelson Ganong put in the lowest bid — $300; but 
the route being so expensive the Government aban- 
doned the project altogether. 

Comparatively few amusements were indulged in 
at this early date, although unbounded hospitality 
was the rule instead of the e.xception ; and, as in most 
new colonies, no "aristocratic cliques" or "select 
few " caused the least jealous feeling. Both capitalist 
and laborer, old and young, stranger and friend, all 
met at social gatherings on common ground, danced 
and sung, grieved and rejoiced together. In the 
language of one who came over twenty years ago, 
"We had plenty of plain food to eat, tobacco to 
smoke, and stories to tell ; and with our weekly sup- 
ply of outside newspapers, to give us the news of 
the world, we were supremely contented and happy." 
Incidents sometimes occurred to break the monotony, 
and furnish amusement for the villagers, one of 
which it may be well briefly to relate. 

In the summer of 1865, a trifling altercation oc- 
curred between two residents, one being at the time 
a cripple. A knock- down was the result, but neither 
was seriously injured. George French was at that 
time Justice of the Peace, and to him the aggrieved 
party applied for redress. It being a rather hot and 
dull day for business, this was the signal for amuse- 
ment. All the legal fraternity of the place at once 
put in an appearance, and with all the gravity befit- 
ting the occasion proceeded with the trial. C. C 
Fuller was retained for the defense, and as a matter 
of course some of those present volunteered to pros- 
ecute the case, and uphold the " peace and dignity " 
of the State of Michigan. But few witnesses were 
rei|uired to establish the fact that the offense had 
been " wantonly and with malice aforethought " com- 
mitted. Some new tactics had been urgently neces- 
sary on the part of the defense, in order to save their 
client, and the counsel proved eipial to the occasion. 
It is generally believed that in that court there was 
not only a little collusion between the counsel on 
both sides, but that the ])risoner at the bar was also 
included, and a kind of " gunjwwder plot " cooked 




up for the simple, unfortunate German complainant. 
" May it please your Honor," said Mr. Fuller, ad- 
dressing the court : " we propose to show that the 
prisoner is non compos titcntis ; and, beckoning to a 
civil engineer who happened to be present as a spec- 
tator, and who promptly came forward, he said: 
"We will swear this gentleman as an expert on in- 
sanity, and allow him to testify." The prisoner was 
also allowed to make a statement, and to the utter 
astonishment of that Justice he was questioned in 
regard to his diet, and admitted that it was, and 
always had been, principally mush and milk; and 
that stranger and e.xpert being under oath testified 
that such a diet invariably produced serious mental 
disturbances, and what was known as emotional in 
sanity! This was indeed an unheard of and dan- 
gerous result from the use of hasty pudding ! 

"Your Honor," pleaded the counsel, " having un- 
questionably established the fact of insanity, of 
course our client is not responsible, and we ask that 
he be set at liberty." But the Justice concluded, in 
order to partially heal the wounded feelings of the 
German, to impose a light fine of fifty cents and costs, 
in all amounting to two dollars. The audience, 
whose sympathy for the poor, insane prisoner would 
not allow them to do otherwise, now made up a 
purse to pay the sost, and his Honor also remitted 
the fine, much to the disgust of the complainant, 
who always claimed " dot leetle feefty cents " as be- 
longing to him personally. 

The first celebration of the Nation's birthday was 
held in the woods not far from where the Methodist 
church now stands, July 4, 1859, at which nearly 100 
persons attended. It is said that Mr. Standish, from 
Newaygo, was the orator on the occasion. "The 
following year," says Mr. Shafer, " a pic-nic celebra- 
tion was held, and the table was set for one hundred 
and fifty persons, showing that an increase of the 
population was expected." B. L. Gray was the orator 
that year. 

The first lawsuit in the village was a case of 
assault and battery, rather amusing in its character: 
the People versus McAllister, tried before Charles 
Shafer, Justice of the Peace. As there was no jail 
togo to, McAllister paid his fine, $10, and went on 
his way rejoicing. 

The first marriage in the village was a Mr. Hagart 
to Miss Goliday, solemnized before Jesse Shaw a 




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Notan,' Public, as neither minister nor justice could 
be found at that lime. 

The first birth in the village of Big Rapids, after 
the name had been changed from Leonard, was that 
of Charlie Hutchinson, son of B. E. and Elma L. 
Hutchinson, which occurred March i, 1S60. It is 
related that on this occasion C'hauncey P. Ives 
ofl'ered to deed the child any lot in the village his 
parents might designate, provided he was allowed to 
incorporate in the name of the infant some part of 
the name of the village. This, however, was de- 
clined. 

The first butcher shop in the village was opened 
by Henry Escott, who often drove his animals from 
a long distance ; and it is related that ix)rter-house 
steak was then twenty-five and thirty cents a pound. 

The first regular freight line from Grand Rapids 
was established by Clark & Latimer, in i860. This 
line, with all its running stock, was purchased the 
following year by B. E. Hutchinson, who first settled 
in the village Feb. 10, i860. Mr. Hutchinson at 
once supplied additional teams, commencing his new 
business with six well equipped wagons, — three at 
each end of the line. Two thousand pounds of 
freight was considered a usual load, and five to six 
days was consumed in making the journey between 
the two points by «'ay of Newaygo. If the teams 
were on time, one left each end of the route on 
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays of each week. 
Through tariff was two dollars per hundred pounds. 
Mr. Hutchinson also started the first dray in the city, 
a two-wheeled vehicle, in Ajiril, 1S70. 

The honor of setting up and distributing the first 
type in Mecosta County, belongs to Charlie Gay, 
referred to in his sketch, in a small office on the 
east side of Michigan avenue, between Maple and 
Elm streets, in this city. He issued the first number 
of the "Mecosta Coanl^ Fioneer" April 17, 1862, 
assisted in the editorial department liy Hon. C. C. 
Fuller. Mr. Gay seemed determined to adjpt the 
price of his paper to the [wssibly limited purse of the 
new country, as for a long time it was only $1.00 per 
year. From that small, five-col mnn folio, since 
combined with the " Big Rapids Magnet" has grown 
the present daily Pioneer, one of the best papers in 
Michigan. A further notice of this paper is given 
elsewhere. 

During the winter of 1857-8 there was a great 



*^ 



scarcity of food in the northern part of Michigan, \' 
and the State authorities in some cases were obliged to 
afford relief to the settlers. Food was also scarce in 
the new village, but wherever it was found that the 
families were getting short of meat as well as money, 
there always remained one alternative here. Messrs. 
Williams, Kirkpatrick and James Jones constituted 
tliemselves a committee of three to procure a supply, 
and with guns, ammunition and torches they would 
embark in a " dug-out " for a night's deer-stalking up 
the river, usually returning next morning with an 
ample supply of venison, landing near Maple street 
as a distributing point. The meat was freely and 
gratuitously dispensed among all the settlers, and a 
few of the more favored ones would occasionally 
distribute some flour. 

"Late in the fall of 1858," says Mr. Shafer, " I 
found myself getting short of flour for my family. I 
mention this incident to show the kindly feeling and 
extreme hospitality of every one in our new settle- 
ment. Selfishness seemed unknown, and our com- 
mon wants seemed to create a common bond of 
sympathy between us. Nelson Ganong was going to 
Grand Rapids with his team and offered to bring me 
some flour if I could raise the money to purchase it. 
It was then five dollars a barrel in that city. I had 
only two dollars in cash, and prevailed upon him to 
defer his journey a day or two, until in some way the 
amount could be raised. We both walked over to 
Williams' Hotel and stated the case. Mr. Williams 
said it would not do for me to be short of flour, as 
winter was coming on, and contributed $1.50 (every 
cent he had) to the fund. His man-of-all-work 
about the premises also loaned twenty-five cents to 
the enterprise, and Mr. Ganong volunteered to make 
the amount four dollars. But where was the other 
dollar to cume from.' Mr. Williams was equal to 
the emergency. Said he, ' I am expecting some gen- 
tlemen from Chicago in a day or two, who are lum- 
bering up the river. They usually remain over 
night at my house, and from them I shall obtain a 
little money, and if Mr. Ganong can wait I will make 
up the desired sum.' The travelers in due time [)ut 
in an appearance, cash was raised, and per conse- 
quence the barrel of flour." 

In the first years of the Big Rapids settlement, as 
a matter of course provisions of almost every kind 
had to be brought here from a long distance and 



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with only a narrow passage for any vehicle through 
the forest. If the weather was stormy and wet, the 
task of making such a journey was an unenviable 
and often expensive one. Goods of every kind were 
therefore high in price, if at all obtainable, and often 
money would not purchase what was required. It is 
related that as late as 1861, when a partial freight 
line by wagon had been established by Mr. B. E. 
Hutchinson, when the roads were bad, and many 
goods awaiting transportation at the opposite end of 
the line, it often was impossible to bring but a lim- 
ited amount of provisions ; and on the arrival of the 
cargo with |)erhaps only one barrel of flour, a dozen 
persons, some perhaps from a distance in the country, 
would all be found awaiting its arrival. There were 
no " favored " ones in thgse days, and says an old 
settler: " It often happened that in order to make 
the flour go round, each would receive only a milk- 
pan full." Possibly, in a known case of illness in a 
family, a larger quantity would be apportioned. 

In the Pioneer of June 18, 1863, is a short article 
written by H. Lucas, a minister of Big Rapids, from 
which, to show the exact degree of progress the 
village had made in four years from the time it 
w as platted, the following is extracted: 

" Big Rapids * * * contains about 
one hundred and fifty inhabitants, and is the county 
seat of Mecosta County. It is surrounded by a 
beautiful farming country, and a more intelligent set of 
inhabitants is not to be found in any place, east, west 
north or south. There are no liquor establishments 
in this village, and of course all is quiet and industry. 
There are two dry-goods and grocery stores in the 
place, conducted by Stearns and Hutchinson, both 
enterprising young men and doing a good business. 
One pa|)er is published here, which commends itself 
to the community, and merits an extensive circula- 
tion. A good district school is now in progress, and 
there is now every inducement for good settlers to 
identify themselves with this communrty. I have 
been in Michigan sixteen years, and have preached 
to a good many congregations, but never to a more 
respectable and attentive one than I have found in 
this village." 

The Methodist Episcopal Church was the first one 
organized in Big Rapids, and dates from 1865. Oc- 
casional services had been held for many years before 
that, but this was the beginning of religious services. 




In those days the services were marked by an inter- 
est that is too often lacking in later times. Congre- 
gational singing was the rule, and was plain and 
grand. In those days the old hymns were not tor- 
tured in the following style so common now : 

■■ Oh for a man 

Oh tor a man 

Oh for a mansion iu the skie-s."' 

••AVe"ll oatcli tho fleo 

We'll cati'li 111!' tlci- 

AVe"ll catfh tin; fleeting hours." 

'• Hell take the pil 

He"ll take the pil 

He"ll take the pilgrim home." 

"With reverence let the saints appear. 
And bow-ow-ow before the I.oril." 

This society erected a fine church, in due time, at 
a cost of $4,000. This was dedicated on Saturday, 
Nov. 16, 1867, with appropriate ceremonies. The 
sermon was preached by M. A. Daugherty, and he 
was assisted in the services by Rev. I. Cogshall, 
Rev. A. J. Eldred and Rev. J. H. Ross, of Grand 
Rapids. The quarterly conference of the M. E. 
Church was held in the afternoon in the church. In 
the evening a Sunday-school anniversary service was 
observed. On the following day, Sunday, a love- 
feast was held at nine o'clock, Mr. Cogshall preached 
at half past ten, Mr. Eldred at two o'clock, and Mr. 
Ross at seven o'clock. For some time after tliis, the 
Methodist and Presbyterian societies alternately wor- 
shiped in this church. 

From the same paper we also quote as follows : 

" F. H. Todd & Co. will soon commence building 
a dam across the river at this place, and expect to 
have a mill in operation the present season, or early 
in the spring. This will be of vast importance to 
our village, as the improvement of our water-power, 
together with the building of the G. R. & I. R. R.,is 
all that is required to insure the prosperity of this 
country, and make Big Rapids a city of to,ooo in- 
habitants in ten years." 

This water-power has been indeed a powerful aid 
to the development of Big Rapids, although the pre- 
diction in regard to increase of population was hardly 
realized. When it is considered that there is at pres- 
ent but one-tenth of the water-power at command 
utilized, it will be admitted that there is no limit to 
the possiliilities of the future, and that the time is 
not far distant when the prediction as to the ix)pula- 
tion will be more than realized. This dam above 



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referred to was completed in the spring of 1867, and 
marks an important era in the histor) of Big Rapids. 
The year 1866 was a most prosperous one for the 
village. The /'/>//£•(•/• of December 8, 1866, said: 
" Our village has been the scene of busy activity the 
past summer, in the erection of buildings and the 
hurry of other kinds of business, and the sound of 
the saw and hammer is still heard in all directions 
from morning until evening. Sixty-one buildings 
have already been erec'ed and nearly all completed, 
since the opening of spring, and others arc yet to be 
built this fall. The scarcity of lumber has prevented 
many from building, although three saw-mills have 
been running nearly the whole summer. This diffi- 
culty will be obviated another season, as two more 
mills, one steam and the other a water mill, will be 
put up and ready to run early in the spring." And 
again : "Our population has more than doubled 
during the past six months, now numljering 800 or 
more, and many of the mechanical trades are not 
yet represented." 

The issue of December said: " The difTerent kinds 
of business and professions now here are as follows : 
four general stores, one grocery store, one hardware 
and grocery store, one tin shop, one drug store, one 
meat market, three saw-mills, one grist-mill, one 
furniture shop, two blacksmith shops, two wagon 
shops, one jeweler, two boot and shoe shops, two 
hotels, one livery-stable, one bakery, one gun shop, 
three lawyers and three physicians, besides some 
twenty or more carpenters and joiners, and two 
masons. " 

In May following we are told that fifty more build- 
ings had been erected. In Janu.iry, 1868, an article 
appeared in the Pioneer from which it is gathered that 
during 1867 the population of Big Rapids increased 
to 1,500, and that during that year nearly 200 new 
buildings were constructed. These included several 
dwellings, costing from $1,500 to $2,500, one three- 
story hotel, a large school-house and several stores. 
The hotel cost $10,000. We quote : 

"The manufacturing and mercantile interests of 
the town have kept pace with its growth, and all 
have had a prosperous year. The four saw-mills 
here have been taxed to their utmost in supplying 
the local demand for lumber, and a part of the time 
were unable to make lumber as fast as they needed 
for building. Some 5,000,000 feet have been made 

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since July i, 1867, but there is no surplus on hand, ^ 
and spring will find us with a very short supply for 
the wants of the coming season. The Grand Rap- 
ids & Indiana railroad being completed from Grand 
Ra])ids to Cedar S[)rings, and now in operation, gives 
us a more speedy means of communication with the 
outside worid, as we now have a daily stage and 
express running in connection with the cars, and can 
reach Grand Rapids in one day instead of iwo as 
formerly. " 

During February, 1868, considered the dullest 
month of the season, Hutchinson's freight line from 
here to Cedar Springs carried 66,292 jMunds ; the 
largest load was 5,299 pounds, and the average load 
was 3,900 ix)unds. 

From what has been said on a previous page, it 
will be seen that before the coming of the railroad 
provisions were frequently scarce in Big Rapids. 
This is further illustrated by the experience, in the 
summer of 1868, of Dr. Woolley, at that time land- 
lord of the Mason House. He sent a man out in 
the morning with a two-horse light wagon, with in- 
structions to go in all directions in search of pota- 
toes; and at dark the man returned with only two 
bushels, for which he had paid three dollars, and 
consumed the entire day in order to get them at all ! Sj/ 
But Dr. Woolley was never out of provisions. His 
gross receipts in cash after he took possession of the 
old Mason House in 1867 were about $1,000 a 
month, and often forty persons were obliged to sleep 
on the lloor at night, so limited were the accommo- 
dations. 

Dr. Woolley was the first physician in Big Rapids, 
and was crowded with work from the first day he 
came. As there was no other physician in all this 
region, his practice extended as far north as Clam 
River, and through the woods at every point of the 
compass for thirty or forty miles. 

'I'hose who voluntarily became the pioneers " bear- 
ing the burden and heat of the day, " are seldom the 
ones who amass wealth in new countries. They love 
the partially isolated life for the quiet surroundings; (^ 
for the peculiar beauties nature, presents in her most 
primitive form where " unadorned she is adorned the 
most;" for the immunities from fashion's follies, Irom 
the turmoil of crowded streets, and from the rush and 
bustle of business, mental and physical, incident to 
older places, which often make life a continual care 
and shorten its term. They are willing to exchange 

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x^ the wealth of money and power for the wealth of 
'rt health, peace, contentment and consequent happi- 
ness, and are usually an industrious, hospitable and 
kindly disposed people, enduring with perfect cheer- 
fulness any little privations they may suffer. Thus 
it was with all the early settlers of Big Rapids. 

Some trouble was experienced occasionally by the 
diverse feelings of the principal owners of Big Rap- 
ids. When Mr. Warren purchased the interest of 
Dr. Leonard in the village plat, he became the 
( owner of an undivided two-thirds interest in the 
whole. It is much to be regretted that these two 
I men did not form a partnership; for as Mr. Warren 
was always a resident of Troy, N. Y., and Mr. Ives a 
resident here, no legal business could be transacted 
by either party except through an agent of the other, 
in regard to any part of their joint property. The 
wheels of progress could be instantly blocked if 
s either party refused upon the least pretext to convey 
his interest in the title. Mr. Ives, always anxious to 
see improvements going forward, could frequently 
act in cases which admitted of no delay, as he would 
had a partnership really existed, trusting to the sub- 
sequent approval of Mr. Warren in the matter. 
But, as often happened, Mr. Warren did not approve, 
and his signature could not be obtained. Thus ill 
feeling was engendered, and litigation sometimes 
followed. 

Jacob O. Rose purchased of Zera French his en- 
tire interest in all lands in the northwest part of the 
village, including the Glen Elm Addition, Feb. 2, 
1864, and, as the records show, for the sum of $975. 
Another important change in ownership of Big Rap- 
ids real estate occurred three years later, when Gen. 
Stephen Bronson, of Illinois, purchased the interest 
in the village so long held by Chauncey P. Ives. 
Gen. Bronson had already established himself here, 
and in connection with other parties had opened the 
Excliange Bank of Bronson, Stickney & Co., which 
was soon after incorporated, under the general bank- 
ing law of the State. This was the first banking in- 
stitution in Big Rapids, and supplied a much desired 
want in this northern region. The transfer of the 
property from Ives to Bronson is recorded Oct. 16, 
j. 1867. 

Xy Big Rai)ids was growing so surely to prosperous 
''*) dimensions that in the winter of 1868-9 the talk of 
^ adopting a city government took delinte shape. A 




meeting was held according to announcement Feb. 
II, i86g, to consider the iiuestion of incorporation. 
It was well attended. Charles Shafer was elected 
President, and S. F. Dwight, Secretary. A resolution 
in favor of applying for a city charter was discussed 
at length, and adopted without a dissenting voice. 
Charles Shafer, Stephen Bronson, E. O. Pose, N. H. 
Vincent and G. W. Crawford were appointed a com- 
mittee to draft a charter. The matter was pushed 
promptly, and early in April of the same year the bill 
became a law wliich incorporated Big Rapids as a 
city. The corporation was made to include sections 
eleven and fourteen, and the east half of sections ten 
and fifteen. It was directed that the city have three 
represeijtatives on the Board of Supervisors, one be- 
ing elected, and the Mayor and Recorder being en- 
titled to seats on the Board. The bill also provided 
for the organization of the township of Big Rapids, 
and directed a township election to be held at the 
house of John Halpine, on the third Monday in 
April. The charter election of the city was fixed for 
the same date. 

This election came off duly on the 19th of April, 
and resulted as follows : 

Mayor. — George F. Stearns. 

Recorder. — Charlie Gay. 

Supervisor. — William VanLoo. 

Treasurer. — W. Irving Latimer. 

School Inspectors. — S. S. Wilcox (one year) and 
R. D. Pierson (two years). 

Aldermen. — First Ward, Daniel Stearns and 
Thomas D. Stinson; Second Ward, Morgan L. 
Palmer and John Y. Brown ; Third Ward, Jacob O. 
Rose and A. Frank Markham ; Fourth Ward, Ceylon 
C. Fuller and Alfred L. Clark, 

Justices. — First Ward, Charlie Gay ; Second Ward, 
Erastus Fisher; Third Ward, Everett Douglass; 
Fourth Ward, Elijali F. Dewey. 

Constables. — First Ward, Edgar W. Ford ; Second 
Ward, Robert A. Griffin ; Third Ward, George W. 
Bevington ; Fourth Ward, George W. Jones. 

Lewis H. Green was appointed City Marshal, E. 
O. Rose, City Attorney, and 15. E. Hutchinson, Street 
(Commissioner. 

The first meeting of the City Council was held 
April 22, and the governmental machinery was set in 
full motion. The bond of the Marshal was fixed at 
|r,ooo; of the Treasurer at $5,000; and of the 
Street Commissioner at $1,000. At subsequent 



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^ meetings the most imijortant of the city ordinances 
'n were adopted, providing for licenses, nuisances, ini- 
,'% provenients, etc. 

I In the fall of 1870, the city was cheered by the 

arrival of the first trains on the Grand Rapids & 
Indiana railroad, a full account of which is given 
elsewhere, under the head of " Railroads. " From 
this time population increased still more rapidly, and 
many disadvantages in the way of improvement 
removed. 

It is a melancholy truth iliat from tiie date c,f the 
first entries of city lands, down to as late a ijeriod as 
1872, factional interest and jealousy, and sectional 
feeling and rivalry, were almost continuous, and 
silently if not openly expressed, to liie serious detri- 
ment of the" city, turning away valuable accessions of 
both i)eople and capital. But time, the great leveler 
of all distinctions, with the aid and advice of those 
who took up a residence at a later day, again pro- 
duced a unity of feeling, and to-day we are pleased 
to record that all is now changed, and an era of 
progress and prosperity has dawned U[X)n the city 
which all sincerely hope nothing can ever impair or 
obstruct. 

Big Rapids has been a sufferer from fire at various 
times, some of which deserve mention. The first 
fire of any consequence in the place was the de- 
struction of a large (juantity of lumber belonging to 
Warren & Ives in the year i860. The next was 
French's Hotel, in the north ])art of the city, occupy- 
ing the ground where the VValdon House has since 
been erected, and whicii was destroyed by fire Jan. 
29, 1863. 

Probably the most disastrous fire that has ever oc- 
curred in its effects upon the growth of the city, 
was that known as the "great fire," April 26, 1869, 
when every building on the west side of Michigan 
avenue, between Elm street and the Mason House 
on the corner of Maple, was totally destroyed. The 
fire originated in Ford & Bailey's meat-market, next 
door north of the large hardware and grocery store 
of Crawford & (ireen, at about eleven o'clock, p. m., 
1 and in two hours the whole range, consisting of ten 
■; 'f buildings, was laid in ashes. The loss was variously 
W. estimated at from $20,000 to $50,000. No water 
^ supply or engines for extinguishing fires were here at 
. • that time, and common pails or buckets were the 
^ only appliances afforded. Lines of men were formed 



645 



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to supply water with buckets from wells in the 
vicinity, and even from the liver, but without avail. 
The Mason House, on the northeast corner of the 
block, was only saved by tearing down a small build- 
ing belonging to Harwood iV Olds, and then hanging 
carpets and bed-clothes from the roof and windows, 
and keeping them saturated with water. Nothing 
was insured except the Mason House. 

.\nother disastrous fire occurred on Sunday morning, 
July 12, 1874, which destroyed nearly every building 
on the east side of Michigan avenue from the old 
Pacific House on Maple street to Shafer's block on 
Elm. Comparatively little projjerty was saved at 
this fire, and only partial insurance covered the losses. 
The great destruction at that time is said to be due 
to defective linen hose, and not to a want of water. 

The Shafer Block, a large three-story brick ve- 
neered structure, on the northeast corner of Michi- 
gan avenue and Elm street, was burned Nov. 9, 
1874, and proved a very severe loss, not only to the 
owner but to the city in general. 

The last extensive fire occurred Oct. 19, 1879, 
when the new .Mason House Block, and all the bus- 
iness houses south of it on the west side of Michigan 
avenue, to the brick block now occupied by A. S. 
Hobart & Co., were totally destroyed. All buildings 
on the east side of this block were more or less dam- 
aged by the intense heat. In fact, the fire extended 
around and over the Hobart store, and did consider- 
able damage beyond. All these disasters combined 
contributed in no small degree to retard the growth 
of the town. Many men lost all they possessed, and, 
becoming disheartened, removed to otiier places, 
while those who remained were many of them com- 
pelled to begin life anew. 

The last calamity, and one that threatened to be 
one of the most destructive to the city, occurred April 
29,1881. The snow and ice from the country and 
lakes al)ove melted with such ra|)idity that the Muske- 
gon River was swollen to an immense height, and a 
jam of logs completely filling the river from bank to 
i)ank,and in many places piled several feet above the 
water, extending from this city to about six miles 
above, commenced to move with the current. The 
booms and cribs gave way before the moving mass; 
the top of the Tioga dam and the bridge just below 
were swept off, and for a time all the mills and man- 
ufactories at this |K»int were in imminent danger of 

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serious damage, or of being carried off altogether. 
Maple Street bridge, ^although severely tried, with- 
stood the terrible ordeal, to the delight and satisfac- 
tion of the hundreds of people who had gathered 
upon the banks to witness the grand but destructive 
sight. The lower dam was partially carried away, 
and required an outlay of some thousands of dollars 
to repair it. The entire damage to the city from this 
flood is estimated at from $25,000 to $30,000. Re- 
pairs were immediately commenced, and soon the 
booms, piers, dams and bridges were in a more sub- 
stantial condition and better fitted to battle with the 
elements than ever before. 

Soon after Big Rapids became a city, the question 
of water supply for fire protection and for private 
use became a general topic with the citizens. At a 
meeting of the Common Council, April 11, 1871, 
Alderman William Van Loo offered the first reso- 
lution, " That a committee be appointed to ascertain 
the expense of supplying the city with the Holly 
water-works." This resolution, with its amendment 
by Alderman Jacob O. Rose, "To investigate the cost 
of the works by both steam and water power,'' was 
adopted, and the committee appointed. A majority 
of the council approved of the main resolutions, and 
went steadily on with their work and what they con- 
ceived to be their duty, despite the criminations and 
recriminations of the people, and the various peti- 
tions /;■(? and con which were presented, and always 
respectfully discussed and considered. Its first pro- 
posed cost was increased through unforeseen causes 
incident to all enterprises, and ultimately amount- 
ed to perhaps $70,000. 

The amount expended in the fall of 1 87 1 was 
$30,271.40, of which $10,000 went to the Holly Com- 
pany for machinery, and $11,192.93 to H. Phelps 
for pipe, and for laying same. The following spring, 
by a vote of 215 to 123, the citizens decided to raise 
a further loan of $15,000 towards completing the 
works. Then, at different times since, various other 
amounts have been expended, though it has un- 
doubtedly been a good investment. 

The fire department of Big Rapids was organized 
in March, 187 1. The first officers were: J. M. Cook, 
Chief Engineer; E. O. Rose, First Assistant; C. D. 
Crandell, Second Assistant. In May of the same 
year. Hook and Ladder Company No. i, was organ- 
which at that time constituted the entire 




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department. Its officers were : Charlie Gay, Fore- 
man ; William H. Bennett, First Assistant; O. T. Ful- 
ler, Second Assistant; J. Frank Clark, Secretary; S. 
D. Thompson, Treasurer. Several hose companies 
have since been organized and thoroughly equipped. 

The " Young Alerts," of Big Rapids, have the 
champion belt for hose companies in Micliigan, won 
at the State tournaments of 18S2 and 1883. The 
former tournament was held at Charlotte, in August. 
The hose companies entered were the Protections, of 
Ann Arbor ; Protections, of Muskegon ; Cadillacs, of 
Cadillac; Hillsdales, of Hillsdale ; Unions, of Battle 
Creek ; and the Young Alerts, of Big Rapids. The 
Protections, of Ann Arbor, Protections, of Muskegon, 
and Hillsdales, of Hillsdale, were given no time, on 
account of imperfect couplings. Cadillac Hose made 
the run to the hydrant in 27 seconds, but owing to 
an imperfection in their hose they were unable to 
make any coupling, and were given no time. The 
Unions, of Battle Creek, made a handsome run in 
41^ seconds; hydrant time, 26^^. The last to 
run were the Young Alerts, who made the run in 41 1^ 
seconds; hydrant run in 261^, winning by one- 
fourth of a second. They brought home a prize of 
$125, and the champion belt. 

At the State tournament of 1883, held at Marshall, 
Aug. 15 and i6, the Young Alerts again won the first 
prize of $125, and the champion belt, making the run 
in the unprecedented time of 391^ seconds. The 
competing companies were from Albion, Hillsdale, 
Battle Creek, St. Johns and Hastings. 

The team composing the Young Alerts this year 
were Robert McGregor, Foreman ; David Aitken, 
Fred Wakefield, Fred Gay, Dan McDonald, Herbert 
Priest, Alexander McGregor, Ferber Black, Charles 
Van Alstine, John Hagadone, Winifred Case, John 
Aitken, Will Lincoln, James Vallies, Burdette Cran- 
dell, Walter Gaunt, Robert Moon, Stowell Crandell 
and Ed. Hagadone. 

SCHOOLS. 



MODEL of beauty, size and convenience 

^_^!^ is the central school-house, and when the 

>y|^ new First-Ward school building is completed 

■'I'i^ the city will have ample school accommoda- 

: tions for years to come. The school census 

taken in 1883 shows the number of persons in the 














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district between 5 and 20 years of age to be 1,317, 
an increase over 1S82 of 178. This increase has 
necessitated the employment of three additional 
teachers, besides one for an ungraded school. 

The following is the full corps of instructors for the 
year 1883-4, with the salaries paid: 

J. S. Crombie, Superintendent S',650 

Anna Pease, Preceptress 700 

Prill V. Boyce, Assistant High School 475 

G. L. Bingham, Grammar 450 

Fannie Forrester, Grammar 400 

Flora A. Lincoln 400 

M. D. Chittenden 350 

C. E. Hulsart 35 o 

Nettie Peters 350 

Lottie C. Price 350 

Allie Hay 350 

Etta Smart 340 

Maggie Switzer 330 

Marion Palmer 330 

Hattie Place 330 

Alverta Lamb 330 

Total $8,200 

The bonded indebtedness of the district is $7,000, 
of which $4,000 is to be paid Feb i, 1884, and 
$3,000 Feb. I, 1885. The value of the school prop- 
erty in the district is estimated at $35,494 ; number 
of pupils that can be seated in the various buildings, 
1,050; number of pupils enrolled in 1882-3,1,166. 

Following is a synopsis of the annual report of the 
Board of Education for the school year ending Sept. 
3, 1883, and the estimates of receipts and expendi- 
tures for the year commencing Sept. 3, 1883 : 

RECEIPTS. 

Cash in treasury as per last report $2,901 13 

Receipts during year 151^23 22 

Total general fund ' 8,5 24 35 

Balance in building fund, Sept. 4, '82. . .. 650 95 
Receipts during year 5,642 35 

Total building fund 6,293 30 

Balance in library fund, Sept. 4, '82 405 34 

Receipts during year 368 43 

Total library fund 773 77 

Total receipts for the year 25,591 42 

EXPENDITURES OF IIIK NEAR. 

General fund — teachers' salaries, etc. . . .$15,691 30 




Building fund — wood house, walks, etc . .. 4,293 30 

Lil)rary fund — new books, printing, etc . 393 41 

SIJMMARY. 

Total general fund 18,524 35 

Orders paid 15,691 30 

Balance 2,833 °5 

Total building fund 6,293 3° 

Orders paid 4,293 30 

Balance 2,000 00 

'i'otal library fund 773 77 

Orders paid 393 4 1 

Balance 380 36 

Total amount in treasur)- to date 5,213 61 

ESTIMATES FOR CO.MINd YEAR. 

Estimate of expenditure for coming year. $16,370 44 

Amount on hand, general fund 2,833 25 

One-mill tax i ,500 00 

Primary school fund i ,000 00 

Total resources 5,333 25 

Recommended to raise by tax 14.500 00 

Total 19,833 25 

Estimated expenditures 16,370 44 

Balance 3 462 81 



BUSINESS. 




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.yupBBi|,r H E pioneers who first visited the ground on 
Jll^l^ which the city now stands, saw in the " big 
" ■'' rajiids " of the Muskegon River a mighty 
power that would some day be the means of 
establishing a manufacturing city. Nature 
seems to have so designed it. A river whose 
constant flow of water is seldom materially affectd 
by the snows and rains of winter, or the extreme 
drouth of summer, with a fall greater than any other 
stream in the State, seems to invite the manufacturer 
to this spot. In the eariy history of the city the 
luml)er interest was the one looked after; but as the • 
imlier in the vicinity was removed, other industries ^ 



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took its place, and now, although it is still head- 
quarters for a large extent of the lumber manufac- 
turing district, is not dependent upon that alone for 
its existence. The natural and abundant facilities 
for manufacturing has drawn men and capital, and 
ever)- year it is increasing; and it is confidently pre- 
dicted that the time is not far distant when Big 
Rapids will be second to none in the State as a manu- 
facturing center. Its immense water power, the ex- 
cellent farming lands around the city, timber for 
manufacturing purposes, and many other things, 
seem to verify the prediction. 

The city has three large lumber mills, two flouring 
mills, two shingle mills, five large establishments for 
the manufacture of sash, doors and blinds, two 
foundries and machine shops, in which are made 
anything from a rivet to a steam engine, one large 
furniture factory, one large and several small wagon 
factories, one match factory, one picture-backing fac- 
tory, besides several smaller manufactories of differ- 
ent kinds. The last mentioned — the picture backing 
factory of James G. McEhvee — is worthy of special 
mention, as it is the largest of the kind in the world. 
The products of this mill are shipped to all parts of 
the United States. 

TIOGA MANUFACTURING COMPANY. 

This company has been one of the principal in- 
struments in building up Big Rapids and its manu- 
facturing interests. It was incorporated Nov. 17, 
1870, by John F. Brown, Thomas C. Piatt (Owego, 
N. Y.), Marcus E. Brown (Hornellsville, N. Y.), 
Byron M. Hanks (Rochester, N. Y.), and Joseph O. 
Hudnutt, for the purpose of ojjerating in lumber, 
lath, shingles, etc., and also flour and feed. The 
capital stock was $500,000, in 20,000 shares of $25 
each. Of this stock, $400,000 were actually paid in 
at the start, the 4.000 shares representing the other 
$100,000 being held by the Directors for sale. Of 
the 16,000 shares held by the incorporators, 4,694 
were held by John F. Brown; 4,693 by Thomas C. 
Piatt; 4,693 by Marcus E. Brown ; 960 by Byron M. 
Hanks, and 960 by Joseph O. Hudnutt. John F. 
Brown, of Big Rapids, was Managing Director until 
his death, in icS.So. The company built and ran a 
steam-po.tter saw-mill, a water-power saw-mill and a 
flouring mill. They also held interests in the North- 
ern National Bank, and many other prominent enter- 
prises in Big Rapids and vicinity. 



BUSINESS MEN'S ASSOCIATION. 

A move in the right direction has recently been made 
by the principal citizens of Big Rapids. At a meet- 
ing held Oct. 26, 1883, they organized themselves 
into the " Business Men's Association," the object of 
which is to induce capitalists to invest in Big Rapids, 
in manufacturing, etc. They have raised a fund of 
$r,ooo to defray the expenses of the organization. 
The following are the officers: M. P. Gale, Presi- 
dent; F. Fairman, G. F. Stearns, W. S. Gray, George 
A. Roof, C. M. Darrah, S. S. Wilcox and J. McCor- 
mick, Vice-Presidents ; William P. Nisbett, Secretary ; 
W. W. Smith, Treasurer; S. H. Gray, J. M. Crocker, 
D. F. Glidden, S. L. Newton, E. G. Haney, M. M. 
Cole and J. T. Escott, Executive Committee. 

TELEPHONE. 
A telephone company was formed in 1881, con- 
sisting of M. P. Gale, Hudnutt Bros, and others, 
which was in October of 1881 bought out by the 
present Telephone and Telegraph Construction Com- 
pany. Its office is in the Furniture Block, and H. D. 
Reid is General Manager. The main office is in 
Detroit. The Big Rapids system now has 85 wires. 

NORTHERN HOTEL. 

The hotel called the "The Northern," Sid. H. 
Roosevelt, proprietor, is justly conceded to be one of 
the finest hotels in Northern Michigan, and has 
added much to the fair name of Big Rapids. The 
building was erected in 1S81. It faces the south, 
and is 300 feet in length, extending from State street 
to the alley west of the Northern National Bank. It 
contains, first, one large store, 40 x 100 feet, directly 
west of the alley. Next come three rooms, iS x 40, 
for offices or small stores. Then come the barber 
shop, reading-room, and other small apartments con- 
nected with the hotel. The hotel office, forty feet 
wide and fifty feet deej), occupies the center of the 
block. Directly in the rear of it is the dining-room 
40 X 60, and in the rear of that the kitchen, 30 x 40. 
Next come five rooms, iS x 40, and two, 18 x 44, for 
offices and small stores. 

The upper story is all used as a part of the hotel. 
It is divided into sixty-eight parlors and sleeping 
rooms, the largest being 18 x 18, and the smallest 
10 X 1 4, and all but four have outside windows. A hall 
extends through the entire block, and outside stair- 
ways at the northern and western extremities render 



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yf^ escape easy in case of fire. Abundant sewerage is fiir- 
f^: nished, the site being ujxin the slope facing Mitchell 
.;, Creek. The entire block is lighted by gas and heated 
it by steam, the furnace and boilers being located in the 
J basement directly under the dining room, with a 
^ laundry under the kitchen. 

The "Northern," under the management of Mr. 
Roosevelt, and favored with the services of so effi- 
cient and genial a clerk asCharlcs I' Miller, is a 
credit to Big Rapids. 

MERCY HOSPITAL. 

Mercy Hospital, at Big Rapids, was established 
by the Sisters of Mercy of Grand Rapids at the in- 
stigation of Father Herbstrit, a Roman Catholic 
priest stationed here. The institution was an urgent 
necessity from the number of accidents in the lum- 
ber woods. The sisterhood purchased 40 acres of 
land and proceeded to erect a building which cost 
$7,000. It was begun Feb. 5, 1879, and before the 
close of the year its list of entries included 200 
names. The aggregate number for the years 1880- 
8 1-'82, were respectively 500, 900, and 800. Up td 
date of •writing (Oct. 24, 1883), the number of 
patients who have received treatment the current 
year is 743. There are now 60 patients in the vari- 
ous wards. The death rate has thus far been the 

'^ J lowest of any hospital on record, being but 3j4 per 
cent. 

In December, 1882, the building was consumed by 
fire, and a temporary structure has been erected to 
serve the demand until the new one now in progress 
is completed. It will cost $24,000 besides the ad- 
dition which is contf^mjilated, and will require an ad- 
ditional expenditure of about $13,000. 

The Sisters discharge all the required labors of the 
establishment. Five or six are at all times in attend- 
ance, and the hospital is sustained by the contribu- 
tions or sale of tickets among the lumbermen which 
are solicited by agents in the employ of the Sisters. 
Each ticket costs $5, and entitles the holder to the 
benefits of the hospital in case of sickness or acci- 
I dent. Patients suffering with any disease except 

,.■ -« those of an infectious nature are admitted. The 
beneficiaries of the institution express their satisfac- 

»/ tion with the care and attention they receive, and re- 
gard the gentle women who strive to alleviate their 
sufferings with grateful affection. The drugs required 



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are kept in stock and the medicines compounded at 
the hospit.d. 

Drs. Burkart and Groner are the present medical 
advisers, and their services are gratuitous. They visit 
their charges on alternate days and treat some 
remarkable cases, and perfonn rare and difficult sur- 
gical operations. Among the most recent was the am- 
putation of the tongue of James McGill, July 20, 
1883. The disease was cancer of the tongue, and the 
ojieration was performed by the regular attending 
physicians. On the third day of August they per- 
formed the rarely successful operation of stretching 
the sciatic nerve, with the best results. Dr. \V. A. 
Hendryx was attendant physician and surgeon about 
two years. 






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BANK ROBBERY. 




ROBBERY was committed at the Ex- 
lj^!^3^ change Bank of Big Rapids, between Sun- 
'■^I^ day evening, Nov. 30, and Monday morning, 
'''^l^ Dec. I, 1873, of $2,868.42 in checks and 
I notes. Upon attempting to open up for busi- 
ness Monday morning, at the usual hour, the 
inner door of the vault could not be unlocked. 
All efforts to open it being unsuccessful, an opening 
was made in the back or west wall of the vault> 
through which an entrance was obtained. An ex- 
amination of the door disclosed the fact that the slid- 
ing bars or bolts were securely held in place by a 
prop — a piece of two-by-four scantling, about two feet 
in length, so placed as to effectually prevent their 
being moved by the key. Further examination also 
disclosed the fact tliat a long framework of shelves 
for the reception of books, standing against the south 
wall, had been shoved away from the wall, and that 
there was a hole in the cement floor in the southwest 
corner, sufficiently large to admit the body of a man. 
The safe was found unlocked, its valuable contents 
gone, and the unpleasant co.iviction that the bank 
had been robbed was forced upon the minds of every 
one present. 

A thorough examination of the premises being 
made, it was ascertained that the burglar entered 
beneath the sill at the southwest comer of the build- 
ing, and tunneled his way to the base of the vault, a 



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distance of about 15 feet, and then by making an ex- 
cavation in the masoni-y or stone work of the vault, 
he was enabled to effect an entrance up through the 
cement floor. 

The trench was large enough for a man to crawl 
from end to end without difficulty, and near the vault 
the excavation was large enough for a man to sit up- 
right, with plenty of room for work. The earth and 
stones which had been removed from the excavation 
were packed away on either side, filling the space 
between the joists clear up to the floor. There were 
found in the tunnel two pairs of heavy double 
blankets, two straps (which had evidently been used 
to fasten the blankets into a compact bundle while 
they were being taken in there), an old summer coat, 
a gunny sack, and a quantity of crackers, all which 
would indicate that the burglar had burrowed beneath 
the floor for some time; in fact, the amount of work 
done, considering the cramped position of the opera- 
tor, and the caution with which it had to be con- 
ducted, must have occupied several days and nights. 
The only things in the shape of tools found in the 
excavation were a small screw-driver without a han- 
dle, and a piece' of cross-cut saw plate, about live 
inches square. 

One rather singular coincidence, and perhaps a 
very fortunate circumstance for the robber, was the 
fact that the safe within the vault had been left open, 
and after having gained an entrance he had nothing 
to do but appropriate its contents and make his 
exit. 

The reason of tlie safe being unlocked, (Jen. Bron- 
son. President of the hank, explained as follows: On 
Sunday forenoon, having occasion to examine some 
papers that were kept in the safe, and not under- 
standing the combination upon which it was locked, 
or how to unlock it, he got Mr. F. D. Brown, who was 
at one time cashier of the bank, to go and unlock it 
for him. Having taken out the documents he de- 
sired, Mr. Brown closed the safe door and inquired if 
he should lock it. He (Gen. Bronson) replied that 
he might wish to ins|iect other papers not yet taken 
out, and Mr. Brown thereupon left the bank. After 
concluding the inspection of the documents he went 
there to examine, he returned tliem to their place, 
closed the door, and took hold of the knob for the 
purpose of locking it; but it occurring to him that he 
might turn it the wrong way, and thus derange the 



combination or get the lock out of order, and believ- 
ing everything to be secure within the vault, he left 
the safe unlocked. 

Two young men, Charles Stickney and Charles 
Milner, who slept in the back room of the bank, their 
bed being rot more than three or four feet from the 
hole made in the vault, stated tliat they heard no 
noise or disturbance whatever during the night- 
Young Stickney stated, however, that for several days 
before he had occasionally heard a scratching noise 
beneath the floor, but supposing it to be caused by 
rats or mice, he paid no attention to it. 

A track made by a dirty shoe-pack or moccasin was 
discovered, leading from the rear of the building back 
to the alley, and thence southward, and was sup- 
posed to have been made by the robber as he depart- 
ed from the premises. It, however, could not be 
followed beyond the engine house. There were 
numerous theories and speculations concerning the 
robbery, Init no satisfactory traces of its perpetrator 
were ever discovered. 



PRESS CONVENTION. 




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pIG Rajjids has come to be a a favorite 

t place for holding conventions and re- 
ur 



inions. One of the most prominent 
of the meetings held in Mecosta County's 
metropolis was the second annual meeting of 
the Northwestern Michigan Press Association, 
Monday and Tuesday, July 14 and 15,1879. The 
following journalists were in attendance: 

C. S. Ramsey and w'ife, Cheboygan Tribune. 

App. M. Smith, Manistee Times. 

Frank Bracelin, Montague Liimheiman. 

Hon. E. G. D. Holden, S. F. Aspinwall and wife. 
Grand Rapids Journal. 

L. A. Barker and wife. Lake City Journal. 

T. T. Bates and wife. Traverse City Herald. 

G. E. Matthews and wife, Fremont Indicator. 

E. L. Sprague and wife, and Miss O. Spencer, 
Traverse Ba}' Eagle. 

A. H. Johnson, Sutton's Bay Tribune. 

L. M. Sellers, Cedar Springs Clipper 

A. Chase, Evart Review. 

G. W. Minchin, Red City Clarion. 



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J. W. Hallack, Sparta Sentinel. 

E. O. Rose and wife, Charlie CJay and wife, M. W. 
Barrows and wife, Big Rapids rionccr-Ma^ncl. 

O. D. Glidden and wife, D. F. Glidden and wife, 
Big Rapids Herald. 

VV. r". Slawson and wife, V. ^V■. Bruce and wife, 
Big Rapids Current. 

W. S. Stevens and wife, Hesperia Hesperian. 

Maj. J. W. Long, wife and nurse, Isabella Times. 

J. H. Wheeler and wife, Sherman Pioneer. 

A. Bilz, Miss Fannie G. Bilz and Miss Allie Sabin, 
Spring Lake Repiibliean. 

C. F. Chapin, Cadillac News. 

Gen. A. A. Stevens and C. C. Sexton, Grand Rap- 
ids Democrat. 

Frank H. Rose, St. Johns Home Chroniele. 

James Vandersluis, Grand Rapids Banner. 

\\ . S. Benham, Grand Haven Herald. 

E. F. Grabill and wife, Greenville Independent. 

F. Weller and wife, Miss Theresa Quinlin, Mus- 
kegon News and Reporter. 

W. M. Harford, Muskegon Chronicle. 

W. A. Smith, Charlevoix .Sentinel. 

R. R. Johnson, Muskegon Journal. 

C. P. Rice, Muskegon Daily Times. 

Don. Henderson, Allegan Journal. 

J. Parmiter and wife, Hart Journal. 

The following representatives of papers outside 
the Northwestern Michigan Press Association were 
present: 

Gill R. Osniun, Detroit Evening News. 

W. S. George and wife, Lansing Republican. 

Rev. H. Lamont, Chicago Witness. 

After a business meeting Monday afternoon, an 
evening was spent in social chat, and festivity. At 
ten o'clock they were serenaded by the city cornet 
band, and then followed an enjoyable banquet at the 
Armory Hall, prepared by A. R. White, proprietor of 
the Mason House. After being seated in the hall, 
S. S. Wilcox, of Big Rapids, ])residing. Dr. Bigelow, 
in behalf of the citizens, delivered an elo'iuent wel- 
coming address. The banquet over, T. T. Bates, of 
the Traverse City Herald, delivered a feeling re- 
sponse to the address of Dr. Bigelow. Then fol- 
lowed the toasts : 

" Michigan. "—Response by Hon. E. G. D. Hol- 
den, of the Grand Rapids Journal. 

"Our Schools and Colleges. " — Response by Hon. 



f. 



W. S. George, of the Lansing, Mich., Republican' 

'■ The Editor's Guests " (Will Carlton)— Recitation 
l)y Kittie May Woolley, of Big Rapids. 

" The Press — Indispensable to American Prog- 
ress." — Response by Hon. M. Brown, of Big Rapids 

" IVomen — May she never be Underestimated." — 
Response by E. O. Rose, of the Big Rapids Pioneer- 
Magnet. 

" Our Second Century. " — Response by Rev. E. W. 
Miller, of Big Rapids. 

" The Newspaper Man — His Ups and Doivns. " — 
Response by G. E. Matthews, of the Fremont Indi- 
cator. 

The responses were excellent, and loudly applaud- 
ed. At the business meeting Tuesday morning, 
E. O. Rose, of Big Rapids, was elected President. 
Tuesday forenoon, the entire party spent a couple of 
hours riding about town and witnessing the various 
objects of interest, carriages for that purpose being 
furnished by the citizens. At eleven o'clock the fire 
department came out for its review, and was cordially 
praised. The party left in the afternoon for the 
north, on an excursion to Mackinaw Island. This 
meeting was the largest assemblage of newspaper 
men ever seen in the State, up to this time. 



V^ 



ORGANIZATIONS. 

'83;? IG Rapids contains a good representation 
of secret, benevolent and other associa- 




tions, of which the principal are here 
wra noticed. The societies are functions of an 
I'' advancing civilization, which are destined to 
grow and strengthen with the increase of an 
enlightened poi)ulation. 

BIG RAPIDS LODGE NO. 171, F. & A. M. 

Was dedicated Feb. 8, 1866, the ceremonies being 
conducted by Alex. Mann, of Muskegon, represent- 
ing the Grand Master. The officers installed at that 
meeting were A. S. Mason, W. M.; Charlie Gay, S. 
W.; B. E. Hutchinson. J. W. ; G. F. Stearns, Treas. ; 
E. O. Rose, Sec. ; George French, S. D. ; A. N. Wil- 
liams, J. D. ; James Furster, Tyler. The present 
officers are: A. S. Mason, W. M.; E. W. Ford, S. 
W.; Peter McNaughton, J. W. ; G. F. Steams, Treas- 






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urer; A. W. Eldredge, Sec; C. H. Olds, S. D.; 
Thomas Shaw, Sr., J. D. ; G. F. Whitney, Tyler. 
The present membership is about 120, and the lodge 
is in a flourishing condition. It meets the first week 
in every month. 

BIG RAPIDS CHAPTER, No. 52, R. A. M., 

Was organized under dispensation Aug. 28, 1867, 
with W. I. Latimer as High Priest; Charlie Gay, 
King; Alfred S. Mason, Scribe; Orrin Stevens, Sec; 
B. E. Hutchinson, C. of H.; E. O. Rose, Prin. Soj.; 
A. M. Green, R. A. C; C. C. Fuller, M. 3d V.; J. 
O. Rose, M. 2d V.; Andrew Green, M. ist V.; 
George W. Green, Sent. The present officers are as 
follows; Charlie Gay, High Priest; Hiram E. Hardy, 
King; John H. Foster, Scribe; George F. Stearns, 
Treas.; Alonzo H. Eldredge, Sec; Simon G.Web- 
ster, C. of H. ; O. D. Glidden, Prin. Soj. ; Wesley F. 
Louckes, R. A. C. ; Alfred S. Mason, M. 3d V. ; Hi- 
ram Honeywell, M. 2d V.; Peter McNaughton, M. 
ist V. ; (ieorge F. Whitney, Sent. The chapter now 
has a membership of 74, and meets the first Wednes- 
day of each month. 

KING SOLOMON COUNCIL No. 25, R. &. S. M 
(Royal and Select Masters), 

Was instituted Tuesday, Aug. 4. 1868, by James 
Kennedy, proxy for T. I. G. P., with the following 
officers : C. C. Fuller, T. I. G. M. ; Charlie Gay, D. 
L G. M.; W. I. Latimer, P. C. W.; G. F. Stearns, Treas.; 

E. O. Rose, G. R. ; D. E. Steams, G. C. of G ; B. E. 
Hutchinson, G. C. ; F. E. Nelson, G. S. The present 
officers are: Charlie Gay, T. I. M.; Peter McNaugh- 
ton, D. M.; B. Elial Hutchinson, P. C. W. ; George 

F. Stearns, Treasurer; Charles D. Bronson, Recorder; 
Hiram Honeywell, C. of G. ; Ceylon C. Fuller, C. of 
C. ; Joseph W. Fearns, Steward ; George F. Whitney, 
Sentinel. The present membership is 18. The 
Council meets at Masonic Hall the first Tuesday 
evening of each month. 

PILGRIM COMMANDERY NUMBER 23, 
KNIGHTS TEMPLAR, 

Was organized under dispensation in November, 
1868, with the following officers: W. I. Latimer, E. 
C; Charlie Gay, G.: C. C. Fuller, C. G.; E. O. Rose, 
S. W.; C. D. Bronson, J. W.; B. E. Hutchinson, W.; 






J. Kennedy, St. B.; G. F. Stearns, Sd. B., and Treas.; 
E. O. Rose, R.; F. E. Nelson, S. It was regularly 
constituted Sept. 10, 1869, by T. A. Flower, of Pon- 
tiac, Rt Em. G. C. of Michigan. The present officers 
are: Simon G. Webster, E. C; Ceylon C. Fuller, 
Gen.; Edward W. Hudnutt, C. G.; Calvin W. Not- 
tingham, Prel; Charlie Gay, Rec; George F. Stearns 
Treas.; Alfred S. Mason, S. W.; Peter McNaughton, 
J. W.; Hiram E. Hardy, St. B.; John H. Foster, Sd. 
Bearer.; Willis M. Slosson, Warden; George F. 
Whitney, Sent. The Commandery meets the first 
Friday evening of each month. The present mem- 
bership is 96. 

BIG RAPIDS LODGE, NUMBER iii.I.O.O.F. 

Was organized Wednesday, Sept. 18, 1867, with J 
O. Rose, as Noble Grand ; Alonzo Powers as Vice 
Grand; and E. O. Rose as Secretary. The present 
membership is 70, and the lodge meets every Mon- 
day night at Odd Fellows Hall. L. T. Loveless is 
Noble Grand, and M. V. Taylor, Secretary. 

BIG RAPIDS ENCAMPMENT, NO. 55, I. O. O. F. 

Was organized in 1872, and has now about 45 mem- 
bers. It meets the second and fourth Wednesdays 
of each month. 

BIG RAPIDS COUNCIL, NUMBER 174, ROYAL 
ARCANUM, 

Was organized in 1878, with E. J. Marsh as Regent 
W. W. Carpenter as Secretarj', and C. C. Fuller as 
Collector. The present officers are : L. C. Patterson, 
Regent; E. R. Keith, Secretary; George A. Roof, 
Collector; and John Watson, as Treasurer. The 
Council meets the first and third Wednesdays of 
each month, and has a membership of 34. 

MECOSTA LODGF, NUMBER 26, KNIGHTS 
OF PYTHIAS, 

Was organized in 1875, and is now in a very flourish- 
ing condition. The present officers are : C. D. Car- 
penter, P. C; John R. Snyder, C. C. ; C. D. Cran- 
dell, V. C; E. P. Clark, Prelate ; O. D. Glidden, K. 
of R. & S. ; George D. Miles. M. at A.; T. R. Crocker, 
M. of E.; F. R. Fowler, M. of F.; A. AV. Withington, 
I. G. D. F. Glidden, of this lodge, is the Grand 
Chancellor of the order for the State of Michigan. 



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THE KNIGHTS OF LABOR 

Have a lodge, organized in October, 1882. It now 
has 140 members. The principal officers arc Gen. 
Stephen Uronson, V. S.; T. J. Wakeman, M. W.; J. 
W. Griffin, Fin. Sec; J. T. Davison, Sec. The 
lodge meets every Tuesday night. 

PINE-TREE LODGE, NUML5ER 763, KNIGHTS 
OF HONOR, 

Was organized Sept. 16, 1877. It now has a mem- 
bership of 44, and meets the second and fourth 
Tuesdays of each month. F. Fairman is Dictator; J. 

F. Clark, Reporter; and C. W. Nottingham, Finan- 
cial Re^X)rter. 

BIG RAPIDS LODGE, NUMBER 35, SONS OF 
INDUSTRY, 

Was organized in September, 1883, with the follow- 
ing officers : O. D. Glidden, M.; D. W. Stewart, W.; 

G. W. Trowbridge, C.; Charles H. Crane, Sec; C. J. 
Hood, T.; H. D. Reid, Stew.; H. I. Orwig, Mar.; T. 
Edmunds, G. The present membership is 37. The 
lodge meets the second and fourth Thursdays of 
each month. 

THF ROYAL TEMPLARS OF TEMPERANCE 

Have a branch here, organized in August, 1880. It 
meets twice a month. E. E. Stone is S. C ; D. Emer- 
son, Treas. ; W. S. Whitney, Sec. ; and Wm. H. 
Andrews, Fin. Sec. 

BIG RAPIDS LODGE NUMBER 408, I. O. G. T., 

Was chartered Aug 18, 1880, with tlie following first 
officers: O. D. Glidden, W. C. T.; Mrs. M. H. 
Cobb, V. T.; M. D. Ford, Chap.; Mrs. Jennette 
Blackwood, Sec; William Binney, Ass't Sec; G. C. 
Gardner, Fin. Sec; C. N. Chick, Treas. The lodge 
now has a membership of over a hundred, and meets 
every F'riday evening. The following are the present 
officers: Lewis Toan, W. C. T.; Mrs. Millie Chap- 
man, V. T.; G. R. Malone, Chaplain; H. E. Chap- 
man, Sec; Miss Lottie Price, Ass't Sec; C. W. Bar- 
ton, Fin. Sec; Fred Hill, Treas. 



^ AMITY LODGE, NUMBER 9?, A. O. U. W., 
V, Was organized Jan. 12, 1881, witli I-^dgar Peirce as 






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p. M. W.; Charlie Gay, M. W.; C. W. Nottingham 
Recorder; F. Fairman, Receiver. The present offi- 
cers are: Charlie Gay, P. M. W.; W. W. Putnam, 
M. W.; S. G. Webster, Recorder, and F. Fairman, 
Receiver. The lodge meets the second and fourth 
Tuesdays of each month, and has about 40 members. 

THE BRAZEE RIFLES 

Were organized in June, 1875, with B. F. Brazee, 
Captain; M. D. Ford, isl Lieutenant, and Charles 
H. Milner, 2d Lieutenant. The membership was 
then about 85; and the company will now muster 
50. B. F. Brazee has been Captain continuously 
since the formation of the company, except in 1877, 
when S. G. Webster was Captain. Daniel Alcom- 
brack is now ist Lieutenant, and C. M. Wiseman 2d 
Lieutenant. The company meets every Thursday 
night for drill in its armory, which is valued at $3,000. 
This has a parlor up stairs, and an office down stairs, 
both well furnished. The drill room is 40 x 100. 
The building is 150 feet deep, but 30 feet are used 
for a stage, as the armory is often used for re-unions 
and public meetings. The company has been 
called out twice for actual service, — at Grand Rapids, 
in 1877, and at Muskegon, in i88r, the occasion 
both times being workingmen's strikes. 

POST FRENCH, NUMBER 28, G. A. R., 

Was organized Sept. 6, 1 881, with eighteen charter 
members, and the following officers : B. F. Brazee, 
Com.; Michael Brown, S. V. C; J. Shaw, J. V. C; 
L. T. Loveless, Adjutant; Thomas Shaw, Chap.; Ed- 
gar Peirce, Q. M.; Dr. A. W. Whitney, Surg.; Wil- 
liam T. Bliss, O. D. The present membershii) is 
131. The post meets every Wednesday evening. 
The following are the present officers: B. F. Brazee, 
Com.; John P. Schort, S. V. C; Henry Albro, J. V. 
C; W. A. Cole, Adj.; Thomas Shaw, Chap.; A. T. 
Compau, Q. M.; Dr. A. W. Whitney, Surg.; D. Al- 
combrack, O. D. 

THE CHAUTAUQUA LITERARY AND SCIEN- 
TIFIC CIRCLE 

Has a branch in Big Raiiids, organized Oct. 2, 1S79, ^ 
witii about a dozen members. Rev. C. L. Barnhart ^-' 
was elected President; Mrs. E. W. Miller, Vice- 
President; Miss Mary E. Russell, Secretary and 
Treasurer, and Miss F. F. Angell as Preceptress. 
The following ladies were chosen as an advisory 



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committee: Mrs. E. O. Rose, Mrs. C. J. Hood, Mrs. 
V. W. Bruce, Mrs. A. J. Russell and Miss Clara 
Osburn. The puriwse of this society is to promote 
a desire for study among adults, whose time is gener- 
ally employed at their regular avocations. 






CHURCHES. 

HE pioneer church in Big Rapids is the 
Methodist Episcojjal, some account of the 
early history of which is given in the his- 
tory of Big Rapids on a previous page. The 
society was formed in 1865, and the church 
built and dedicated in 1867. The present 
pastor is Rev. J. W. Hallenbeck, who came in Sep- 
tember, 1883. The society now has a membership 
of about 260. V. W. Bruce is Superintendent of the 
Sunday-school, which has about 250 on the roll. 

THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH 

Was organized in the fall of 1869, and the church 
edifice was erected in 187 i, at a cost of $2,000. The 
first pastor was Rev. Sydney Beckwith. The pastor 
at the time the church was built was Rev. W. Flower. 
No meetings have been held since December, 1882, 
though there is a prospect of a speedy revival. The 
present membership is 65. 

THE CONGREGATIONAL CHURCH 

Was organized in 1876, with Rev. E. W. Miller as 
pastor. He remained six years, and was then suc- 
ceeded by Rev. William McCracken, the present 
pastor, who came from Allegheny City, Pa., in March, 
1882. The society bought their church edifice of the 
Baptists, in 1878. It is located on the corner of 
State and Hemlock streets, and is now valued at 
$3,000. It will seat about 200. Tiie present mem- 
bership of the Church is over 100. 




THE UNITARIANS 
Are now building a fine church in Big Rapids, and 



are having a pipe organ constructed in Detroit. This 
will be the first pipe organ in the city. The Catho- 
lics, Swedish Lutherans and (ierman Lutherans 
have organizations in good condition and holding 
regular services. 




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POPULATION. 



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Total . 



1.237 



The State census of 1S74 showed the following: 

First Ward 707 

Second Ward ,. 1,018 

Third Ward 886 

Fourth Ward 47 2 



Total 3.083 

By the general census of 1880, the population was 
as follows : 

First Ward 601 

Second Ward 710 

Third Ward i , r i o 

Fourth Ward 561 

Fifth Ward 570 



Total 3,552 



The population at the present time is probably 
forty per cent, more than that in 1880. 



j|3CCORDING to the census of the respective 

l^^^ years from 1870 to the present time, the 

ratio of increase of the population of Big 

>r Rapids has been steady, indicating a healthy 

' growth upon a substantial foundation. The 

following tables give a condensed statement, 

a form convenient for reference. First, the census 

1870 gave : 

First Ward 378 

Second Ward 44 1 

Third Ward 375 

Fourth Ward 243 






LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




016 090 707 1 



